Heinz Field - Pittsburgh Steelers

Welcome to The Point, where the Allegheny meets the Monongahela and creates the Ohio, river that is. Here you will find the fabulous Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When I think Steelers, I think LOYALTY. The Rooney Family has owned the team since 1933. In an era where head coaches are fired after one losing season, the Steelers have had 3 head coaches in the last 40 years. See Mike Tomlin, the current head coach below.

Then, there is STEELER NATION. In the 70’s the Steelers dominated, many 70’s children became fans. In the 80’s the steel industry that fueled the City of Pittsburgh declined. Many were forced to leave the city to find other work, but they took their Steeler fanhood with them. Steeler Nation has been voted the best fans in the NFL, often giving the team home field advantage even when on the road.

Want to be a part of STEELER NATION? Here’s how:

• Get your tickets early. Most seats belong to season ticket holders and single game tickets sell out fast. You can ALWAYS find tickets on craigslist.org, e-bay, or on the street, but you’re going to pay.

• Most of the parking lots are permit parking only. Slip the attendant a little dough and he can probably fit you in.

• Forget driving and stay local. There is a Spring Hill Suites across from PNC Park (the baseball stadium) or Sheridan at Station Square across the mighty Monongahela River. From Station Square, take the Gateway Clipper across the river for only $5! Yes, they sell beer! See the Clipper in the photo below.

• Wear Steeler colors, black and gold. Don’t have any? I recommend visiting the Strip District on the east side of the city for cheap gear. Layer up if it’s a November or December game. It can get cold - note the frozen beer!


• Do not wear brown and orange, purple, or black and orange. The Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals are the Steelers biggest rivals and HATED by most Steeler fans.

• Understand that Pittsburgh revolves around the Steelers. During game time, streets and stores are empty. Everyone is glues to the game. These people bleed black and gold for their team. Even Santa stops for the Steelers.


• Pre-game, it’s all about the tailgate. Most lots surrounding the stadium are permit parking only, slip the attendant a “tip” and they just may be able to fit you in. Park, fire up the grill, and crack open that first beer of the morning. I recommend bringing a big pot of chili, gumbo, or sausage and peppers. Something hearty to fill you up and keep you warm before the game.


• If you’re not prepared for a tailgate party, head to Peppi’s Old Tyme Sandwich Shop on Penn Ave. for a Roethlis-Burger for $7, named after the Steelers quarterback #7 Big Ben Roethlisberger. Dig into the 1 lb. ground beef, sausage, scrambled egg, grilled onion, and American cheese sandwich. Wash it down with an icy cold Iron City beer from the Pittsburgh Brewing Company.


• Stroll down to the North Shore bars east of the stadium. I recommend visiting the Jerome Bettis grill owned by “The Bus” himself, #36, the Superbowl XL running back. Black and gold bar stools, a men’s room mirror that only you can see out, and a VIP area fit for a Bus.

• Take a stroll through the large parking lots east of the stadium. There you’ll find the heart and soul of Steeler Nation. Those season ticket holders who’ve passed tickets from generation to generation. You’ll see their flags waving proudly from their Steeler buses and RVs. You can’t miss them in their black and gold cammo pants. Kind of defeats the purpose of cammo!


• Talk to the locals. They have their very own language and distinct accent – “Is this your first Stiller game n’at? Yinz grab an Arhn!” http://www.pittsburghese.com/

• Grab a Terrible Towel from a local vendor. Every Steeler fan but me has one, for me, it’s a jinx. Yes, I am terribly superstitious. You may want to purchase one of these ahead of time and throw it in the wash or else you will be covered in yellow fuzz after your first wave.

• You must perfect the terrible towel wave so you don’t smack your neighbor in the face.

• Time to enter the stadium. I recommend entering through Gate B so you can stroll through The Steelers Walk of Fame. Check out the Lombardi Trophy, past players lockers stocked with memorabilia, and even Steeler art work.

• Just next to the Walk of Fame a live band plays. Get your pre-game jitters out by cutting the rug!

• Time to grab a beer and hit your seat. Take a look around. Feel the energy of the stadium… in a few moments, the place will be rockin’! Kick off!!! Here we go Steelers, here we go – clap clap!

• Know the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Steelers is and always has been the STEEL CURTAIN aka the defense.

• Listen… you’re at an NFL football game watching the XLIII Super Bowl Champions. The hits are bigger. The helmet cracks are louder. The atmosphere has more energy. Enjoy it!

• In the middle of the third quarter, keep your eye on the jumbotron. Have I mentioned I LOVE jumbotrons? You hear the quiet opening line to Renegade by Styx – oh momma I’m in fear for my life in the long arm of the law – thump thump… 40 seconds later the song turns up, picks up tempo, and ROCKS OUT! Added bonus, big defensive hits are streaming across the jumbotron screen, firing up the crowd! (I’m getting fired up just typing about it!!!)

• Game is over, time to head back to the car, and celebrate a win! Hopefully you’ll hear the chant “I’ve got a feelin’ – Pittsburgh’s goin’ to the SUPER BOWL!” Heat up some left over tailgate fare, play armchair quarterback, and wait for traffic to clear.

