PITTSBURGH
Just by chance, while I was in Erie I received an invite to the new PNC Park in Pittsburgh to see the Pirates take on the Atlanta Braves. I jumped on the chance, because one of my goals in life is to see a baseball game at every ballpark in America. Pittsburgh's new stadium was on my list, waiting to be checked off. The trip there was even more special, because I kidnapped my dad for the two-hour drive south. We had a room at the Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh Green Tree (rates start at $89), located on the other side of the Fort Pitt Tunnel. Next time I'll stay in the city, because the Fort Pitt Tunnel seems to always have traffic. The drive from the hotel to the stadium should normally take just 10 minutes, but in rush hour or before a game it can be three times as long. The hotel worked out fine; nothing special, though the staff was very friendly. Other positives: The rooms were clean, and they had free wireless internet. The hotel could use a makeover � in particular the pool and breakfast buffet (the latter needed some help, or a lower price tag than $12.95. Radisson Hotel Pittsburgh Green Tree, 101 Radisson Drive, Pittsburgh, PA ; tel.: 412-922-8400.

PNC PARK
PNC Park opened in 2001 -- the same year as Heinz Field, which is next door (they share a parking lot) and home to the 2005 Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. There was a buzz in the air, even though the Pirates are one of the worst teams in the league. But it was a warm summer night, and the 38,000-seat classic-style ballpark was alive. I'm sure a lot has to do with the stadium's design, restaurants, and prime location (along the shore of the Allegheny River, and adjacent to Federal Street). The best views of the downtown skyline and riverfront are from home plate, but it really doesn't matter where you sit because the stadium is so intimate. The highest seat is just 88 feet from the field. Every seat has a fantastic view of the city � and, more importantly, of the natural grass playing field. There are 69 plush suites, complete with living room design, TV to see and hear the game, all kinds of food, air conditioning/heat, and a private bathroom. We scored tickets not only into a suite, but to Suite 1. Yeah Baby! Suite 1 is regarded as the best, because its location in the corner along the river side with a wall of glass windows shows off the spectacular view. These days the most exciting part of the night for most Pirate fans who have the privilege of being in a suite is the dessert cart. Holy cow! When this bad boy comes around people run for the door in excitement (it's too big to fit through the door). Are these dessert carts the best thing to hit sporting events or what? Next time you find yourself in Pittsburgh, be sure to take in a ballgame, or at least a tour of PNC Park. Tours are available through October 13th, Monday-Friday, on both game days and non-game days. For more information click here, email pncparktours@pirates.com, or call 412-325-4700 or 1-800-BUY-BUCS ext. 4700. For more click HERE.