Pittsburgh Steelers fans said goodbye to an old friend on December 16, 2000. Three Rivers Stadium, home of our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers for 29 years, hosted its final game that day. The stadium had seen many triumphant moments, including four Super Bowl championships in the '70s. We packed Three Rivers for one last hurrah before the Steelers moved next door to our new, modern home.
Steelers.com
Exterior of then-Heinz Field, now known as Acrisure Stadium.
Many fans have fond memories of Three Rivers Stadium. But by the late '90s, the multipurpose concrete structure lacked amenities and had maintenance issues. Funding was approved after much debate for a new football-only stadium for the Steelers, alongside a separate new Pittsburgh Pirates ballpark.
Acrisure Stadium opened in 2001 by the name “Heinz Field” back then on the same site as Three Rivers, after demolition crews tore down the old venue. Over 20 years later, the stadium affectionately called "The Ketchup Bottle" has carved out its own identity.
While Three Rivers catered to both football and baseball, Acrisure Stadium was designed purely for football. Modern amenities like luxury suites, club seating, stadium-wide wifi, and upgraded concessions created an amazing fan experience. The 65,000 seat capacity gives it an intimate feel where every fan is close to the action.
Acrisure Stadium incorporates a steel framework and yellow seats that evoke Pittsburgh's industrial past. But it also has views of the downtown skyline, creating an impressive showcase along the Allegheny.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Acrisure Stadium plays host to both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Panthers.
While built for Steelers Sundays, it also hosts Pittsburgh Panthers games, concerts from stars like Kenny Chesney, and even an NHL Winter Classic back in 2011. It doesn't just sit empty in the offseason either. The complex hosts football camps, outdoor movie nights, races, walking tours, and festivals on the North Shore. There's always something happening thanks to great multi-use venue planning. Acrisure Stadium keeps Pittsburgh's North Shore buzzing year-round as a multi-use entertainment district.
Like any great stadium, Acrisure Stadium is woven into the fabric of its community. The city has a rich history when it comes to fan following and the ever increasing interest for them among uk online betting websites is a clear cut illustration. Acrisure Stadium is now part of what makes Pittsburgh such an amazing football city. When future generations take our seats, they'll think back to the Steelers legends that built their legacy on that field.
Join us in looking back at the history and evolution of this iconic Steelers home.
Three Rivers' Curtain Call
Three Rivers deserved a proper sendoff after being the home to four Steelers Super Bowl rosters. For the last hurrah, over 59,000 of our fans packed the stands on a frigid December afternoon. The Steelers beat the then-Washington Redskins 24-3. After the final whistle, fans stuck around for a closing ceremony honoring Hall of Famers and past championships.
It was the end of an era, but the foundation for bigger things to come.
A New Downtown Steelers Showpiece
When Acrisure Stadium opened in 2001, our fans had a very different experience than the old Three Rivers Stadium. Wide concourses with views of downtown and the Point, escalators to upper levels - it felt like a true NFL venue. Brilliant green turf with the classic Steelers logo at midfield completed the picture.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers trained at then-Heinz Field during the Steelers 2020 training camp.
Acrisure Stadium had some expected early hiccups like scoreboard malfunctions and concession snafus. But city leaders got what they envisioned - a crown jewel venue along the riverfront. Total cost ballooned to over $280 million, but the investment paid off.
Creating Lasting Memories
Great sports stadiums become part of the fan experience. They provide the backdrop for memorable moments we etch into our brains forever. Acrisure Stadium has given us many such moments since opening in 2001. Here is one of our favorites:
2010-11 AFC Championship
The Steelers outlasted the New York Jets' late rally to reach their 8th Super Bowl. It was their third Super Bowl in six years thanks to a big-play defense that returned a fumble for a touchdown and staged a late goal-line stand in a 24-19 victory.
Steelers.com
Stadium Upgrades Over the Years
No venue remains completely static over decades. Owners work to enhance fan experience and modernize amenities. Acrisure Stadium is no exception, with many upgrades over its first 20 years.
The original Jumbotrons proved underwhelming and frequently malfunctioned. Massive new Daktronics video displays were installed in 2007. Now fans never miss a replay or live action on the giant boards.
In 2014, the brand new high-def SONY displays and a 360-degree ribbon video board was installed. This $12 million investment ensured Acrisure Stadium stayed cutting edge.
Tech enhancements like free Wi-Fi, mobile ticketing, and digital signs creating a seamless fan experience continue. Over $80 million in renovations before the Steelers' 75th season in 2017 gave Acrisure Stadium a minor facelift. More upgrades are surely on the horizon.
After two decades as Heinz Field, the Steelers' home stadium got a new name in 2022. The H.J. Heinz Company decided not to renew the naming rights after 2021. The City of Pittsburgh then approved a bid from Michigan-based financial services company Acrisure to take over the rights.
In a 15-year deal worth over $10 million annually, our venue became known as Acrisure Stadium starting in the 2022 NFL season. It marked the end of the "Ketchup Bottle" nickname, and the start of a new branding era for the Steelers' long-time home.
Mike Reiss / ESPN
Heinz Field ketchup bottles.
Signature Moments Still to Come
An anxious energy buzzed through Pittsburgh on that opening night in 2001. While we fans honored the old, they got fired up for new beginnings. No one knew then the moments and memories awaiting at Acrisure Stadium.
Additional AFC North banners will hang from the rafters, and more players will earn their gold jacket. Pittsburgh's faithful turn out in force no matter the team's fortune, cheering generations of stars yet to come.
Acrisure Stadium now holds its special place in the fabric of Pittsburgh. Like the Steelers themselves, it has ingrained itself as a cultural institution.
When our kids take our seats generations from now, they'll think back to the legends we described from this hallowed ground. The Super Bowls, last-second thrillers, and titans who built their legacy on that turf.
Trees and technology will change. But football remains timeless. Acrisure Stadium now takes its place in that timeline, preparing for the next unforgettable moment. For that powerful instant when over 65,000 collectively rise while waving Terrible Towels under the lights. That is the magic Acrisure Stadium was constructed to create for decades to come.
