City Of Champions

Image From Pixabay

Pittsburgh is unofficially knows as the "City of Champions". We have three amazing teams sporting the cities black and gold colors throughout the year. More importantly, everyday you can see someone supporting our team with their clothing and colors. If you were born and raised in Pittsburgh, there is a decent chance that this "City of Champions" motto was told to you many times growing up. At The Encore on 7th, we are lucky enough to have a great view of our city, PNC Park and Heinz Field. Here are some facts about our teams that you may have not known.

The Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933 and are the oldest franchise in the AFC. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won more SuperBowls and Conference Champions than any other NFL team. These championships were all under the same ownership. The Rooney Family has owned the Steelers since their founding. Through the team's rich history, they have always sported the "black and gold", except for the one year they were merged with the Eagles due to a player shortage. No matter the team name or the colors, Steeler Nation has stood beside the team. We are one of the biggest fan bases in the NFL spanning every city in the country... even Cleveland.

The Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates were founded in 1881. They were successful from the beginning and won the World Series in 1903. However, throughout their history they have had many ups and downs.  They have won five championships, but they have also had one of the worst records in baseball. The "Bucs" as they are called, play at PNC Park. They went through a rough streak in the 90s, but in the past few years they have come back to make the playoffs for the past few years.

The Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins were founded in 1967 as one of the NHL's first expansion teams. They did play at the "Igloo" for many years, but now they play at Consol Energy Center. They have won the Stanley Cup three times, and have been a pretty successful team since their founding. They also sport the black and gold, but there colors and uniforms have gone through many changes. The Penguins originally were blue and white, but at halftime during the 1980 Superbowl they announced they were changing to black and gold to unite all of Pittsburgh's team colors.

These three teams have 14 championships between them, which is why "The City of Champions" name has stuck throughout the years. We love rooting on our teams and are so excited to see the next round of championships that come to our city!

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Cuddle Up With A Baby Sloth

Image From Pixabay

Do you need some cuteness in your life? If you love babies and cuddling, the Pittsburgh Aviary has the perfect solution for you. Starting in March, the National Aviary will be hosting sloth encounters once a day for up to five people. These encounters will let you touch, feed and take pictures with the new baby sloth. You can learn more in the blog below and at Next Pittsburgh.

The National Aviary is not just for the birds anymore. You likely saw his tiny, furry face plastered on the television news when he arrived ceremoniously at the Allegheny County Airport and captured hearts around the globe—and now the wait to visit the Aviary’s newest resident is over.

For those craving more personal quality sloth time, get out those calendars now. Beginning on March 25th, sloth encounters can be booked for once-daily, 30-minute sessions at 2 p.m. During a private encounter, up to five people will have the chance to touch, feed and take pictures with the sloth. Participants will also learn all about sloth conservation, and the unique species’ native habitat in the rainforests of Central and South America, which these mammals share with many of the birds from around the world cared for at the Aviary. Spots are already filling up quickly for the new sloth encounters, so book your session soon.Born to a breeder in Fort Lauderdale, the three-month-old Linnaeus two-toed sloth is the latest adorable creature to join the permanent flock at the Aviary. Pittsburgh sloth fans can now get a first glimpse of the baby and watch his first public feedings through the window of the Avian Care Center as he is being nurtured during his first few months of life.

The two-pound, 10 inch long baby sloth (aka choloepus didactylus) is being hand-raised by trainers to be comfortable around people and participate in educational programs that will highlight rainforest species and the dangers they face from rapidly disappearing habitats and human population growth. With their arboreal lifestyle, sloths make for the perfect addition to the Aviary’s collection.

In the Aviary’s hospital, the new arrival is being fed every two hours as the veterinary staff prepares him for his role as an animal ambassador for remarkable ecosystem and species of the rainforest.

But what’s his name, you ask? The Aviary has just launched an online eBay auction, where the public can bid on the chance to name the baby sloth while also supporting the organization’s conservation work.

Sloth fans can also contribute to the sloth’s online baby shower with a gift in any amount that will help cover the cost of his care. Yes, you can even put your money toward a baby blanket, plush toy or heating pad for the little wonder.

Need more sloths in your life? While at the Aviary you can also pop in to see Wookie, a 15-year-old sloth who arrived in 2007 and resides year-round in the Cloud Forest exhibit.

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Be Like A Kid This Valentine's Day

Image From Pixabay

Are you looking for something new to do this Valentine's Day? The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh has a few ideas for the kid at heart. They will be having a 21+ night on February 11th. This event is called My Snarky Valentine. Tickets include food, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and all activities in the museum.  You can learn more below or at the Children's Museum website.

MAKEnight (21+): My Snarky Valentine

MAKESHOP PROGRAM

6:30PM

 – 

9:30PM

FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Follow your heart and join us for an evening of food, drink and amore. And sass. We provide the making, you decide if your valentine will be snarky or scandalous. 

• Tell someone what's in your heart.  Laser cut a wooden heart with your favorite pillow talk phrase.
• Love is a science and we'll help you whip up some love potions to make your dreams come true.
• Roses are red, violets are blue, make your own Valentine because I’m not going to.
• Relive prom night and create your own flower boutonniere.
• It's always prettier in cursive.  Tell them what you really think using calligraphy on a doily.
• Silkscreen a hanky for $3. Or be a cheap date and do it on paper for free.
• Get on our Kiss Cam - NOTHING GROSS, YOU GUYS!
• Let them know you totally saw them at the gas station and they're gorgeous with live missed connections.
• You're always talking about what a cute baby you were. Turn yourself into Cupid and fashion your own wings!
• Make sure your words cut deep at our papercut station.
• Plus more trouble!

Tickets include light fare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and all activities. This is a 21+ event.
Food, drinks and fun provided by:
Bill's Bar and Burgers
Brooklyn Brewery
Cop Out Pierogies
greenSinner
Handmade Arcade
Priory Fine Pastries
Ustianochka Vodka

Buy tickets online or in person at the front desk of the museum.
Presale Tickets: $20 ($15 for members and students) / Door Tickets: $25

Want emails about upcoming 21+ museum events? Join the MAKEnight mailing list.
MAKESHOP Blog

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