🏈
Steelers Preseason Game Night
Thursday night · Dinner downtown + Acrisure Stadium · Parking & restaurant guide
$54
Hotel parking (skip this)
~$10
Chatham Center (1 min walk)
FREE
T light rail to stadium
🚫 Skip the Hotel Parking
The Marriott charges $54/night for self-parking with no in-and-out privileges. The garage has a 6-foot clearance (taller vehicles won't fit). There are much better options steps away.
🅿️ Nearby Parking Alternatives
| Garage |
Walk to Hotel |
Rate |
Notes |
| Chatham Center Garage |
1 min |
~$10–14/day |
Same complex as the Marriott — best value |
| PPG Paints Arena Garage |
2 min |
~$7.50+ |
Rate may spike on event nights |
| West Lot |
2 min |
~$14 |
Surface lot |
| Fullerton Lot |
3 min |
~$8 |
Surface lot |
| Convention Center Garage |
10 min |
$30 (24hr) |
Large garage, near T station |
Best bet: Park at Chatham Center Garage — it's literally the same building complex as the Marriott. One minute walk to the hotel lobby. Leave the car there all night.
🍽️ Dinner Spots Before the Game
All of these are walkable from the Marriott (downtown / Strip District). Sorted from most casual to nicer sit-down. Prices are per person with an entree + drink.
🍔 Quick & Casual (under $20/person)
Best Value Yaba's Middle Eastern Street Food
1022 Fifth Ave · Across from PPG Paints Arena · $$
Build-your-own bowls and wraps with Middle Eastern flavors. Fast, fresh, and packed with flavor. Right across from the arena — perfect if you're short on time.
💡 Try the bowl with Yaba's red sauce. Located on the 2nd floor (stairs only).
Pittsburgh Classic Primanti Bros.
Multiple downtown locations · $$
The iconic Pittsburgh sandwich — french fries and coleslaw piled right on the sandwich. It's a must-try if you've never had one. Casual, fast, and very Pittsburgh.
💡 The Capicola & Cheese is the classic order. Expect a line on game days.
🍗 Casual Sit-Down ($20–30/person)
Top Pick The Eagle
737 Penn Ave · Downtown · $$ · ⭐ 4.3 (1,100+ reviews)
Amazing fried chicken, Southern sides (mac & cheese, spoonbread, hush puppies), and craft cocktails in a lively atmosphere. Happy hour Mon–Fri 4–6pm with half-off apps — perfect timing for a pre-game dinner.
💡 Get the fried chicken and share some sides. The biscuits are incredible. Reserve ahead — it gets busy on event nights.
Coop De Ville
2305 Smallman St · Strip District · $$
Southern fried chicken with a fun twist — the place also has duckpin bowling, arcade games, pool tables, and ping pong. Great if you want dinner + entertainment before the game.
💡 No reservations — first come, first served. Walkable from downtown (~15 min) or a quick rideshare.
Kaya
2000 Smallman St · Strip District · $$ · ⭐ Popular for game days
Island-inspired restaurant with colorful vibes, tropical tapas, and creative cocktails. Dishes like conch fritters, paella, and jerk chicken. A fun, different option.
💡 Try the tropas (tropical tapas) to share. Reservations recommended for game nights.
Sushi i
245 Fourth Ave · Near Market Square · $$
All-you-can-eat sushi for $29.99 at dinner — includes sushi, appetizers, soup, salad, hibachi, and fried rice. Great deal if you're hungry.
💡 New spot near Market Square. Good value for the variety you get.
🍝 A Little Nicer ($30–40/person)
Mezzo at Sienna Mercato
942 Penn Ave · Cultural District · $$$ · Italian
Wood-fired pizza, charcuterie, and creative Italian dishes in a cozy setting right on Penn Ave. Good cocktails and wine list. Perfect for a slightly nicer dinner without going overboard.
💡 Share a pizza and some small plates. Tue–Thu 5–9pm.
Alta Via
PPG Place, Market Square · $$$ · Modern Italian
Handmade pastas and wood hearth cooking right on Market Square. Seasonal menu with fresh ingredients. Upscale but not stuffy.
💡 Great location — walk to dinner, then stroll to the T station for the game.
📋 The Game Plan
1
Park at Chatham Center when you arrive. Meet at the Marriott lobby.
2
Walk to dinner — pick a spot above on Penn Ave, Market Square, or the Strip District.
3
Get to the game: Walk across the river (~15-20 min) or hop on the T (free) from a downtown station to the North Shore.
4
After the game: Take the T back downtown. Avoid the North Shore traffic jam entirely. Walk back to the hotel / your car.
🚇 The T (Light Rail)
Pittsburgh's light rail is completely free between downtown and North Shore stations. It drops you right by Acrisure Stadium. Runs frequently on game nights. No stadium parking needed, no post-game traffic.
⚠️ Good to Know
North Shore parking is cashless — credit/debit card only at all Alco Parking lots near the stadium.
Preseason games are less crowded than regular season, but parking near the stadium still runs $30–60. Downtown is cheaper and easier.
💡 Fun Alternative: Gateway Clipper
Want to make it an experience? Park at Station Square ($20), grab dinner there, then take the Gateway Clipper water shuttle to the stadium ($8/person each way). Short boat ride across the rivers with great city views — it's basically a pre-game party on the water.