PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates decided to move Piratefest to December this season, instead of holding the three-day event in January. The numbers came in after Piratefest came to a close on Sunday evening. 16,754 fans showed up to support the 2012 buccos –the second largest crowd since moving the annual event to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in 2003. The previous attendance record of 16,839 was set last year.
“The near record turnout this weekend at PirateFest, in addition to the large crowds throughout the region on the Caravan, has been outstanding,” said Pirates President Frank Connelly. “The move to nearly double the show floor from previous years greatly enhanced the fan experience. Our fans appreciated the increase in the number of activities, shorter lines and more lounge areas. The fan excitement from last season has carried over into the offseason events and has our players and everyone within the organization enthusiastic for the upcoming season.”
The Pirates have also seen a more than 40-percent increase in season ticket sales for the 2012 season. Individual tickets, which went on sale on Saturday, December 17, are also in strong demand. The most popular selling games include the Opening Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, the weekend series against the American League Central Champion Detroit Tigers on June 22, 23 and 24, the two games featuring SKYBLAST on August 11 and September 29 and the post-game concert featuring Daughtry on July 7.
Opening Day on Thursday, April 5th at PNC Park against the Phillies is limited to single seats and Standing Room Only tickets.
The Pirates players and Management held a Q&A session with the fans at PirateFest on Saturday. Here are some of the highlights:
- Outfielder Alex Presley said he will be switching his jersey from No. 44 to No. 7 next season.
- When asked what the players wanted for Christmas, most of them said a World Series ring.
- General Manager said that Outfielder Josh Bell will most likely start the season for Low-A West Virginia Power; Catcher Tony Sanchez will most likely start the 2012 season back at Double-A Altoona to bounce back from his struggles this past year; Pitchers Jameson Taillon and Gerrit Cole will most likely start the season in High-A Bradenton.
- Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle said that he expects Garrett Jones to have a bounce back 2012 season. He and Casey McGehee will split time playing at first base. Hurdle also mentioned prospect Matt Hague and Nick Evans, who signed a minor league deal this offseason, will also be in play at first base.
- Hurdle also mentioned that it was important to make an upgrade at shortstop this off-season and that “Okay” was not enough. The Pirates signed veteran Clint Barmes to a two-year deal in November.
- Hurdle was very passionate when asked about the clubs expectations in 2012. He said that he expects to win the National League Central title and doesn’t care what the expectations are outside this room [PirateFest] outside of the clubhouse, or in New York or Boston.
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