Pirates Charities Family Walk, benefitting Mental Health Programming

GENERAL EVENT

What is the Pirates Charities Family Walk? Fans attending this third-annual event will enjoy a leisurely stroll through PNC Park, finishing on the field by crossing home plate. Following the roughly two-mile walk, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a post-walk Carnival on PNC Park’s Highmark Riverwalk. The Carnival will feature fun, family-friendly activities and games and offer food for all guests. The full event is expected to last 3 hours.

Where do proceeds from the event go? Funds raised from the Family Walk will support Pirates Charities and Allegheny Heath Network’s Chill Mobile Program. Chill Mobile is a retrofitted RV which offers students across the Pittsburgh region a calming space where they can learn evidence-based coping skills and participate in practical and interactive experiences, with the goal of not only improving individual mental health, but of extending the conversation into the larger community and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness. This 33-foot mobile mental health unit along with Allegheny Health Network mental health professionals will deploy to schools throughout the region allowing students the opportunity to practice mindfulness skills through virtual, interactive experiences while providing teachers and educators tools to continue putting mental wellness practices to work in their school community. Learn more about Chill Mobile.

Will there be a Pirates Charities 5k/10k? Since 2022, we’ve replaced the Pirates Charities 5k/10k with a Family Walk. Our hope is that a walk is more inclusive and allows more of our fans of all ages and abilities to enjoy a unique experience here at PNC Park.

Will you be keeping times? No, this walk is meant to be leisurely and promote mental health and wellness. There is no competitive aspect to the walk this season.

Will strollers be permitted at the Family Walk? Of course! Children in strollers will be free of charge and the entire walk route will be accessible to allow for an easy stroll for families with young children.

Will dogs be permitted at the Family Walk? Not this season, but as always, PNC Park will be accessible to service animals.

What time does the walk start? 9am EDT. All participants will be asked to gather at the Mazeroski Way cul-de-sac near the Bill Mazeroski statue for the start of the walk by 8:45am EDT.

Will restrooms be available at the walk? Portable restrooms will be available for participants in the cul-de-sac prior to the walk. Once the event begins, restrooms along the Highmark Riverwalk will be open to registrants to use as needed.

Are there prizes for walkers at this season’s event? No prizes this season. Every registrant is a champion in mental health!

Will Pirates players and coaches be at the walk? All participants will have the chance to interact with some players and coaches as part of the event experience.

Can I take pictures during the walk? Yes! Pictures will be encouraged. Please tag @BucsCommunity on Twitter and use our event hashtag #PCFamilyWalk

What if I get injured during the walk? The Pirates will have medical staff on-site to address any medical emergencies or needs throughout the event.

What if it rains? We will hold this event rain or shine, but if weather becomes a danger, we will unfortunately have to cancel the event. Refunds will not be issued, but you will still be eligible to redeem your voucher for two free Pirates tickets and, if you’re one of the first 2,000 to register, your commemorative race t-shirt. Those items will be held for you at PNC Park through May 31.

THE ROUTE

Will the route be the same this season? The route for this season’s Family Walk will take fans through different parts of the ballpark than last year’s route but will still end on Homeplate!

Where does the walk start? Walk participants will gather on Federal Street near the Willie Stargell Statue to kick off the walk.

Is the Family Walk route throughout the ballpark ADA accessible? Yes, the entire event was designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind.

How long is the Family Walk? Approximately two miles long.

Will I get to be on the field? The walk route will give participants the unique opportunity to be on the field at PNC Park and cross home plate to finish the walk experience.

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

How much does this event cost? Prior to May 6, fans who register will pay a $40 donation plus processing fees to participate in the Pirates Charities Family Walk. Groups of four or more, who register together will receive a discount of $5 per person at the time of registration. Fans who register on or after May 6 will pay a $45 donation plus processing fee. Children in strollers are free.

Why am I being charged to participate in this event? This event is being used as a fundraiser for Pirates Charities. All proceeds from the walk will go towards Chill Mobile programming for the youth in our region. In addition to the unique experience of being able to cross Homeplate, each registrant will also receive two free tickets to a Pirates home game from May 25 through June 23*, five complimentary Carnival tickets and the first 2,000 registrants will also receive a commemorative race t-shirt. *Some exclusions do apply.

