Week-long celebration part of program to boost Pittsburgh cultural scene at PIT
PITTSBURGH – As part of Pittsburgh International Airport’s commitment to bringing more of the region into the airport and celebrating local institutions, food, music and culture, the airport is rolling out several programs aimed at boosting a better sense of place.
Next week travelers are invited to celebrate the city during Discover Pittsburgh, a week of live music, entertainment, delicious food, giveaways and appearances by area attractions. The second annual celebration showcases Pittsburgh’s unique offerings, Sept. 12 through Sept. 16.
Airport officials have also implemented the Voices of Pittsburgh program on the trains that connect the Airside and Landside terminals. Whether it’s University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher welcoming students and families back to town for a new academic year or U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Captain Christa Harmotto Dietzen, a Hopewell native, getting people excited for the Olympics, the train voices will continually change to showcase current events and people from the region. Larry Richert, co-host of the KDKA-AM morning show, was the first voice in June, welcoming fans of the U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club, followed by Mike Lange celebrating the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final.
The airport is also exploring partnerships with local museums and foundations as part of increasing the region’s heritage in the terminals to complement travelers’ favorites like the Warhol exhibit and live performing arts series. Enhancing the Pittsburgh sense of place also extends to the airport Customer Service agents and volunteer Ambassadors. As part of a program with VisitPittsburgh, they were trained this summer on the rich cultural heritage, past and present, of the region to improve traveler interactions.
“Creating a sense of place at the airport and bringing more of the region’s rich arts and cultural scene here is important. Pittsburghers have a lot to be proud of and we want that to be reflected at the airport,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said. “We’re looking at how we can continue to improve that experience and these programs are just the start.”
The Discover Pittsburgh free events and activities take place in Pittsburgh International Airport’s AirMall. The schedule includes:
- Monday, Sept. 12: Joe Grushecky and The Houserockers will perform in the Center Core from 2 to 3:30 p.m. while Pittsburgh sports mascots Iceburgh and the Pirate Parrot dance and pass out Clark Bars. Franktuary will also treat travelers to free hot dogs while supplies last.
- Tuesday, Sept. 13: From 10 a.m. to noon, Ronald McDonald will greet passengers. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Carnegie Museum of Natural History will exhibit ancient Egypt replicas and feature a hands-on hieroglyphic activity.
- Wednesday, Sept. 14: Carnegie Science Center will delight travelers with a liquid nitrogen ice cream making demonstration and samples from 10 a.m. to noon. From noon to 2 p.m., the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum will feature trolley displays that depict local history, while Phipps Conservatory will give travelers the opportunity to pot their own clean air plants, complete with worms and composting demonstrations. From 2 to 3:30 p.m., the Brighton Boys band will perform.
- Thursday, Sept. 15: A spirited street team will greet travelers and encourage them to take part in the day’s activities. From 10 a.m. to noon, the National Aviary’s crowdpleaser, a live African penguin, will rub elbows with passengers. Travelers can also take in works of art and try their hand at button-making with The Andy Warhol Museum. From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Ambridge Area Steel Drum Band will perform in the Center Core and passengers can step up to the popcorn bar for freebies from Pittsburgh Popcorn Co.
- Friday, Sept. 16: The Pittsburgh Zoo will bring live reptiles back to the airport to meet travelers from 10 a.m. to noon. The Chick-fil-A cow will also make an appearance from 10 a.m. to noon. At 2 p.m., Pittsburgh CLO Mini Stars close out the week with a spectacular production.