Highmark Stadium is the home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, a professional soccer team that competes in the USL Championship. With a capacity of 5,000 spectators, Highmark Stadium features an intimate and electric gameday atmosphere. One thing fans may notice when purchasing tickets or finding their seats at Highmark Stadium is the unique way the seats are numbered.
Seat Numbering Convention
Highmark Stadium utilizes a seat numbering convention that designates sections by letter and rows by number. Within each row, individual seats are then numbered sequentially.
For example, a seat labeled “A-17” would be in Section A, Row 17. The first seat in that row would be Seat 1, the second Seat 2, and so on down the line.
This alpha-numeric seat numbering system allows fans to easily locate their seats by providing three key pieces of information – section, row, and seat number. It creates a logical pattern that is easy to understand.
Sections
Highmark Stadium has a total of 5 sections – A, B, C, D, and E.
Section A is located on the sideline to the left if you are facing the field from the stands. This section runs from the southwest corner of the stadium to around midfield. Section A contains rows 1 through 29.
Section B is located in the southwest corner of Highmark Stadium behind the goal. This section contains VIP club seats and luxury boxes in rows 1 through 3, with general admission seating in rows 4 through 16.
Section C runs along the sideline on the right side if facing the field. This section spans from the southeast corner down to around midfield, mirroring section A on the opposite side. Section C contains rows 1 through 29.
Section D is in the southeast corner behind the opposite goal from Section B. This section has VIP and general admission seating in rows 1 through 16.
Finally, Section E is designated for away team supporter seating. This section is located in the northeast corner behind one of the goals. Section E contains rows 1 through 16.
Knowing the sections helps fans narrow down the general area of their seats within the stadium.
Rows
After identifying which section their seat is in, fans can find their exact row. Row numbers start at 1 and go up sequentially.
For sideline sections A and C, rows range from 1 to 29. In the goal end sections B and D, rows range from 1 to 16 in the lower general admission areas. The VIP club and luxury box seats in B and D are in rows 1 through 3.
Section E with the away supporters has rows 1 through 16.
Therefore, rows are numbered differently depending on the section to account for variations in stadium shape and configuration. But within each section, the row numbers follow logical sequencing.
Seat Numbers
The final piece in pinpointing your exact seat at Highmark Stadium is the seat number within the row. Seats are numbered from left to right when facing the field.
For example, if your ticket says Seat 10 in Row 5 of Section B, you would find Section B along the southwest goal end. Then go to Row 5 within Section B. Seat 10 would be the tenth seat in from the left aisle in that row.
Some key things to note about seat numbers:
- Seat 1 is always the leftmost seat in the row
- Seat numbers increase sequentially as you move further to the right in any given row
- Rows typically have between 16 and 32 seats, depending on section location
- Seating layout and exact seat counts can vary slightly from row to row due to walkways, entrances/exits, and other factors
Knowing the section, row, and seat number allows fans to systematically find their seats at Highmark Stadium.
Seating Charts
For visual assistance in locating seats, Highmark Stadium provides detailed color-coded seating charts on their website and on the back of tickets.
These charts display each section, row, and seat number in an overhead view of the stadium. Fans can zoom in and find their section, then match the row and seat number to pinpoint their location.
Seating charts provide an at-a-glance perspective of how sections, rows, and seats are laid out. This complements the logical alpha-numeric numbering system.
Accessible and ADA Seating
Highmark Stadium also provides dedicated accessible and ADA seating areas to accommodate fans with disabilities.
These seats are located in Sections A, C, and E and are indicated by the ADA wheelchair symbol on seating charts. There are wheelchair and companion seats in the first few rows, as well as ADA accessible seating farther back in other rows.
Accessible seats follow the same numbering convention as standard seats. The only difference is the row letters may be slightly different, with accessible rows using letters instead of numbers in some sections. For example, Row A instead of Row 1.
This allows easy identification of ADA seats while keeping the numbering consistent with the rest of the stadium. Fans with accessibility requirements can locate and request these seats during the ticket purchasing process.
Temporary Seating
For special events and high demand games, Highmark Stadium can expand capacity by adding temporary seats on the field and in standing room only areas.
