PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER

Pittsburghers will soon have a new way to experience outdoor city views — just in time for summer.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership unveiled its newly renovated Rooftop Terrace at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center as the latest in a series of “Pittsburgh Opens” events. The free event included complimentary hors d’oeuvres and desserts from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 16. There was also a giveaway of gift cards from area restaurants for the first 200 guests and happy hour specials.

Musical guests, a photo booth and oversize games such as Jenga, Connect 4 and cornhole provided entertainment to the office workers, Downtown residents and visitors invited to the new space’s debut.

It marked the premier preview of what the PDP called “the sophisticated space,” which has been extensively renovated in phases over the last two years. Now complete, it offers riverfront and city views, expansive walkways, rooftop gardens and comfortable seating pods, all designed to draw people back to Downtown as the city emerges from its pandemic-era slump. It will be open and available for parties, meetings, celebrations and more.

“With each successive ‘Pittsburgh Opens’ event we see increasing energy and excitement returning to Downtown,” said Jeremy Waldrup, CEO and president of the PDP, in a press release. Pittsburgh Opens is a new initiative from Mayor Ed Gainey, which aims to celebrate the food, art, music and culture of the city. It began Downtown, but will continue to expand into other neighborhoods across Pittsburgh to highlight the special features of those communities — and the continued efforts of businesses to rebound from the economically devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Brookline), chairman of the Sports & Exhibition Authority, expressed excitement for both the Pittsburgh Opens event and the new space at the Convention Center.

“Hosting ‘Pittsburgh Opens’ is a perfect opportunity to showcase the space, highlight the sustainable features of the rooftop and support the Downtown neighborhood’s rebound by welcoming back the office community,” he said in a statement. “It’s a unique venue, and a unique event – it’s a great combination.”

Pittsburgh Opens events will continue on the third Thursday of every month through October. For a list of upcoming events, check out the PDP’s website.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP

VisitPITTSBURGH also participated in the long-anticipated return of the Rooftop Terrace, with its president and CEO Jerad Bachar speaking at the event.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back this only-in-Pittsburgh venue — one that is ideally positioned to showcase the glorious Downtown views and vistas that rival those of any city in the world,” Bachar said in a statement. “We know the DLCC Rooftop Terrace is a major draw for both meetings and convention groups coming to the city, along with any local individual or group looking for that ‘wow’ factor in planning their event. The backdrop of our city at night is simply breathtaking.”

The Rooftop Terrace features more than 35,000 square feet and the flexibility to design a multitude of custom spaces, whether for an intimate dinner for 50 or a business reception for 1,500, according to a press release. 

For information on touring the space, contact Carrie Yauch, the director of sales and marketing for the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, at cyauch@pittsburghcc.com, or call 412/565-6000.