How do I register as a team? To create a new team, select "create a new team" when registering, and enter your team name. Teams require a minimum of 2 registrants to initially start the team. Once a team is created, Team Captains can share the team name with friends and family, and individuals can join the team as long as they know the team name.

How do I join a team? To join a team that is already created, select "add to existing team" when registering, and select the Team Name you wish to join.

Do I get my $5 discount if I join a Team of four or more? Groups of four (4) or more who register together will receive a discount of $5 per person at the time of registration only. Discounts cannot be provided after registration.

Do I have to pay to register my child? Children in strollers or 2 years of age and under will have free admission to the Family Walk and do not need to be registered. Please note, they will not be eligible for a t-shirt, ticket voucher or carnival tickets.

Will I get a t-shirt for this event? The first 2,000 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. You are able to select from available sizes when you register. All sizes are unisex and are an athletic cut, so size-up if you like a baggier fit. Once 2,000 people have registered, the t-shirt will no longer be an available option during the registration process. There are only a specific number of each size and a size will not be available to select once we have sold out of that size. Please plan to choose another size. You can pick up your t-shirt prior to the event at PNC Park on May 21-24 from 4-6PM at the Pirates Administrative Entrance located on Federal Street across from Mike’s Beer Bar.

Will I get a medal and bib? No. Because this walk is not a sanctioned race event, bibs are not necessary. And instead of a medal, the first 2,000 registrants will receive a commemorative event t-shirt, so register early to be sure to secure yours!

When can I redeem my voucher for two free Pirates tickets? Every registrant will receive a voucher for two free tickets to one Pirates home game between May 25 and June 23, some exclusions do apply.

When do I get my ticket voucher? Ticket vouchers will be emailed to all registered participants at the time of their registration. Vouchers will be sent to the email you registered with for the Family Walk and must be redeemed online.

I’m having trouble completing my registration. Who can help me? Please email Pirates Charities at piratescharities@pirates.com with a brief overview of your issue and a member of our team will respond asap.

I can no longer make the event. Can I get a refund? Unfortunately, refunds are not able to be issued, but you will still be eligible to redeem your voucher for two free Pirates tickets and, if you’re one of the first 2,000 to register, your commemorative race t-shirt. Those items will be held for you at PNC Park through May 31.

POST-WALK CARNIVAL

Where will the post-walk carnival take place? On the Highmark Riverwalk in PNC Park! Following the conclusion of the walk route, participants will be directed back to Highmark Riverwalk to enjoy a family-friendly celebration.

What will be included in the post-walk carnival? Games, surprise guests, music and more! Participants can participate in the carnival activities in exchange for a certain number of carnival tickets.

Where do I get my five (5) complimentary post walk carnival tickets? Upon exiting the field and entering the Highmark Riverwalk, there will be a table where you can pick up your complimentary carnival tickets. Additional carnival tickets to enjoy more carnival activities will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefitting Pirates Charities mental health programming.

Will I be able to purchase more carnival tickets at the walk? Yes! Each registrant will receive five (5) complimentary raffle tickets to be used at games and activities on the Highmark Riverwalk after the walk is over. If you wish to purchase more in order to play more games, a kiosk will be available to guests to purchase more tickets to play. All carnival ticket proceeds go to Pirates Charities.

How can I purchase more carnival tickets? This event is cashless due to PNC Park policy, but we will accept all major credit cards at the event.

How much will additional carnival tickets cost? $1 per Ticket or $20 for 25 tickets.

When will the carnival close? The carnival will close at 11:15am EDT to allow for our ballpark staff to ensure PNC Park is ready for our game that evening against the Atlanta Braves.

PARKING

When and where should I park? Each registrant will be able to park one (1) vehicle in Red Lot 5 and 6 compliments of Pirates Charities. The parking lots will be open to walk participates beginning at 6am on the day of the walk.

What time do I have to be out of the parking lot? Attendees will need to leave the parking lots by 11:30am EDT to avoid having to pay for parking.