What’s better than cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers on autumn days? Cheering them on in one of the top-rated stadiums in the entire NFL. According to Yelp, Heinz Field holds a 4.5-star rating out of five – good enough for third place, trailing only Lucas Oil Stadium and Lambeau Field.
View this post on Instagram
Out of the 192 reviews, visitors share some common themes.
“The stadium is beautiful! The field is so cool! The city was lively and the fans were awesome!” says Robert V from Charlotte, NC.“The stadium is awesome… a great atmosphere, great fans, and great team pride!” says Rosie H. from Alhambra, CA.
“This is a MUST for a Steelers fan. Whether you are going for a game or a stadium tour, the place is awesome. I felt right at home,” says Skye S. from Oklahoma City, OK.
This sounds like the number one stadium in the league to us.
Need some further proof? Here's why:
Heinz Field is One-of-a-Kind
Since opening in 2001, and following the demolition of Three Rivers Stadium, the Steelers have played 183 games on the natural grass field at Heinz Field. The 1.49 million square foot facility has over 12,000 tons of steel and holds 68,400 fans, including two circular pedestrian ramps at the south end of the stadium where fans can look down at the field. Adding to that are the numerous boats that dock on the Ohio River (weather permitting) behind the south end of the stadium that opens up to a sight of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline, depending on where your seats are.
A view of Heinz Field overlooking the downtown Pittsburgh skyline on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. CREDIT | KARL ROSER/PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Even on days when the stands seem empty, the yellow-painted seats make it feel like Steeler Nation is always there.
Fans can also treat themselves to the convenience of 47 concessions sprinkled throughout the stadium or by stocking up on the latest Steelers gear at one of the seven pro shops.
Renegade
NFL teams have different traditions. In Minnesota, they have the “Skol Chant,” in Boston, they have the horn blare after every third down, and in Denver, they have the “in-com-plete” chant after every opposing quarterback throws an incomplete pass.
However, arguably one of the best traditions in the entire league is when “Renegade” by the Styx blares over the loudspeaker at Heinz Field. The song has become an iconic moment of any Steelers game since its inception during the third quarter of the Steelers’ playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on January 5, 2002.
In that game, the Steelers found themselves down 24-7. Then, Mike Marchinsky, one of team’s marketing assistants at the time, played the song in the stadium during a commercial break and sent a jolt of electricity into the fans, and presumably, into the team, as well. What soon followed was a team rally to win the game 36-33. Now, Renegade is played during a critical time in the game.
Renegade strikes again! Boswell kicks a 54yd FG, then recovers the fumble on the kickoff!!!! #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/PGEWB7JS0i
— Max Starks IV (@maxstarks78) November 9, 2021
Heinz Field Festivities
What happens at the Red Lot 5A at every Steelers home game? The Terrible Tailgate. But let’s be honest, there’s nothing “terrible” about it. Fans come from all over to join in on pregame festivities as early as five hours and party all the way up to kick-off.
The Steelers also announced the game themes for the 2022 season. The Steelers will introduce the 2022 Hall of Honor Class during an on-field ceremony on Sun., Nov. 13, and the Salute to Service game will take place during Sunday Night Football on Nov. 20, to name a few.
Heinz Field is full of tradition and history that both fans and players can appreciate and enjoy, even if you're not a Steelers fan. What is your favorite part about Heinz Field? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget, the Steelers home opener is Sunday, September 18th at 1:00 p.m. ET against the New England Patriots.
#SteelerNation
