The Steelers host the San Diego Chargers at Heinz Field on Sunday, Dec. 9, and kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The matchup will be televised on CBS (locally KDKA-TV, channel 2).
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid anticipated heavy traffic and last minute crowds at the gates, and to enjoy in-stadium pregame festivities. All gates will open at 11 a.m.
All fans will be subject to metal detection as they enter Heinz Field. This is a new requirement for all NFL stadiums and will be fan-friendly and more useful than the pat-downs that were used in the past. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to the stadium to allow extra time for the screening. The new procedure, using handheld metal detectors, will enhance the current screening process and ensure a safe game day environment for all. Fans can log on to www.steelers.com to view the security guidelines for entering Heinz Field.
The Steelers also encourage fans to be patient about entering the stadium. The enhanced security procedures at the stadium gates will increase the comfort and safety of fans at the game, but will require additional time for inspections at the gates. Heinz Field management has express lanes for fans that don't have items for inspection at the security check points upon entering the stadium on game days.
The Steelers and Heinz Field management are advising fans attending Sunday's game about some traffic, access and security matters, including the following stadium policies:
- Coolers, bags, backpacks and large purses (larger than 8½" by 11") will be prohibited. Small purses, fanny packs, small camera cases, binocular cases and diaper bags will be permitted, however, all bags are subject to inspection. All bags that do not pass security must be returned to vehicles. In addition, thermoses will not be permitted in the stadium.
- Signs and apparel with foul language or inappropriate messages are prohibited in Heinz Field. Fans with signage or apparel bearing foul language will not be allowed into Heinz Field or will be subject to expulsion from the stadium.
- Media must present identification and check-in prior to being admitted to the stadium.* *
- Media planning on exiting and re-entering the stadium at any point on game day must have their credential "scanned-out" before exiting in order for it to be valid for re-entry.
Heinz Field management recommends that all fans lock their vehicles and keep personal belongings out of sight before entering the stadium. Fans are advised to not leave valuables in their vehicles during games.
Counterfeit Tickets
The Steelers and Heinz Field management are warning fans to watch out for counterfeit tickets when attempting to make a purchase from scalpers. Fans looking to purchase tickets are advised to only purchase tickets from the Steelers ticket office or access the team's online TicketExchange service by logging on to www.steelers.com/ticketexchange or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Fans are advised not to purchase paper tickets printed through the TicketExchange service from scalpers because of the possibility of counterfeiting.
Parking
Fans without pre-sold parking and cash parkers arriving after 10 a.m. should utilize parking:
- In the Golden Triangle and ride the new, free "T" to Heinz Field;
- At Station Square and ride the Gateway Clipper Fleet;
- AtBlue 10 (North Shore) Garage and Allegheny Center Garage (access from NORTH on I-279 via Exit 2B; from EAST/NORTH on Rte 28 via Lacock Street; or from SOUTH/WEST or EAST via I-279 North, Exit 1D, then left on Madison Avenue and left on East Ohio Street.
Reserved, pre-sold parking lots around the stadium open at 8 a.m. to game day parkers. Tailgating is permitted in the pre-sold lots surrounding the stadium. Fans should consider using the West End Bridge to access pre-sold parking facilities.
Fans can park in the Golden Triangle and ride the free "T" to Heinz Field this year. Fans can park in one of the nine Pittsburgh Parking Authority garages in the Golden Triangle or the Mon Wharf for $5.00.
Boat Shuttles from Golden Triangle and Strip District
You can enjoy a boat shuttle ride from the Allegheny Wharf to/from Heinz Field. Access the Allegheny Wharf via steps at the south end of the Clemente Bridge near Ft. Duquesne Boulevard. Pittsburgh Water Limo boat shuttles begin three hours prior to kickoff. Return shuttles begin at the end of the third quarter and continue until one hour after the game concludes.
From the Strip District, 23rd Street area, to/from Heinz Field, shuttle boat rides are available three hours and one and a half hours prior to kickoff. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Visit www.pittsburghwaterlimo.com for additional information. Limited free parking is available at the marina.
Station Square Boat Shuttles
Park at Station Square ($10.00) and ride the Gateway Clipper Fleet Steelers shuttle boats ($5.00 per person, each way).
Traffic Alerts
PennDOT, the Pittsburgh City Police and other partners are working with the Steelers and Heinz Field management to facilitate event access and to provide tips that will help with your game day commute:
Post-Game Traffic
Route 28 Alternate Routes to Consider:
One lane northbound on Route 28 North (between the 31st Street Bridge and the 40th Street Bridge) has been closed for construction. Fans who normally exit via Route 28 North may want to consider the following exit routes:
• HOV North to McKnight Road
• 16th Street Bridge to 40th Street Bridge(via Liberty Avenue and Butler Street)
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West End Bridge
• If you are in the right lane, stay in the lane across the bridge, do not merge; at the traffic signal, keep moving and turn right; then proceed in all directions, including returning to Route 19 South, to Route 51 South, and to I-376 West (Parkway West).
• If you are crossing the bridge from the North Shore area to Route 51 South and I-376 West, the left lane may be the quickest lane to use.
I-376 West (Parkway West), Alternate Routes to Consider:
1. To Beaver and Butler counties, northwest Pennsylvania or Northeast Ohio
• I-279 North via HOV, then North on I-79;
• Route 65 North, then North on I-79
2. To southwest Allegheny County, Washington or Green counties, West Virginia or Southeast Ohio
• Route 65 North, then South on I-79;
• HOV to I-279 North; then South on Camp Horne Road (Exit 8) to Route 65 North at Emsworth and to I-79 South;
• Route 51 North to I-79 South (via Route 65 North; McKees Rocks Bridge South; Route 51 North; then Neville Road North to I-79 South);
• Route 50 West to I-79 South (North on Route 60 [via Noblestown Road]; then West on Route 50 to I-79 South [Carnegie] or I-79 South [Kirwan Heights])
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Golden Triangle (postgame)
• Ft. Duquesne Blvd., westbound to I-376 is closed for construction;
• Ft. Duquesne Blvd., eastbound Stanwix Street to Sixth Ave. is closed following the game.
Trucks Prohibited from North Shore Before, During and After Game
Trucks (except those approved by police for deliveries and those displaying North Shore Pre-Sold Parking permits and traveling directly to their permitted lot or garage) are prohibited from the North Shore Streets Area (Reedsdale Street, Casino Drive, North Shore Drive and Mazeroski Way) from three hours before until two hours after the game.
