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!