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2018 NCAA Basketball Tournament: Pittsburgh Travel Guide

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It's now official - Villanova is heading across the state to Pittsburgh to play on Thursday in Pittsburgh's PPG Paints Arena (March 15 & 17) [Map]. Yes, this is the same arena we played at in 2015 (thank you, corporate name changes).

I was not born in Pittsburgh but spent most of my childhood there, and, therefore, consider Pittsburgh as my "native" city (my family also still lives there).

In keeping with tradition from 2015, I thought I would share some tips so Nova Nation can plan ahead and have a great weekend watching our 'Cats (hopefully) punch their ticket to a regional (second time is the charm?).

Pittsburgh Schedule

TIP (ET) NETWORK SITE GAME PLAY-BY-PLAY/ANALYST//REPORTER
12:00 PM CBS Pittsburgh I (10) Oklahoma vs. (7) Rhode Island Kevin Harlan, Reggie Miller, Dan Bonner and Dana Jacobson
After conc. I CBS Pittsburgh II (15) Iona vs. (2) Duke Same
6:45 PM TNT Pittsburgh III (16) LIU Brooklyn/Radford vs. (1) Villanova Same
After conc. III TNT Pittsburgh IV (9) Alabama vs. (8) Virginia Tech Same


Fan Events

March 15

3:30 PM - Team Send-Off at Omni William Penn Hotel

6:30 PM - 11:45 PM - Game Watch and Post-Game Meet-Up at Red Ring Pittsburgh (1015 Forbes Ave). Anyone wearing Villanova colors or gear can receive a free appetizer with any purchase.

March 16

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Villanova Fan Party at Hofbrauhaus (South Side). Cost is $50 for adults, $20 for children ages 12-20, free for under 12. Includes cocktails & snacks.

March 17

TBD - Team Send-Off

TBD - Game Watch and Post-Game Meet-Up at Red Ring Pittsburgh (1015 Forbes Ave). Anyone wearing Villanova colors or gear can receive a free appetizer with any purchase.

"Cliff's Notes" History

Pittsburgh was a primary focus of a war. Yes, you heard that correctly. The French and British both battled for the area during the Seven Years' War in the mid 1700s (known here as the French & Indian War).

Why was Pittsburgh so important? The city serves as the confluence of two rivers (the Allegheny and Monongahela) into the Ohio River, which was the key to the "west". The area that became Pittsburgh sat between these two merging rivers - whoever controlled the confluence controlled access to the vast western territory and trade with Native Americans. The French built a fort on this "point" (known as Fort Duquesne), which was later taken over by the British, who built an adjacent fort known as Fort Pitt.

Forts at Forks of Ohio.png
"Forts at Forks of Ohio" by Tomcool. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The rivers again played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution, as the advent of the steamboat (which allowed for shipment by barge) and the abundant nearby supply of coal led to the proliferation of industry along the rivers, especially steel mills. While the steel industry created a boom for the region, it also resulted in the dirty, smoky atmosphere that Pittsburgh was (and still sometime is, incorrectly) associated. However, in the 1980s, globalization led to massive closures of industry and a resulting exodus of population.

Today, Pittsburgh has successfully reinvented itself. Gone are the days of soot-filled skies and steel mills. In its place is a vibrant community focusing on healthcare, education, technology, and (more recently) energy. The city won countless awards for its livability and low costs, and population has returned to the area, driven by these attributes. It combines the amenities of a big city (sports, arts/culture), accessibility to the east coast, and a sense of mid-western hospitality (its people are hard working and grounded, if not insanely loyal to its sports teams - especially the Steelers). I think those who never have been there will be pleasantly surprised.

Tickets

Of course, the whole point of traveling to Pittsburgh is to represent Nova Nation in person, so you'll want to grab tickets first.

Last time we were out there, there were plenty of tickets available around this time via Ticketmaster. However, the local paper reported today that very few seats are left on the primary market (about 100 left for the Thursday sessions) and that the Saturday sessions are sold out, except for what few "all session" package seats that remain. You can definitely try to see what's left though.

Ticketmaster - NCAA Pittsburgh Games

Arena info can be found below. Note this is an NHL arena, so same security rules as WFC apply.

PPG Paints Arena

Getting There

Most fans will likely drive to Pittsburgh due to the relatively short distance - it is about 5 hours from Philadelphia via the PA Turnpike. Be ready to pony up for tolls, as they will likely approach $25 each way (for E-ZPass customers).

