Monday, June 11, 2007

Roberto Clemente Bridge, Pittsburgh


The Roberto Clemente Bridge (aka the 6th Street Bridge) over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh is one of three nearly identical bridges, the only trio in the U.S.A. [along with the Andy Warhol Bridge (7th Street) and the Rachel Carson Bridge (9th Street)] it leads from the city over to ball parks. On Pirate and Steeler home game days the bridge is closed to traffic and is used by fans who park at one of the many downtown parking garages to cross over to the stadiums. Named for Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, the Pirates right fielder, who died in a plane crash in Puerto Rico on New Years Eve 1972 taking supplies and food to earthquake survivors. We came to PNC Park for a game on Father's Day 2004 and even though there was parking on the west side of the river we parked downtown so that we could experience the Bridge. We toured the park that day, met Craig Wilson but missed the Parrot, who was walking around somewhere and enjoyed the game. They lost to the Mariners in interleague play, oh well, more on PNC Park another day. Enjoy.

No comments: