Visiting Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh and sports are nearly synonymous. Well-known home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city is also home ice for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins. Don’t forget the Pride and passion of Pittsburgh - the Pittsburgh Pirates, not to mention local college and high school sports teams. Sports fans enjoy indoor fun at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum on Smallman Street in downtown. Located west of the Crosstown Boulevard and Veteran’s Bridge, the Sports Museum is part of the Senator John Heinz History Center. Visitors enjoy exhibits of hundreds of artifacts, interactive exhibits and 20 audio-visual programs. Sports are an integral part of Pittsburgh’s heritage and culture – discover the best at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in downtown Pittsburg.

The Pittsburgh Steelers end the 2011 regular season December 24th, hosting St Louis at Heinz Field. Look out for the Steelers in the playoffs and see how far they go. Meanwhile, the Consol Energy Center hosts the excitement of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey. Cheer on the Penguins through the last two home games April 5th and 7th.

The Consol Energy Center hosts alternative sports action for Motocross and Monster Truck fans. Nuclear Cowboys hits the Energy Center February 5th with amazing freestyle motocross at its best. Join the top motocross riders in the world performing unbelievable tricks and filling the arena with extreme motocross action. Monster Jam comes to Pittsburgh February 17th through the 19th to thrill monster truck fans with four spectacular shows.

Winter is ideal for a visit to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for some family playtime and learning. Load up the kids and check out How People Make Things featuring hands-on activities, demonstrations and factory video tours. This exhibit runs through February 5th. While you’re at Pittsburgh’s Children’s Museum don’t miss the MakeShop, The Attic and The Studio, among the permanent exhibits.

The Carnegie Science Center, one of four Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh, is a must-see with roboworld, the world’s largest permanent exhibit of robotics. The Body Tech exhibits allow visitors to learn and experience use of the Gamma Knife, Ultrasound and Endoscopes just like actual surgeons. The popular SeaScape features a living coral reef ecosystem, where you watch the underwater life being fed, or climb into a real submarine. Pittsburgh has been branded as Roboburgh – come discover some of the reasons why at the Carnegie Science Center.

The Andy Warhol Museum is another of Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museums. The art collection of the Andy Warhol Museum includes over 8,000 pieces created by Warhol. The museum also features performing arts including the “off the wall” performances series. The 2012 season launches January 21st with Mike Daisey’s “The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs”. Off the Wall continues with seven additional performances running through April including February’s “The Pixelated Revolution and in March, Carmelita Tropicana:”Homage to Jack 7 & Ole/Ghost. Enjoy the spirit of Andy Warhol at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Andy Warhol Museum.

Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Hotel Map