The main road in and out of the city is I-376. You will note this road goes by two names, "Parkway East" (which runs east from downtown to the Turnpike near Monroeville) and "Parkway West" (which travels southwest and then west towards the airport). Be aware that both roads are subject to congestion daily, as they are as narrow as the Schuylkill but also have an additional constraining feature: tunnels (which cause everyone to slow down as they enter). Yes, Pittsburgh is known as the "city of bridges" (fun fact: there are approximately 446 of them in Pittsburgh), but is also one of the few that requires you to go through a tunnel to access it from two of four directions.

Then again, if you come into the city from the Parkway West and the Fort Pitt Tunnel, you are treated to this photogenic view.

View from Fort Pitt Tunnel Exit

Megabus does offer service to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia. It takes a lot longer than driving (about 8 hours) and lets you off near the Convention Center downtown. Amtrak also serves Pittsburgh, but there is only one train each way daily, and the ride takes 8 hours or more.

Flying is an option (only 50 minutes between PHL and PIT), but the only direct flights from Philly are on American, so be ready to pay accordingly (one-way flights for Friday were running over $400 as of last night). Southwest also flies direct between PIT and several major cities. Note their is no train service to the airport from downtown, but there is a "flyer" bus, taxis, and Uber/Lyft.

if you do drive and want to make a stop along the way, the Flight 93 Memorial is located about 20 miles off the PA Turnpike (take the Bedford exit if going on the way to Pittsburgh, or the Somerset exit on the way home). I may make this trip myself, as I hear it is very powerful.

Getting Around Town

Given the triangle shape of land between the rivers, Pittsburgh's downtown does not follow a typical "grid" system - instead there are streets bordering the rivers, with somewhat of a traditional grid in between. That said, downtown is very walkable. You can easily walk from the Point (where the rivers meet) to the PPG Paints Arena in 10-15 minutes.

Being a smaller city than Philadelphia, Pittsburgh does not have as encompassing of a mass transit system. It's only non-bus system is a light rail (trolley) system called the T. It only runs from the southwest suburbs to downtown and the North Shore (which is the side of the Allegheny River opposite downtown - it also holds the outdoor sports stadiums). A ride from the suburbs takes about 40 minutes and costs $2.50-$2.75 one way (depending on how you pay - exact change or prepaid card - you now pay on entry). However, any trolley rides within downtown Pittsburgh and the North Shore are free. From the T, you can access PPG Paints Arena with a short walk from the Steel Plaza station.

Port Authority of Allegheny County

If you are not downtown and not by the T, however, you will likely need to drive to get where you need to go. Uber and Lyft (as well as taxis) are also available.

Gameday Parking

Given PPG Paints Arena is in a heavy urban area, and the first round is being played on a work day, expect parking to be tight and traffic to be heavy. There is a parking garage attached to the arena, as well as parking a few blocks away at Duquesne University. However, prices will be high and it will be a bear to exit with all the pedestrian traffic.

I would recommend trying to park downtown or on the North Shore near the other sports stadiums (the latter will likely be even cheaper than downtown and will likely have more availability) and riding the T for free.

Lodging

Pittsburgh has had a flurry of new hotel construction over the years (with more on the way), from boutique hotels to large chains. However, expect a lot of rooms closest to the arena (including a Marriott, Doubletree, and Cambria Suites) to be blocked by the NCAA. That said, here are a few specific hotels and locations. Note this is not an exhaustive list, and I have not checked availability.

Tripadvisor - Downtown Hotels

Omni William Penn - One of the nicest hotels in the city. It often hosts dignitaries and is a few blocks from the arena. If you are dressed appropriately and need a place to go late night for a unique cocktail, there is a speakeasy in the basement (no guarantee on it being open, but worth a shot). This will be the team hotel for meet-ups.

Wyndham Grand - This hotel is the one you see straight ahead coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel. You can book a room overlooking the "Point" (i.e. Point State Park). Villanova has designated this as the "fan hotel"

Westin Convention Center - This is one of the larger hotels and is near a Megabus stop, a 10-15 minute walk to PPG.

Fairmount Pittsburgh - Located a bit further inland from the Point but centrally located to the arena and attractions.

Renaissance Pittsburgh - In the heart of the Cultural District (still downtown) but across from the North Shore and near trolley stops.

Hotel Monaco - This is one of the Kimpton boutique hotels, and is pet friendly.

North Shore Hotels - There are hotels on the North Shore near the baseball & football stadiums - again, the trolley is free from there to downtown. The chains include Residence Inn, Hyatt Place, and SpringHill Suites.

Station Square - On the south side of downtown (across the Monongahela River) is an old railroad depot known as Station Square. There is a Sheraton hotel there. You are by the trolley, but the fare is $2.50 one-way to go downtown from there (walking across the Smithfield Street Bridge is also an option).

South Side - This area is kind of like Philly's Manayunk, with lots of young inhabitants and bars/clubs. There are a couple of hotels that have been built, but there is no trolley service (you will need to use a bus or drive).