Win or lose, be excited! You just saw a SIX time Super Bowl Championship Franchise. That’s more championships than any other franchise!

Can’t get enough Steeler Nation? Chances are there is a Steeler Nation hangout in your town. Check it out! http://www.post-gazette.com/steelernation/steelersbars.asp Here is Chicago’s home for the Steelers – Durkin’s on Diversey and Halsted.

Anything to add to the Heinz Field experience? Feel free to add comments!

PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates

PNC Park. My favorite major league ball park. Make that my favorite ball park PERIOD. Why? Maybe it's the view. Maybe it's the fresh cut french fries. Maybe it's the IC Light. Maybe because it's right in the heart of my favorite city. Maybe it's because I could see the fireworks from my Bloomfield Apartment. It's got it all.

PNC Park is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Unfortunately, they're the laughing stock of baseball. They traditionally build good players only to sell them off to bigger teams, like the Red Sox & Yankees for example. Many Pittsburgh natives blame the ownership and hold it against them by not attending the games. Tickets are always easy to come by, sometimes even given away, and the place rarely sells out.

But please, don't let this hinder you from checking out PNC Park. The beauty of the park and the skyline make up for the lack of love for the team. Go ahead, be a YINZER, and get the full FANHOOD experience!

• Unless the Pirates are playing the Cubs or Yankees or any other close by big name team, don't worry about getting your tickets ahead of time. Walk right up to the ticket counter the day of. There really isn't a bad seat in the house and you can't beat their ticket prices!



• Wear Black & Gold. A little white in there can't hurt either. If you're out of gear, head over to the Strip District where you can pick up Pirates gear cheap.




• Getting to PNC Park is an experience in itself. There's a few ways to do it.

1. If coming from the North, drive directly to the North Shore and park in any of the lots or parking garages.

2. Why drive? Stay right there at the Spring Hill Suites!

3. Park at Station Square on Carson St. and take the Gateway Clipper across the mighty Monongahela River. Only $5 and I hear they sell beer!

4. Park downtown and walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge, crossing the Allegheny River. Often it’s closed to traffic on game days.

• Know who Roberto Clemente is. He was a hero. He played all 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was the first hispanic MVP. In 1972 the aircraft taking him to Nicaragua to deliver supplies to earthquake victims crashed, taking his life all too soon.






• Pre-game, take a walk around the park and visit the various local establishments for some icy old beers. If it's nice out, the crowd will spill into the streets.



• Thirsty? Drink local. Iron City by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company will be on tap, or my favorite IC Light. I'm warning you, they didn't knickname it "Iron Shitty" for nothing. If you're looking for something darker, I recommend the Penn Pilsner by Penn Brewery. They have it on tap at the stadium also.




• Walk around the outside of the stadium. Take your picture with Honus Wagner.



• When you enter the stadium, take in the green grass as you ride the escalator up. Make sure you grab a program and score card!



• Walk around the inside of the stadium. If you have children, take them to the Kids Playland outside right field. Sundays they can run the bases after the game!





• Get your picture taken with Pirate Parrot, the Pirates mascot.




• If you're still thirsty, I recommend bottles. I've gotten funky tap beer numerous times from the concession stands here. You'd think I'd learn!



• Hungry? There's plenty! Some of my favorites:

1. Primanti Brothers - meat, fresh cut french fries, and coleslaw all smooshed between two thick slices of Italian bread. Trust me on this one people.

2. Quaker Steak & Lube - best french fries. Grab your family a bucket of wings... it'd stay away from the atomic sauce if I were you.

3. Manny's BBQ, located in center field. Honestly, I've never eaten it, but the line is so long it must be good! I know the smells sure are! Sometimes you can even catch Manny Sanguillen himself there working the register!

• Grab your seat and take it all in. Isn't this ball park BEAUTIFUL? Look at that skyline. Gorgeous.





• Watch the jumbotron. I LOVE jumbotrons, especially the one at PNC Park. It must be the sound system, it's just better than any other. Every time they go around the order is a different picture of the player. The graphics are great. Plus in between innings they'll play funny player interviews. I laugh every time.



• Listen to how people talk. Pittsburgh has a very distinct accent and even it's own language. "How are yinz doin? Takin in a game n'at? Where'd yinz park? Dahntahn?" You may want to study up.

http://www.pittsburghese.com/

• 7th inning. Time to stretch and pick your favorite pierogie. IT'S TIME FOR PIEROGIE RACES!!!



• Game is over. Hopefully you're celebrating a Bucs win... often times not. If it's a Saturday, stick around, enjoy the skyline and the fireworks display.


• Flood out into the streets and hit up any of the bars on the North Shore. If you're feeling adventurous, hit up Carson St. on the South Side. I recommend Fat Heads!

What's most important is to relax and enjoy yourself at PNC Park. Don't worry about a win or loss. Take in a night at the ball park with your family or your pals. It's one of the most inexpensive parks... but with the best view.

If you're in town but the Bucs are out, no worries. Head into the Outback Steakhouse for some food, drinks, and to watch the grounds crew take care of that green green grass!

