As top-seeded Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC readies for its start to the 2019 postseason, the club has a lot planned for fans this Saturday night when it hosts Birmingham Legion FC at Highmark Stadium for the USL Championship Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Here is a guide to Saturday’s playoff showdown.
THE MATCHUP
Kickoff set for 7 p.m. on Saturday at Highmark Stadium, the Hounds will take on Birmingham Legion FC in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the USL Championship playoffs. Pittsburgh holds the No. 1 seed and will square off against 10th-seeded Legion FC.
In two prior meetings this season, Pittsburgh is 2-0-0 against Birmingham. The Hounds won both of their prior meetings, earning a 4-1 victory in Pittsburgh back on June 29 as well as a 1-0 win in Birmingham last week in the regular season finale.
Steevan Dos Santos, Robbie Mertz (twice) and Christian Volesky each scored for the Hounds in game one, while Mark Forrest scored the first professional goal of his career last week to clinch the 1-0 win in Birmingham.
GATES OPEN
Gates will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and fans can enjoy $1 beers leading up until 7 p.m. kickoff.
WILL CALL
Will Call at Highmark Stadium will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Due to high demand, fans planning to pick up tickets at the gate are encouraged to do so as early as possible Saturday to avoid long lines and wait times before the game.
Will Call is located on the west end of Highmark Stadium.
WHAT TO WEAR AND GIVEAWAYS
All fans attending the game are encouraged to wear black, as the playoff match will be a “Blackout.” In addition, the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Blackout T-shirt, courtesy of Heineken, and the first 5,000 fans will receive a gold rally towel, courtesy of AHN.
For official team gear, fans can visit the Riverhounds SC team shop.
PROMOTIONS
Fans are encouraged to dress up in their best Halloween costumes when they attend the game Saturday night for the opportunity to win a special prize package courtesy of Nemacolin Woodlands that includes tickets to the Pittsburgh Steelers home game on Oct. 28. No masks, props, accessories, or weapons are permitted for the costume content.
Additionally, #1 Cochran will present a special Quick Kick Halftime Contest that fans can enter for the chance to win a brand-new Audi sedan.
TAILGATES
Fans can enjoy two tailgates prior to kickoff, both of which will be located in the west lot.
Beginning at 2 p.m., fans are invited to attend a Riverhounds SC smoker tailgate in the west lot, as well as a tailgate with 93.7 The Fan from 5-7 p.m.
The smoker tailgate menu is as follows:
$8 – Smokehouse bacon cheddar burger
$10 – BBQ pulled pork
$6 – Italian hot sausage with tomato, peppers and onions
$4 – All beef hot dog
$6 – Bratwurst with roasted peppers and onions
$2 – Bags of chips
$3 – Soda or water
CLEAR BAG POLICY
As part of an ongoing commitment to safety and security, Highmark Stadium will implement a policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into Highmark Stadium.
Guests are discouraged from bringing any bags into Highmark Stadium, but outlined below is permissible. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience as we strive to ensure minimal disruption or delays.
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” Official Riverhounds SC team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through the club store.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags or small purse, approximately the size of a hand 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bag options.
- Seat cushions and seat cushions with backs will be permitted. No larger than 16” wide with no arms or pockets allowed.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.
- Diaper bags are allowed but will be inspected and tagged.
Prohibited items include but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Riverhounds SC is proud to partner with Beyond Self Storage to supply free clear bags for fans who may need one. Please note these are as supplies last for the match and not guaranteed to be in stock at time of entrance.
Please visit our clear bag policy guide for more information.
PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
Game-day parking is available for fans in the west lot under the Fort Pitt Bridge. Also, parking is available in surrounding lots in Station Square. Lots will fill up early, so be sure to plan accordingly.
For directions, please visit our webpage.
