Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on May 9, 2025.
Disclaimer: We were hosted for this experience. Our site uses demographic data, email opt-ins, display advertising, and affiliate links. Please check out our Terms and Conditions. Pricing, operating hours, or menus may have changed since our initial visit and may not be reflected in subsequent updates. Please confirm these directly with any business or attraction prior to visiting.
Did you know Pittsburgh is home to a professional Ultimate Frisbee team?
The Pittsburgh Thunderbirds are part of the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) and play their home games at Highmark Stadium throughout the season, typically running from May to July.
So, what is Ultimate Frisbee all about, and what can you expect from a game? We were guests of the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds at the home opener in the 2025 season and share more in this one!
Join our Facebook groups Things to Do in Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Photography for more local content!
How is Ultimate Frisbee Played?
In a way, Ultimate Frisbee feels a bit like an amalgam of soccer, football, and basketball.
On the field, roughly the size and similar layout of a soccer field, players throw a frisbee amongst each other while trying to make it into the end zone on the opposing side.
The game begins with a pull, where the defensive team throws the frisbee from the end zone towards the offensive team, who starts their play. In a way, the dynamic of scoring is similar to football in many respects.
The offensive player with possession of the frisbee cannot move, and all other players on the field either try to get open to catch the frisbee (offense) or block the other team as best as possible (defense). Although the sport is non-contact, players must really be creative in utilizing the frisbee to generate opportunities for offense and defense!
If the team on the offense gets the frisbee to the end zone on the opposing side, they get a goal (one point), possession of the frisbee switches to the opposing team, and a new pull commences. If the frisbee is dropped or intercepted, the frisbee switches to the opposing team where it fell as well.
The game is split into four 12-minute quarters, with a brief period of time between quarters and for half-time, and it is pretty action-packed. We didn't know just how high scoring games are, and during our visit at the start of the 2025 season, the Thunderbirds beat the Indianapolis AlleyCats with a score of 25-21- which equates to a goal taking place about once every minute of play (so if you're thinking there is a quick back-and-forth like basketball, you're not too far off!)
This all came together for a game that had our attention from start to finish, as there really was truly something fascinating going on at all times!
What You Can Expect at a Game at Highmark Stadium
One of our favorite things about taking in a Thunderbirds game is that they play at Highmark Stadium in Station Square (home of the Riverhounds and more). This one is a fun stadium for a few reasons.
Book Your Pittsburgh Trip Today
Flights | Hotels | Apartments | Rental Car | Day Tours
First, it has an incredible view of the skyline, rivaling the bigger stadiums across the river. Truly, the stadium has quite the setting, and the skyline makes for an incredible backdrop for a game. For Ultimate Frisbee in particular, it was really fun seeing a disc fly high in the air with the buildings behind it!
Second, the intimate space really helps you feel like you're closer to the action- both for the game itself and with the passionate fans. We were admittedly new to the game of Ultimate Frisbee when attending this one, but all of those seated around us (in general admission, choose-your-own seat style seating), very much knew the game inside and out. There were chants, taunts, and other passionate displays from those in attendance that makes you feel at home at the game, even if you're like us and learning the rules (plus general and cordial conversation amongst strangers- I felt more comfortable to chat and ask questions about a game here than others, for example).
The general admission seating also had another benefit- you could move around. During the game, we sat in different sections of the stadium to try and get the best views. Up top in the bleachers? Yup. Standing along the sidelines in an end zone? You know it. While there isn't any one best seat in the house, primarily due to the back-and-forth nature of the game, it was fun to switch up the views all the same.
Finally, as Ultimate Frisbee is still a bit of a niche sport, we did note that some of the side bleachers, premium seats along the riverside of the stadium, and many stadium concessions were not open during our game. Limited food and beverage options were available at the main bar, but guests venturing out for a game may be wise to grab a bite to eat nearby (if, say, on a week night, a Gandy Dancer happy hour is a great option to not break the bank- that's what we did!).
Overall, we had a rather fun night out learning how Ultimate Frisbee is played and enjoying the Thunderbirds score a win to kick off their season. If you're looking to take in a reasonably priced game at Highmark Stadium during their season, typically running May to July, grab a ticket and get in on the fun!
The Pittsburgh Thunderbirds play their games at Highmark Stadium at 510 West Station Square Drive in South Side. Click here to purchase tickets. We were hosted by the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds for this review. As always, all opinions are our own.
