Businesses near PNC Park missing out as MLB labor dispute presses on

PITTSBURGH — We’re less than a month away from what was supposed to be opening day at PNC Park, but March 31 will come and go, and the lights at the ballpark will remain dim.

With the MLB lockout, businesses in Pittsburgh say it could hurt our local economy hard if it continues. Without the Pirates, thousands of stadium employees, bars, restaurants, businesses, and hotels will lose out.

Mike Sukitch is the owner of Mike’s Beer Bar on Federal Street, just across from PNC Park. He tells Channel 11 that he is holding off on hiring for baseball season.

“It has a trickle-down effect and will affect everyone in the area,” Sukitch tells Channel 11. “60% or more of our sales happen during the baseball season and that trickles down through the number of hours people work, the tips they earn.”

Fans say they believe something needs to change for the sake of the sport.

“They need to run it a little more like the NFL,” Eric Brandenburg tells Channel 11. “Even hockey is doing better. Salary caps are good.”

“If I didn’t own a place here, I’d say strike for as long as it takes to get it fixed,” Sukitch added. “Right now, baseball I think is broken overall.”

Businesses on the North Shore say on top of the lockout, they’re also dealing with what could be two years of the Roberto Clemente Bridge being closed, making it harder for people to walk from downtown and support them.

Aramark, who hires for concessions at PNC Park, is hiring in anticipation of the return of baseball. They have a hiring event on Saturday, March 5 at PNC Park from noon to 3 p.m.

There will also be hiring events on March 8 and March 19.

Details for Aramark hiring events at PNC Park can be found here: https://aramark.paradox.ai/co/Aramark2/Event/PNCParkHiringEvent3538319

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