Play It Again Sports Becomes First Official Retail Partner of the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds

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Media Contact: Pittsburgh Thunderbirds | info@pghthunderbirds.com

Play It Again Sports Becomes First Official Retail Partner of the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds

Historic partnership marks first brick-and-mortar merchandise deal in Ultimate Frisbee Association history.

PITTSBURGH, PA — January 6, 2026 — The Pittsburgh Thunderbirds have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Play It Again Sports Pittsburgh, making the sporting goods retailer the team's first official retail partner ahead of the 2026 Ultimate Frisbee Association season.

This marks the first time a UFA team has partnered with a brick-and-mortar retail store to sell official team merchandise, establishing a new model for professional ultimate frisbee's retail presence.

 


Official Pittsburgh Thunderbirds merchandise is now available at Play It Again Sports Pittsburgh

Beginning this week, Play It Again Sports will stock official Pittsburgh Thunderbirds merchandise including UFA Pro Frisbees®, t-shirts, long sleeve tees, hoodies, hats, and additional team gear. The Pittsburgh location at 4885 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 will be the exclusive retail destination for Thunderbirds merchandise.

"Our fans have had only two opportunities to buy our merchandise—online or at one of our home games," says Andrew Gardner, General Manager and co-founder of the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds. "To be able to walk into a store like Play It Again Sports and see Thunderbirds branded items on the wall is another step towards true legitimacy for our organization and our sport. We're incredibly excited about this partnership."


Play It Again Sports Pittsburgh staff welcomes T-Bolt, the Thunderbirds mascot, during Grand Opening Weekend at Play It Again Sports Pittsburgh

“We’re excited to partner with the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds and support a growing professional team in our community,” said Hollie Vitale, owner of Play It Again Sports on McKnight Road. “This partnership allows fans to connect with the team in a new way and gear up for an exciting season ahead.”

The partnership extends beyond merchandise sales. Play It Again Sports and the Thunderbirds will launch a joint community initiative focused on repurposing used sports equipment. The partners will collect used sports and fitness gear at an upcoming home game, with a donation made to a local Pittsburgh-area nonprofit based on the total monetary value of items collected. Additional details on the equipment drive and beneficiary organization will be announced later.


Mock-up of the official Thunderbirds merchandise display coming to Play It Again Sports Pittsburgh

About the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds

The Pittsburgh Thunderbirds are Pittsburgh's professional ultimate frisbee team competing in the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA). Founded in 2015, the Thunderbirds play their home games at Highmark Stadium and have established themselves as one of the premier franchises in professional ultimate. For tickets and more information, visit pghthunderbirds.com.

About Play It Again Sports Pittsburgh

Play It Again Sports Pittsburgh is a locally owned sporting goods store specializing in new and quality used sports equipment. The store opened in December 2025 and offers a wide selection of gear for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Located at 4885 McKnight Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, the store buys, sells, and trades sports equipment to make athletics accessible to everyone.

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