The Steelers this weekend will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the greatest play in NFL history, the Immaculate Reception, with a number of events in conjunction with the team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Sunday's game marks 40 years to the day, Dec. 23, 1972, the anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
The festivities will begin on Saturday, Dec. 22, with the Steelers and the Senator John Heinz History Center, along with Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI), unveiling an Immaculate Reception monument near Heinz Field. The unveiling will take place at 4:15 p.m. and will include many former Steelers who were involved in the play, including Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris and running back Frenchy Fuqua.
The Immaculate Reception unveiling, which is on the exact location of the memorable catch, will be held on West General Robinson street between Stage AE and Heinz Field, is free and open to the public, and it officially will kick off a weekend full of events at both venues.
In addition to the unveiling on Saturday at 4:15 p.m., the following is a list and times of the free events open to the public that evening:
- 6 p.m. – Immaculate Reception celebration event (at Stage AE).
- 7-8 p.m. – Live KDKA-TV Immaculate Reception show featuring Franco Harris and his teammates (at Stage AE).
- 8-10 p.m. – Free concert: House of Soul (at Stage AE).
During Sunday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers will again honor the 40th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception throughout the game. Game tickets are required to all events during Sunday's game.
At halftime of Sunday's game against the Bengals, the Steelers will salute Harris and his teammates on the field. The halftime celebration will include 11 former Steelers who were involved in the game as well as a video tribute from Terry Bradshaw.
The Steelers and the Heinz History Center are running a fundraising campaign that gives fans an opportunity to commemorate the play with Immaculate Reception collectibles. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit www.heinzhistorycenter.org to learn how to participate in the campaign. Portions of the proceeds will go to the Heinz History Center.
The official Immaculate Reception monument is presented by ATI. The bronze plaques were fabricated by Matthews International Architectural Products. Design and construction services were provided by LaQuatra Bonci Associates and Mascaro Construction Company.
