Citizens Live at The Wylie opens
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The stage is just about 30 feet from the closest balcony seats at Citizens Live at The Wylie. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
Pittsburgh's newest entertainment venue opens this week in the Hill District.
Why it matters: Citizens Live at The Wylie adds another piece to the Lower Hill's redevelopment, decades after the neighborhood was demolished in the name of urban renewal.
By the numbers: The 98,500-square-foot venue next to PPG Paints Arena will have a 4,300-person capacity.
The vibe: A 38-step grand staircase is flanked by photographs from Charles "Teenie" Harris, whose work documented Black life during the Hill District's heyday.
- An upside-down, glimmering piano nods to the mirrored piano at the former Crawford Grill, the legendary former jazz venue.
- General admission seating is on the ground floor, and seats and tables are upstairs.
- It has seven bars, including an outdoor rooftop bar and The Vinyl Room, a cocktail lounge open to members and to the public for an upcharge.
The latest: Citizens Live at The Wylie hosts a soundcheck soft open at 8pm Monday ($10), featuring local legends Donnie Iris & The Cruisers.
- Role Model kicks off the official shows Thursday, followed by hometown favorite Wiz Khalifa on Friday.
Between the lines: Balcony seats range from about 30 feet to about 130 feet from the stage. The goal was to build a bigger Pittsburgh music venue, but keep the experience as intimate as possible, said Tom Loudermilk, Western Pennsylvania president for Live Nation.
Dig in: Citizens Live at The Wylie is one of the only Live Nation venues to have pierogies, per officials.
- Try those or other snacks like hot dogs, deep-fried pretzels and local beer.
- There's even a 12-ounce pour of light beer for $5.
Don't miss the free photo booth, which provides black-and-white images like Harris used to take.
Check out our Instagram video for more inside looks.
Parking: Thousands of spots are available in the immediate area. On show days that coincide with Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games, the venue is working with PPG Paints Arena to stagger arrival times to limit traffic, said Loudermilk.
The bottom line: Dozens of acts, including music, comedy and local dance shows, are set. Expect about 100 shows a year at the venue, per Live Nation.