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Pittsburgh authorities, including a bomb squad, were investigating a possible suspicious package outside PNC Park on Wednesday afternoon as the Pirates and Twins played in snowy conditions.
WXPI-11 news in Pittsburgh reported the activity and a photojournalist tweeted video of the ongoing search.
Pittsburgh police spokesperson Alicia George told USA TODAY Sports police were alerted to a suspicious package near a FedEx box located near PNC Park an hour before the Pirates game. Robots were deployed.
“Nothing hostile was found,” George said.
First pitch of the Pittsburgh-Minnesota game was scheduled for 6:09 p.m. ET and it started on time as the search outside continued.
Fans still could gain entrance to the park and those already inside were braving game-time temperatures in the high 30s as snow fell, according to WXPI.
Pirates spokesperson Brian Warecki said in a statement released to USA TODAY Sports and other outlets:
“During routine pre-game security procedures, the Pittsburgh City Police were alerted to the possibility that a questionable item was contained within an overnight mail container located on Federal Street. The proper law enforcement personnel screened the container and the packages within. It was determined there was no threat to public safety and the issue is now resolved. We are very thankful for the Pittsburgh City Police and all first responders who work every day on behalf of the public to ensure our safety.”
Contributing: A.J. Perez, Scott Boeck