Although Pittsburgh is best known as an industrial city, it is also a college town, featuring the University of Pittsburgh and smaller schools like Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne and Point Park universities. These colleges translate to student population. According to Area Connect, people age 15 to 34 made up about a third of the city's total population as of the 2000 census. To cater to this youthful population, the city features dozens of bars and nightclubs in different parts of the city. Although most of these are exclusive to those of legal drinking age, several admit 18-year-olds.
Pegasus Night Club Lounge claims to be Pittsburgh's "ultimate 18+ dance party" and hosts a special 18-and-up party every Friday. This four-floor facility offers something different on each of its levels. It features a bar on the first floor, dance floor on the second, lounge on the third and show bar on the fourth. Although it's one of Pittsburgh's venues that admits 18-year-olds, they are subject to a $5 cover charge on most nights. The club is also welcoming of gay and lesbian lifestyles.
Pressure Nightclub features marble bars, a ballroom-style dance floor and lounge. The 18-and-up venue on Fourth Avenue near Point Park University and features a mixture of electronica and music heavy on the drums and bass, which is spun by local disc jockeys. It consists of two floors: a ground floor with the dance floor and bar, and an upstairs lounge where guests can relax and mingle to breakbeats and bass. Cover charges vary based on special events the club is hosting.
Although H20 Nightclub is a 21-and-up venue most of the time, it holds a special under-21 night every Sunday where those 18 and up are allowed entrance for a $10 cover charge. Classified as a "modern disco club," the venue features an underwater, aquatic theme and two bars. Additionally, it offers a VIP lounge and oxygen bars, which is where guests can inhale flavored oxygen. Oxygen intake is said to reduce stress and relax the body. Top-40 music is played by disc jockeys for dancing on a large dance floor.
