Pittsburgh’s distinct neighborhoods — from the North Shore’s stadiums to the diverse, ethnic shops and cafés of the Strip and the energetic nightlife of Carson Street on the South Side — provide many opportunities for souvenirs to be purchased, sports landmarks to be seen, and a game-recap conversations to be had. Local tour companies understand the draw of the Steel City’s sports scene and enthusiasm. A variety of tours will take visitors to the most popular spots, complete with the stories and history that bring those landmarks to life. Next time you visit Pittsburgh, consider these five tour options.
1. A Double-decker Deal
The Pittsburgh Tour Company offers a “Sports Super Tour Combo” that includes tours of Heinz Field and PNC Park and a “hop-on-hop-off-the-bus” feature that allows travelers to linger and move at their own pace on this company’s fleet of double-decker buses. Prices are $41.95 for adults and $31.95 for children. 412-381-8687. Certain events at the stadiums will not hold tours, so call each venue for specific dates: PNC Park 412-325-4700, Heinz Field 412-232-1200 https://www.pghtours.com/
2. Your Own Private Pitt
Pittsburgh Tours and More specializes in private tours of the city with sports history as one of its options. Depending on the size of your group, either an executive van or charter bus will take you to each location. Plan on a three-hour tour and call for pricing. 412-323-4709 http://www.pghtoursandmore.net/index.html
3. Locally Grown Guides
Tours by Locals gives visitors an intimate view of Pittsburgh sports courtesy of a personal tour guide. This four-hour tour covers the stories behind the many athlete statues, team murals, and sports venues, including the field where the Homestead Grays played, a professional baseball team that played in the Negro league. Look up Tour No. 78773 on the company’s website. The tour costs $250 for up to 10 people. 866-844-6783 https://www.toursbylocals.com/Pittsburgh-Sports-Private-Guided-Tour
4. Ducks vs. Pigeons
If your curiosity about the city includes more than stadiums and statues of sports legends, check out Ducky Tours. With its fleet of WW II-era amphibious vehicles, this experience offers views from land and water while navigating one of the three rivers that intersect here. 412-402-3825 http://www.justduckytours.com
But for those who prefer a land-based option, Molly’s Trolleys provides two-hour historic tours in red-and-black, 1920s style trolleys with wide, panoramic windows. 412-281-2085 or 412-391-7433http://www.mollystrolleyspittsburgh.com
5. D.I.Y. It
For those of a more independent stripe, create your own sports tour of Pittsburgh and include the following stops as part of your itinerary:
Use the interactive map above to find the note-worthy places on our D.I.Y tour.
Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Senator John Heinz History Center
This museum within a museum packs in not only the triumphs and defeats of Pittsburgh athletes and teams, but also details the schools and families that made sports a part of life in this area. 1212 Smallman St.; 412-454-6000
http://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/sports/
PNC Park
Take time to see the sculptures of the Pirates ball players who became legends and enjoy the views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Allegheny River from the stands. 115 Federal St.; 412-325-4700
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/
Roberto Clemente Museum
A renovated firehouse keeps alive the narrative of the short but brilliant life of this baseball great. 3339 Penn Ave.; 412-621-1268
http://www.enginehouse25.com/tour/museum
Heinz Field and the FedEx Great Hall
Home of the Steelers, this field has become an icon in the annals of American sports history. 100 Art Rooney Ave.; 412-323-1200
http://heinzfield.com
The “Le Magnifique” sculpture
This 10-foot tall sculpture captures Mario Lemieux making his 247th career goal during the game against the New York Islanders on December 20, 1988. Consol Energy Center, Trib Total Media Gate, 1001 Fifth Ave.; 412-642-1800
http://www.consolenergycenter.com
The Wall at Forbes Field
Fans meet here annually on the anniversary of Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run that clinched the 1960 World Series for the Pirates. Roberto Clemente Drive
http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/ballparks/forbes-field
The Olympians at the Carnegie Library of Homestead.
See the five Olympic medals of the swimmers who trained under the world-renowned swim coach Jack Scarry at this historic landmark which features an athletic club and resides about seven miles southeast of downtown. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall, Pa.; 412-462-3444
http://carnegieofhomestead.com/athletic-club/
