The annual United Way Kickoff event will take place at halftime of the Steelers preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night at Heinz Field.
But it will be field goals, and not kickoffs, that will be a key for this one.
Representatives from three area companies, the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC and People's Natural Gas Company, will take part in a halftime field goal kicking contest to benefit the United Way.
The winning company will be the organization to kickoff the United Way campaign and will present a $10,000 donation to Bob Nelkin, the President and Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Allegheny County.
The Steelers will continue the celebration of USA Football Month when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night at Heinz Field.
Youth football teams from Montour and West Allegheny will take part in the Dick's Sporting Goods Youth Football Exhibition, playing in front of the Heinz Field crowd at halftime.
The teams were selected through the Steelers partnership with Dick's Sporting Goods, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"For a lot of these kids it's the first time they have ever been in Heinz Field to see a game," said Mike Marchinsky, the Steelers marketing manager for youth football. "Now you add on the fact that they can play at halftime, the level of excitement is through the roof for these kids. That is what makes it that much more special."
Kids who attended the Steelers Youth Football Camps will serve as honorary co-captains for the second game in a row and youth football players and coaches will attend the game. The Plum Senior High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard will take part, presenting America's colors.
The Steelers and USA Football have also teamed-up to award equipment grants to youth and high school football programs. The team also holds youth football programs, from camps for kids to clinics for coaches.
About USA Football
USA Football, the sport's national governing body on youth and amateur levels, leads the game's development, inspires participation, and ensures a positive experience for all youth, high school, and other amateur players.* *The independent non-profit hosts more than 80 football training events annually for coaches, players and youth football league commissioners. USA Football is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association and manages U.S. national teams for international competition. Endowed by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football (usafootball.com) distributes $1 million annually in equipment grants and offers youth league volunteer background check subsidies. Former NFL team executive Carl Peterson is USA Football's chairman.
Fans are also reminded about the team's "Early Bird" promotion which gives them the opportunity to win great prizes if they enter Heinz Field early on Saturday night. Read more about the Early Bird program.
