By Jamie Swimmer
Steelers.com Intern
In the shadows of Three Rivers Stadium, which was home to four Super Bowl Championship teams, ground was broken for a new home and new memories for the Pittsburgh Steelers on this day 17 years ago.
Take a look at photos of the Heinz Field groundbreaking ceremony, held on June 18, 1999
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of Art Rooney, Jr. and Dan Rooney during the Heinz Field groundbreaking ceremony and construction, June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of fireworks after the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Steelers' Chairman Dan Rooney and team President Art Rooney II were amongst those who took part in the groundbreaking, joined by Hall of Fame defensive tackle Joe Greene, then NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and an array of local politicians and community leaders.
"We have worked hard to design a spectacular football stadium for our fans, one of which they will be proud and can enjoy for years to come," said Art Rooney II on that day. "In addition to being a great stadium for fans to watch football, we wanted the design to be distinctively Pittsburgh. We believe the current design accomplishes both objectives."
The Rooney family asked stadium architect's, HOK Sports, to keep the design 'distinctively Pittsburgh,' and that was done with 12,500 tons of exposed steel and the South end of the stadium open to give fans a clear view of the city's skyline.
Fans were given the opportunity to partake in the groundbreaking festivities during a celebration later that evening, which included photo opportunities, a concert and fireworks.
Heinz Field was designed not only for Steelers games, but for the University of Pittsburgh to play their home games as well as a place to host concerts and other fun activities.
"This is an extremely exciting period for Pittsburgh, the Steelers, the University of Pittsburgh and our fans," added Art Rooney II.