Oakland - Given the numerous colleges in Oakland, there are multiple hotels out there. Again, you will need to use buses or cars to access downtown (that said, there is a direct connection via Forbes Ave or Fifth Ave between downtown, the arena, and Oakland).

Suburbs - There are plenty of hotels west near the airport, north near Cranberry (near the Turnpike and I-79), south along I-79 in Washington County, or east near the Turnpike in Monroeville. However, be advised you will need to allow time for traffic. Those staying south of the city can also use the trolley from South Hills Village mall.

Things to Do

While many may want to catch other tournament games on Friday, here are some suggestions for those who want to explore what the Steel City has to offer.

Inclines & Mount Washington - Pittsburgh is known for its hilly terrain, and the most famous hill is across the river from downtown and overlooks the city. Mount Washington is a residential area that also has several overlooks built into the steep mountainous terrain. Those who are not afraid of heights are rewarded with spectacular photographic views looking down on the city and out in the distance downriver.

View from a Mount Washington Overlook

There is no direct highway access to Mount Washington and parking can be tricky, so the best way to access Mount Washington is using one of the two inclines. The inclines are not just a tourist attraction - they were (and still are) used for residents to commute downtown from the hillside neighborhoods. The inclines are pairs of counterweighted cars that traverse tracks built into the hillside. The ride is well controlled and takes several minutes. The round-trip cost is $3.50 (with a prepaid ConnectCard from the trolley system) or $5.50 cash (exact change required)

Duquesne Incline

An incline in operation (foreground)

The closest incline to downtown is the Monongahela Incline, which is next to Station Square on the south side of the Monongahela River. To access, cross the Smithfield Street bridge or take the trolley to Station Square. To avoid long lines (which occur more from tourists than commuters), it is best to go on a weekday.

Point State Park - This park is located right at the "point" where all three rivers meet. You can stroll right up to the river's edge and even see the outline of where the French & British forts once stood. If it has been turned on, there is a beautiful fountain right at the point.

Point State Park Fountain

Market Square - Nestled near Point State Park is a nice open-air square surrounded by the all-glass buildings of PPG Place (PPG is Pittsburgh Paint & Glass). If the weather is nice, you can stroll around or even eat outdoors at one of the nearby restaurants.

Strip District - No, this is not a seedy area, as its name may imply. The Strip District is a narrow "strip" of land that was a former industrial center and produce distribution site. Today, the area is a cross between Philly's Reading Terminal Market and Italian Market - a long section of food markets, including many well known ethnic grocers and two major seafood purveyors. There are also great restaurants and nightlife in the area, including the original Primanti Brothers sandwich shop (see description below).

Oakland - This section of the city (served by bus or by car) is home to our favorite ex-Big East school, Pitt. If you aren't looking for the Panther statue by their basketball arena to adorn with Nova gear (to remind them of "The Shot" and rub in their 0-18 ACC season), you can check out one of the Carnegie museums (art or history) or stroll through Pitt's Cathedral of Learning and its ethnically themed Nationality Classrooms. While not as vast as Longwood Gardens, Phipps Conservatory is a popular indoor garden showcase with thousands of exotic plants and different themed exhibits throughout the year.

Lawrenceville - Just past the Strip District is an up-and-coming area, whose revival was driven by the relocation of Pittsburgh's children's hospital. It is now known as a hip destination, with lots of dining & arts.

South Side - As mentioned before, this stretch of town south of the Monongahela River and just east of downtown, as become the young adult hot spot (a la Manayunk). Its main thoroughfare, Carson Street, holds countless restaurants, bars, and clubs. Also there is South Side Works, a repurposed steel mill site with shopping, theaters, restaurants, and a Hofbrauhaus (yes, just like the one in Munich).

Andy Warhol Museum - One of the best collections of this famous pop artist, ranging from his well known self portrait to depictions of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell's Soup cans. The museum is right across the Allegheny River on the North Side and can be accessed by walking across the 7th Street (Andy Warhol) Bridge.

For the Kids - If you will be taking little ones with you to cheer on the 'Cats, expect to spend some time on the North Side at the Carnegie Science Center (which is much larger than the Franklin Institute and will provide hours of entertainment, including a planetarium and IMAX theater), the Pittsburgh Children's Museum, or the National Aviary (bird sanctuary).

Rivers Casino - While no different than what you can get in Philly, there is a riverfront casino near Heinz Field (football stadium) on the North Shore.


The Famous Primanti's Sandwich

Philly natives will defend their cheesesteaks until the day they die. Well, Pittsburgh has its own native sandwich, made by Primanti Brothers, and its residents will say there is nothing else that can compare.

