Tuesday, 20 November 2012 09:24

Written by Michael Sanserino

The Pirates today released their game times and promotional schedule for the 2013 season, which includes four post-game concerts and two bobblehead giveaways.

The Pirates abandoned last season’s experiment of 4:05 start times on weekday games, instead opting to once again schedule select weekday games at 12:35 p.m. The Pirates will play five 12:35 games next season, falling either on a Wednesday or a Thursday.  

Kool & the Gang will perform at a “Fan Jam” show following the Pirates’ June 1 game against the Cincinnati Reds. Another Fan Jam concert, scheduled after the Pirates’ June 15 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will feature a to-be-determined musical artist.

The Pirates will also put on two Skyblast concerts, one featuring the rock band Neon Trees on Sept. 21 following a game against the Reds and another to-be-announced artist Aug. 31 after a game with the St. Louis Cardinals.

An Andrew McCutchen bobblehead commemorating his offseason Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards will be handed out April 20 when the Pirates play the Atlanta Braves. An A.J. Burnett bobblehead, in which the pitcher is featured wearing the Pirates’ camouflage jersey, will be handed out Saturday May 18 when the Pirates play the Houston Astros.