Pittsburgh Pirates Discard Bucco Bricks Despite Preservation Options

An investigation by the Pittsburgh Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA) revealed that the Pittsburgh Pirates deliberately discarded the commemorative Bucco Bricks, despite having options to preserve or return them to fans who purchased them. The bricks, purchased by fans to memorialize loved ones and placed outside PNC Park since 1999, were removed due to deterioration, shrink-wrapped, and palletized before being handed to the Pirates. Rather than preserving or reinstalling the bricks, the Pirates chose to send them to a recycling facility without notifying the SEA or fans, prompting public outrage and disappointment. Pirates owner Bob Nutting apologized and offered commemorative replica bricks to affected fans, and team president Travis Williams announced plans for a permanent display of the original messages, though no updates have been provided. The SEA emphasized that they never intended for the bricks to be destroyed, having funded and approved careful salvage efforts. Fans and commentators have criticized the Pirates for disregarding fan investment and damaging their relationship with the community and supporters.