Recreations & Leisure
Steelers. Pirates. Penguins. Need more be said? These solid citizens of the NFL, MLB and NHL help enhance the city’s identity, and give folks plenty to root for all year long.
In the only slightly less rarified air of big time college athletics, the University of Pittsburgh, best known to sports fans as just Pitt, more than holds its own against the powerhouses from across the country. The Panthers compete in 17 varsity sports, and are well known as contenders in football and men’s basketball.
The city’s major parks – Frick, Highland, Riverview and Schenley – afford Pittsburgh residents (either Pittsburghians or Pittsburghers, depending on who you ask) excellent places to relax. All have vast open spaces as well as ball fields, tennis courts and other attractions.
One of the most popular parks in the city is Point State Park, located at the tip of downtown Pittsburgh where the Monongahela and Allegheny meet. This is the site that once was home to Forts Pitt and Duquesne. Their remains are still there. But also there are a variety of festivals, celebrations and concerts.