The missing bricks in front of the home plate entrance at PNC Park will be replaced, the Pirates told the Post-Gazette.
Following a weekend when the Pirates drew backlash due to their decision to replace a tribute logo for Roberto Clemente with an advertisement, the organization was once again under scrutiny due to the disappearance of fan-funded bricks with personalized messages and names that once sat on display in front of PNC Park’s home plate entrance.
The bricks were removed this offseason. Currently, a smooth concrete surface sits where the bricks have laid since the park’s opening in 2001. While some fans instantly noticed, their disappearance became more known by the start of the regular season. The fan frustration continued to build Tuesday, as KDKA-TV reported the old bricks have been located in Reserve Township, miles away from the ballpark.
However, a statement from Pirates senior vice president of communications and broadcasting Brian Warecki said the bricks are simply being replaced and will soon return outside PNC Park:
“When we laid these bricks outside of PNC Park nearly 25 years ago, we invited our fans to join us in building our future on the North Shore together.
“Through the years, a host of environmental factors including weather and foot traffic have led to significant damage leading to multiple, full-scale replacements. This cycle of deterioration prompted our organization to look for a better way to preserve these cherished messages over the long term.
“We respect, appreciate and understand just how meaningful these messages are. We share in that feeling. We have been actively planning to develop and unveil a more permanent display for these special messages to honor the enduring support that our fans shared then and continue to share in our future.
“We look forward to sharing those details soon in celebration of our 25th season.”
The concept of the bricks was introduced in 1999. With a new stadium on the way, the Pirates launched the "Bucco Bricks" program, allowing fans to purchase personalized bricks that would be placed on the main terrace of PNC Park. The proceeds of the bricks went to the Roberto Clemente Foundation.
Two sizes of bricks were sold — 4-inches-by-8-inches for $75 or 8-inches-by-8-inches for $150. Fans were also given the opportunity to purchase a personal replica of the bricks. The Pirates estimated 10,000 bricks were sold in total.
While perhaps this instance generated the most attention, the Pirates said this is the third iteration of the bricks, meaning they were already replaced twice since first being displayed outside of PNC Park. Similar to the first two times, this edition of the bricks is being recycled.
The Pirates hoped to have the bricks back on display before last week’s home opener but are instead taking more time to develop a more permanent and sustainable display. The goal is to have the display revealed at some point in the 2025 season. While this new display could be located in a different spot outside the ballpark, the Pirates said the names and messaging from each brick will remain the same.
First Published: April 8, 2025, 11:13 p.m.
Updated: April 9, 2025, 1:58 a.m.
