It's been a topic that hasn't garnered too much attention for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since the team moved into their new stadium in 2001, it's always been known as Heinz Field. The Rooney family struck a deal with the local company for $57 million dollars back then, as it was a huge discount. The 57 is significant to Heinz for their famous '57' sauce.
A view of Heinz Field overlooking the downtown Pittsburgh skyline on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. CREDIT | KARL ROSER
Several months ago, the vibe was very positive from both sides as they believed a deal would get done.
“We are in discussions with the Steelers organization and are still considering our collaboration options. We’re proud of our 21 years of partnership to date,” Kraft Heinz said via statement in March. “Kraft Heinz is committed to our ongoing presence in and support of the Pittsburgh community, which remains our co-headquarters.”
Prior to that statement from the Kraft Heinz organization, team President Art Rooney II said in February that he was optimistic about renewing the rights for Heinz Field.
"You know it's something that we're having some conversations with Heinz obviously about it. And I think we'll know the answer to that soon. I'm optimistic about keeping the name as is," Rooney said with a smile.
Will Heinz Field be Heinz Field next season?
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) February 24, 2022
With the naming rights to the stadium up, Steelers President Art Rooney II tells me he's optimistic about keeping the name as is. pic.twitter.com/84YnNqX0Mx
But Sunday night, news was broken by 93.7 The Fan host Andrew Fillipponi on Twitter that the team and Kraft Heinz weren't able to come to a deal and that the stadium will have a new sponsor company.
Breaking: Heinz Field is no more. The ketchup giant will not extend its naming rights deal for 2022. Sources say a new name for the stadium could be announced this week.
Breaking: Heinz Field is no more. The ketchup giant will not extend its naming rights deal for 2022. Sources say a new name for the stadium could be announced this week.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) July 11, 2022
Heinz Field is the only sponsored stadium that the team has ever played in. Previously playing at Three Rivers Stadium, Pitt Stadium, and before that, Forbes Field. The last major deal the team worked out with a major brand was when they built their new South Side practice facility many years ago. University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center holds the rights for that. They also hold the rights for the Pittsburgh Penguins' beautiful practice facility in Cranberry Township.
Speaking of the Penguins, they just went through a stadium name change of their own. Consol Energy Center transformed to the PPG Paints Arena a few years back. It was weird at first for Penguins fans, but the new name seemed to settle with the fanbase quickly. But it's likely that the change from Heinz Field will be a hard one for many in Steeler Nation.
The northwest corner of Heinz Field | CREDIT: STEELERS.COM
Fillipponi alluded to the fact a new name could be announced this week, but it's unclear who a potential player could be. Rivers Casino, UPMC, or possibly an outside company could come in with a large figure. Stay tuned for an update this week if an announcement is made.
