09/27/2022
Named after one of the most famous features of Pittsburgh's landscape, the multi-purpose Three Rivers Stadium, designed by DRS Architects (then Deeter & Ritchey) is today’s AIA Pittsburgh feature project.
The original, unique design of the stadium featured an oblique shape that was open to views of the City. When bid, the project came in over budget. It was determined that there were many economic factors as to why this occurred, however, one of the key items was the irregularity of the precast concrete structural system which made the design distinctive, but expensive to build. The stadium was then redesigned using a circular configuration with a regular structural precast system.
It opened on July 16, 1970, when the Pirates hosted the Cincinnati Reds. In the 1971 World Series, Three Rivers Stadium hosted the first World Series game played at night. The following year, the stadium was the site of the infamous Immaculate Reception.
Three Rivers Stadium was recognized as a special sports venue throughout the country and received a Distinguished Building Award from the Pennsylvania Society of Architects. It has been speculated by many that if the original oblique-shaped design had been built, it would still be in use today.