These temporary seating areas may use a slightly different numbering scheme with sequential numerals instead of alpha-numeric labels. This allows efficient installation and removal of the extra seats while differentiating from permanent stadium seats.
Seat numbers in temporary or SRO sections are sequentially numbered starting from 1 rather than using row numbers. For example, “Field Seat 43” or “SRO #251”.
Suite and Club Seating
In addition to general admission sections, Highmark Stadium has exclusive premium seating options in suites and clubs. These include:
Rivers Club – A private, climate-controlled club area located at midfield above Section A with premium amenities and VIP parking. Rivers Club seats are labeled using row letters instead of numbers, such as Rivers Club Row A.
Highmark Stadium Suites – Luxury suites with indoor lounge seating, A/V capabilities, and inclusive food and beverage packages. Suites have individual names like “Three Rivers Suite” versus standard numbering.
The Victory Club Lounge – An exclusive club space for premium ticket holders inside Section B near the southwest goal. Victory Club seats use row numbers followed by VC, such as Row 5VC.
The Founders Club – Another premium club lounge in Section D next to the Victory Club. Founders Club seats use row numbers followed by FC, like Row 3FC.
Premium seats follow modified numbering that still indicates the section and row location while differentiating the exclusive seating product. This premium designation is indicated on ticketing and in seating charts.
Locating Your Seats
To recap the process of locating your seats at Highmark Stadium:
- Check your ticket or seating chart to find your section letter – A through E
- Note the row number within that section
- Check the seat number designation and find that numbered seat within the row
- Follow stadium signage and ushers to find your section entrance
- Walk through the section to find your row
- Count seats in from the left until you reach your seat number
Between the logical alpha-numeric numbering system, detailed seating charts, stadium signage, and staff assistance, fans are able to easily navigate Highmark Stadium and find their seats.
The process is intuitive and systematic for a smooth arrival process leading up to kickoff.
Purchasing Tickets
Understanding the seat numbering convention at Highmark Stadium allows fans to make informed ticket purchases.
Whether buying tickets online, at the box office, or through a resale site, you can now interpret section, row, and seat number information to pick your desired location.
Some tips for purchasing tickets:
- Check a seating chart to visualize location and view of field
- Higher row numbers are farther back from the field
- Sections A/C on the sidelines offer different viewing angles than B/D behind the goals
- Rows 1-3 offer the closest views but rows above 16 can be far from the action
- Center sections around midfield in A/C are most centralized
- End zone sections B/D allow you to be behind goal celebrations
- Section E provides away team supporter experience
Use the stadium map to pick seats in your desired location based on section, row, and seat number. This will ensure you select tickets in the areas you prefer.
Pro Tips
Keep these pro tips in mind when navigating Highmark Stadium:
- Gate and section signage help point you to the right areas
- Ushers in each section can provide assistance if you get lost
- Concession stands and restrooms are located on the concourse behind seats
- You can walk around the concourse to find your gate before heading to seats
- Arrive early to locate your seats and avoid pre-game bottlenecks
- There is accessible seating in all sections if needed
- Sections A and C have walkways down to field level
Family Friendly Seating
For fans with families, certain seating areas may be preferred:
- Sections B and D have shorter rows with quick concourse access for taking kids to the restroom
- Rows farther back (20+) can allow more freedom of movement for kids
- Sections on the sidelines let kids see the players and benches up close
- Upper rows provide better overviews for keeping an eye on everything
- End zone sections see more goal celebrations and let kids cheer tunnels
Evaluate seating locations based on your needs to provide the best experience.
Conclusion
Highmark Stadium utilizes an intuitive and organized system for designating seats by section, row, and seat number. This alpha-numeric system allows fans to easily locate their tickets in the 5,000 seat intimate venue.
Between detailed seating charts, clear signage, and helpful staff, patrons can quickly navigate the stadium and find their seats. Understanding the numbering convention also helps with purchasing tickets and choosing ideal locations.
So the next time you visit Highmark Stadium, you can confidently find your seat thanks to the well-designed numbering system. Enjoy the game and atmosphere in one of America’s top soccer-specific stadiums!