The Robert Morris hockey team has played outdoors before, but not on the type of stage the Colonials will get to take when they host Niagara on Sunday night at Heinz Field.
"I think one of the things that makes it very special for us is the opportunity to play in our hometown and play in an iconic venue, Heinz Field," Robert Morris head coach Derek Schooley said.
Heinz Field prepares for the NHL Stadium Series.
Robert Morris is in its 13th year of competition at the NCAA Division I level.
The Colonials skated to a 2-2 tie against No. 19 Bowling Green on Jan. 3, 2015, at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio.
That was the home of the Toledo Mud Hens, minor-league baseball team.
This time, the outdoor setting is the home of the Steelers.
"You see the Steelers on TV," Schooley continued. "You see the Steelers win championships. To play in a venue of such prestige is exciting for our players, our fans and our university."
The Robert Morris-Niagara game will follow Saturday night's NHL Stadium Series clash between the Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers.
The three members of the Colonials' roster from the Pittsburgh area are particularly appreciative of the opportunity.
Freshman winger Luke Lynch is from Shaler, freshman winger Jake Coleman is from Moon Township and sophomore center Alex Dagnal is from Peters Township.
"I'm definitely a huge Steelers fan and I'm always ready to cheer on the City of Champions," Lynch said. "I haven't been to many (Steelers) games playing hockey but I definitely watch them a lot on TV. We're all on the same page as far as being really excited, especially being Pittsburgh kids and knowing how big football is in Pittsburgh. It's going to be a pretty neat experience.
"If you're from Pittsburgh and you like another football team, people don't take too kindly to that. Everybody bleeds Black & Gold and that's how I've been since I was a kid with the Steelers, the Pirates and the Penguins."
The puck is scheduled to drop at 7:05 p.m. for the Robert Morris-Niagara game and the event is being presented free of charge.
One of the most interested observes will be Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert, a Robert Morris alum and a member of the Robert Morris Board of Trustees.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the Robert Morris hockey program, and for college hockey in general, to be able to play in that venue the day after the Penguins play Philadelphia," Colbert said. "It's exciting, not only for the university but for the local hockey fan.
"Hopefully, we have a great turnout for what I think will be a great event."
