More than 15,000 fans attended PirateFest 2009 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center over the weekend of January 23-25. That figure represents an increase of more than four percent over last year's attendance and the third-highest since the event was moved to the Convention Center in 2004.
Just finishing its 19th year, PirateFest is a giant indoor baseball carnival for the entire family, featuring live events, free autograph sessions, prizes, games, youth baseball clinics, the Pirate Parrot and more. The Pirates expanded the floor space of the event this year in an effort to better accommodate the fans.
The autograph sessions took place with past, present and future Pirates players including Nate McLouth, Freddy Sanchez, Paul Maholm, Ryan Doumit, Matt Capps, Zach Duke, Tom Gorzelanny, Nyjer Morgan, Andy LaRoche, Sean Burnett, Ross Ohlendorf, John Grabow, Jeff Karstens, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, Doug Drabek, Dave Parker, Omar Moreno and Jay Bell.
"With more than 15,000 in attendance over the weekend, Pirates fans once again have proven to be some of the most passionate fans in all of baseball," said Pirates President Frank Coonelly. "It was great to see the strong turnout this weekend. I think the fans not only appreciate the opportunity to interact with the current, former and future Pirates, but also the chance to hear directly from the management team on the positive direction of Club."
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