Got more? Add a comment!

Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs

To kick off this blog I'm going to start with the first MLB venue I've ever been to - Wrigley Field in Chicago Illinois. I first went to Wrigley as a high schooler on a family road trip, then as a college grad on a rebel road trip, and now, living in Chicago, it's been a spring/summer/early fall staple.

Want to know how to get the full FANHOOD Wrigley Field/Chicago Cubs experience? A one, a two, a three...

• Get your tickets early. They sell out fast. You can always find them, but at a price. If you're alone, you can always find singles the night before online or even the day of at the park. Be aware of limited view seats - you may very well find yourself straddling a beam.






• Sit in the bleachers at least once (I have yet to do this myself) but ONLY if you don't have children with you, don't mind cursing, and don't mind a beer shower. The rowdiest fans sit in the bleachers, I hear it's an experience. Keep in mind, if the away team hits a home run and you just happen to catch it, THROW IT BACK! THROW IT BACK! You will be harassed if you don't.

• Sit on a rooftop at least once (I have yet to do this myself as well) but I'm certain it's an experience. Many come with an all you can eat and drink package. You can also escape inside to soak up some AC on a hot Midwest summer day.

• Please wear Cubs gear - royal blue, white, red. If you're lacking, hit up Strange Cargo on Clark St. for a variety of vintage Cubs T's.








• Learn some of the Cubs history. Please don't ask a Cubs fan "when did you last win the World Series?" This may leave you with a black eye. In 1945 they kicked a goat out of the park and have been cursed ever since.

• Hop on the Red Line to the Addison stop. A trip to Chicago isn't complete without a ride on The El. Visit http://www.transitchicago.com/ for CTA information.

• Head to Wrigleyville early, like 3-4 hours early. The bars that line Clark and Sheffield fill up fast. If there's drinking involved (which there so often is) you'll want to get a good base before hitting the park. If it's an early game, check out Salt & Pepper Diner. Yes, the diner serves beer.

• When in Chicago, you MUST drink Chicago beer. BUT, you want to start off with something good before grabbing that Old Style. Check out Goose Island on Clark St. for their staple 312 or my personal favorite Honkers Ale.









• Murphy's Bleachers on Sheffield and Waveland is a great place either before or after the game. It'll be packed but it's a good crowd.

• Get your picture taken with Ronnie Woo Woo - he's always wandering around outside of Wrigley in a full pinstriped Cubs uniform. It says Woo Woo on the back.








• Get your picture taken with Harry Caray - his statue anyway. Harry was the broadcaster for the Cubs for many years, he famously sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the 7th inning stretch. To this day that is still one of my top 10 favorite songs.

• Take your picture under the infamous Wrigley Field marquee. Do it quickly or you'll be swept away by the crowd attempting to get into the stadium.
  

• Bring a bottle of water. I recommend this at ANY sporting event. They let you take in one unopened bottle of water per person - if it's hot or if you're boozing, trust me, you'll need it.

• As soon as you enter, grab a program. If you are a serious baseball fan, you'll keep score.

• Grab an Old Style. A big one. Old Style is Chicago's beer and is a must at a Cubs game.

• No baseball game is complete without peanuts. Throw those shells right on the floor.
  
  
• Baseball = hot dogs. Chicago = Chicago dogs. Get one. A steamed bun with poppy seed, a Vienna Beef dog, a pickle, tomato, relish, onions, mustard, hot peppers and celery salt. Do NOT ask for ketchup.

• When you arrive at your seat (preferably before the game has started) take some time to enjoy where you are. Feel the history of the venue. Feel the energy in the ivy. Look at all the rooftops. Just take it in. This is where Babe Ruth hit is famous called shot you know.

• Always practice baseball game etiquette.


• Men - the stadium is old. You will urinate in a troth with many drunken fans. Get over it. Remember to wash your hands.

• Look for the guy changing the score. It's all done by hand. Occasionally you can catch them peeking out of one of the holes.
  
  
  


• Learn "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". This is sung at Wrigley every 7th inning stretch.

http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Cottage/3192/Ballgame.html

• Learn "Go Cubs Go". This is played after the game ONLY if the Cubs win.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_lyrics_for_Go_Cubs_Go

• Be aware that after the Cubs win, fans and businesses will display their white and blue "W" flag's proudly. No, this does not stand for your former president, this stands for WIN!!!







• Whew, the game is over. Time to celebrate the W. Stroll around the stadium, listen to the bucket drummers, a Chicago staple, and throw them a couple bucks.

• Want to see the players rides? Walk around to gate K and watch the players roll out. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good shot, but I did see Carlos Marmol post shower!

• Dogs hurt from a rowdy game? Don't walk, ride in a pedi-cab!

• Take your pick at any of the local establishments - all will be full of people - many 3 sheets to the wind. If you are a tourist, you're bound to meet some locals but most likely, many will be tourists just like you.

Most importantly, have fun. I hope this helps you have an amazing Wrigley Field experience! Feel free to add your own "must do's" in the comments section.

Missed a home game? No worries, tours of Wrigely Field are available!