Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor-league affiliate Altoona Curve offers idyllic baseball setting

From the left, Curve season-ticket holders Fiona and Tom Spessard wait for the game the start on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at PNG Field just outside Altoona.

Field crews prep the field between games Wednesday, June 21, 2023 as the Altoona Curve play a doubleheader against the Bowie Baysox at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona.

From the left, Curve season-ticket holders Tom and Fiona Spessard wait for the game the start on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at PNG Field just outside Altoona.

Betty Wilkinson, an usher for the Altoona Curve at Peoples Natural Gas Field, takes fans tickets between games Wednesday, June 21, 2023 as the Altoona Curve play against the Bowie Baysox in a doubleheader at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona. Wilkinson, of Altoona, has been working as a ticket usher at the stadium since it opened in 1999.

Curve Communication Director Jon Mozes and Curve Marketing, Promotions and Special Events Director Mike Kessling broadcast a pre-game show from PNG Field in Altoona on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Loco, the team mascot for the Altoona Curve, takes a seat among the fans in the stands Wednesday, June 21, 2023 as the Altoona Curve play against the Bowie Baysox at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona.

Kamden McLucas, 5, of Fishertown reaches his glove up in anticipation of a fly ball Wednesday, June 21, 2023, as the Altoona Curve play against the Bowie Baysox at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona. McLucas was celebrating his fifth birthday while watching the Curve with his dad, Dakota McLucas, and family.

The Altoona Curve’s Lolo Sanchez looks to the sky as he takes the field Wednesday, June 21, 2023, as the Altoona Curve play against the Bowie Baysox at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona.

Fans gather to have autographs and sports cards signed by players Wednesday, June 21, 2023 as the Altoona Curve play against the Bowie Baysox at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona.

Young baseball players wait for autographs Wednesday, June 21, 2023 as the Altoona Curve play against the Bowie Baysox at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona.

Dean Esper, of Altoona, jumps out of his seat to watch a fly ball speed overhead with other fans Wednesday, June 21, 2023 as the Altoona Curve play against the Bowie Baysox at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona. Esper has been a season ticket holder since the Altoona Curve began in 1999.