Pittsburgh is known for its rich sports history, and one landmark that played a significant role in this history is Three Rivers Stadium. From 1970 to 2000, this multi-purpose stadium served as the home for both the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). It replaced the aging Forbes Field and became a symbol of Pittsburgh’s passion for sports.
Planning and Construction
The idea of a new sports stadium in Pittsburgh was first proposed in 1948, but it wasn’t until the late 1950s that plans started to gain traction. Forbes Field, the Pirates’ previous home, was becoming outdated and lacked adequate parking. The Steelers, who had moved to Pitt Stadium in 1964, also supported the construction of a new stadium.
In 1958, a site on Pittsburgh’s Northside, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River, was chosen for the new stadium. The original plan was to construct a stadium over the Monongahela River with an open center field design, providing fans with a view of Pittsburgh’s iconic skyline. However, the projected costs led to the abandonment of this idea.
Construction of Three Rivers Stadium finally began on April 25, 1968. However, the project faced numerous delays and financial challenges, pushing back the stadium’s opening day.
The Birth of Three Rivers Stadium
On July 17, 1970, Three Rivers Stadium opened its gates to fans for the first time. The Pirates played their inaugural game against the Cincinnati Reds, though unfortunately, they suffered a loss. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 47,942 for baseball and 59,000 for football, featured five levels of red and yellow seats that enclosed the field.
To accommodate both baseball and football, the stadium underwent modifications. The ground-level seats along the first and third base lines were moved to become 8,000 50-yard line seats for football games. The main scoreboard, initially located in centerfield, was replaced by a new $5 million video/scoreboard in 1983. The playing surface transitioned from Tartan Turf to AstroTurf in the same year.
Throughout its existence, Three Rivers Stadium hosted not only baseball and football games but also concerts, conferences, and even a Billy Graham Crusade. It became a hub for entertainment and a gathering place for the Pittsburgh community.
Notable Moments and Features
Three Rivers Stadium witnessed several memorable moments in Pittsburgh sports history. In 1971, it hosted the first night game of the World Series. The following year, it was the site of the famous “Immaculate Reception” by the Steelers’ Franco Harris. The stadium also welcomed renowned musicians like Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and The Who who performed in front of thousands of fans.
One of the stadium’s notable features was the Allegheny Club, a luxurious restaurant that offered a splendid view of the field. Outside the stadium, statues of baseball legends Roberto Clemente and Honus Wagner stood as a tribute to their contributions to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
As the years went by, the stadium underwent various renovations. Blue seats were installed in the lower deck before hosting the 1994 All-Star Game, and tarps covered the upper deck seats in the outfield, creating a more intimate atmosphere.
The Legacy and Demise of Three Rivers Stadium
In the mid-1990s, both the Pirates and the Steelers began seeking separate stadiums to generate additional revenue. This led to the construction of Heinz Field (Now Acrisure Stadium) for the Steelers and PNC Park for the Pirates, with Three Rivers Stadium serving its final days as their shared home.
On October 1, 2000, the Pirates played their last game at Three Rivers Stadium, closing a chapter in Pittsburgh sports history. A few months later, on February 11, 2001, the stadium was imploded, making way for new developments and marking the end of an era.
Three Rivers Stadium left a lasting legacy in Pittsburgh’s sports culture. It was a place where championships were celebrated, iconic plays were made, and memories were forged. Although it no longer stands, its impact on the city and its sports-loving community will always be remembered.
Three Rivers Stadium was more than just a sports venue; it was a symbol of Pittsburgh’s passion for sports. From its construction to its demolition, the stadium stood as a gathering place for fans and a witness to historic moments in Pittsburgh’s sports history. Today, its legacy lives on in the hearts of fans and the memories made within its walls.