Many outside Pittsburgh have heard of the Primanti Brothers sandwich, but may not understand its origin. In the height of the Great Depression, Joe Primanti and his family opened a sandwich cart, followed by a shop, to serve truckers and workers in the Strip District's produce terminal from the wee hours of the morning through the afternoon.

One day, a customer happened to have a load of potatoes, asking if they could check a few of his potatoes to see if they were frozen. After Joe's nephew fried the potatoes on the grill (they turned out to be fine), a few customers asked if they could be placed on top of their sandwiches. Hence, the typical Primanti's sandwich, which places hand-cut fries and cole slaw on top of meat (or eggs) and cheese served between two slices of local Italian bread, was born.

The Primanti

Though many imitators have been created across the country (and some I have tried are pretty good, if not more upscale), Primanti's is a requisite stop for many Pittsburgh ex-pats returning for the holidays.

While the original counter service shop remains in the Strip District (now open 24/7) remains, other locations have sprouted downtown and in the suburbs (and now even as far east as Lancaster - this author hopes the Main Line is next). One of the more popular sit-down locations is in Market Square. As a plus, many of the suburban locations offer full menus and sit-down service with a sports bar atmosphere (a perfect place to watch Friday's games). There is also a Primanti's stand (with a limited menu) in PPG Paints Arena. Either way, no first-time visit to Pittsburgh is complete without trying a Primanti's sandwich.

Other Dining Recommendations

Eat n' Park - While you actually park before you eat, this is Pittsburgh's local diner chain (like Minella's, some are open 24/7), with reasonably priced breakfasts and kid-friendly menus. They are best known for their in-house bakeries and Smiley Cookies (hand-iced sugar cookies with different colored smiley faces, including themed cookies).

Burgatory - A devilishly-themed local burger chain. However, what sets this joint apart are its milkshakes (with or without potent potables) and game burgers (buffalo, elk). Most are in the suburbs, but there is a stand in PPG as well.

Butcher & the Rye - I discovered this place the last time we played in Pittsburgh, and was quite impressed with their handcrafted cocktails (I did not get to try the New American cuisine, as this was a pre-game drink stop). This one was right down the street from the Renaissance hotel (where the team stayed the last time).

Tako - If you're looking for unique Mexican street food, I have heard from my family this new outpost can't be beat.

Winghart's Whiskey & Burger Bar - This may be a burger place (and a biker-themed one at that), but it is better known from TV as a go-to stop for bacon lovers (see "United States of Bacon"). It is located right in the heart of Market Square (a few blocks from Point State Park). The draw is a pizza known as the "Winghart-Attack", topped with chili, cheddar cheese, fries, and (yes) bacon. Full disclosure: I went with an out-of-towner, who saw the show and wanted to try this pizza, while I was home for a friend's wedding.

Winghart-Attack

Lidia's - Yes, this restaurant is owned by famous chef Lidia Bastianich. It is always a favorite of my family and is located in the aforementioned Strip District (about a 15 minute walk from PPG).

Atria's - Another "go-to" family favorite, this local casual dining chain has something for everyone. The downtown location is located inside beautiful PNC Park (unfortunately, you won't be able to see the awesome view of the downtown skyline you get inside the stadium).

Hofbrauhaus - Granted, this is a chain, but it is the modeled after the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. However, if you want to drink from "Das Boot" while singing and toasting in German hourly while sitting in a beer hall on bench-style tables, this is your place (there is also a quiet dining area for families or those not interested in the beer hall environment, and a kids menu is offered). There are a few TVs in the main hall/bar area, so I expect games will be playing on Friday. It is located in the South Side Works complex.

Bonus Content - Learn Pittsburghese

Not that you'll hear much of this, but if you want to learn the "language" of many Pittsburghers for fun, here is a great website with many of the oft-used colloqualisms from Pittsburghese (some of the terms are even new to me but very amusing).

A couple of more famous terms are below:

Yinz - You (plural)

Dahntahn - Downtown

n'at (an at) - And so forth

Also, make sure to say "pop" and not "soda". The good news for Philly natives is a hoagie is still called a hoagie on the other side of the state. Just don't ask for a cheesesteak at Primanti's (they do have roast beef & cheese, though).

Well I hope I gave you enough to plan what should be an exciting weekend in Western Pennsylvania. Again, this is not an exhaustive list of attractions, hotels, and restaurants. For more ideas, here is the link to the local visitors bureau.

VisitPittsburgh.com

I will keep monitoring (and updating) this fanpost in case there are questions posed, and once Nova releases any alumni event information - my advice is to check back often as the date approaches.

I look forward to joining everyone there. As always, Go 'Cats!

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