Home sweet home: After two weeks on the road, linebacker Elandon Roberts is pumped to be back on familiar ground this week when the Steelers take on the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium in the home opener.
"Nothing beats coming home," said a smiling Roberts. "I can't wait to see Steelers Nation."
When I asked Roberts what is special about it, his answer was simple.
"Everything,"
And he means it, because he has seen it from both sidelines. He signed with the Steelers before the 2023 season, but spent four years with the New England Patriots and three with the Miami Dolphins to start his career.
"It was even crazy being on the other side of the ball," said Roberts. "I am just excited.
"Shoutout to Steelers Nation. I can't wait to see you."
Like many of his teammates, Roberts can wait to hear 'Renegade' blaring when the defense takes the field.
"It definitely sets the tone," said Roberts. "It's crazy. It brings that type of feel to you. That's why you enjoy playing the game, for those crazy moments.
"It locks everyone in a little different."
Waiting for it: From the minute Donte Jackson was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, the cornerback has been looking forward to one thing.
Hearing the Styx anthem 'Renegade' being played at Acrisure Stadium.
And he isn't joking about it either.
"I had an Uber driver my first week out here for OTAs and he recognized who I was," said Jackson. "He didn't say anything in the first couple of minutes of the drive, but then he said, 'You're, Donte Jackson, right.' I told him I was. He right away said he was happy the team had me now.
"We were talking, and he told me, 'You're going to love it when 'Renegade' plays in the fourth quarter. You're going to love it all. The Terrible Towels waving. All of it.'
"He kept giving me the whole spiel about it. It was the spring, and I'm like, 'Bro, you got me ready to go now,'
"It is awesome. I can't wait."
While Jackson has a mini-intro to what life with 'Renegade' and the home crowd is like in the preseason, he knows nothing will compare to this Sunday when the Steelers host the Los Angeles Chargers in the home opener, his first time playing in front of the home crowd in a regular season game.
"I've been looking forward to it since the first day I became a part of this organization," said Jackson. "Everything you hear about the Steelers organization, the fans, the stadium. Seeing all the fans on the road the first two road games, you kind of get that feeling.
"I'm excited. My family's excited. My wife and kids are excited. We're just happy. Happy for one, just to be here and just to have this opportunity, and two, to be able to just go out there and fly around in front these fans.
"It's amazing. I can't wait."
A look at player arrivals before the Steelers' Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium
What's new at Acrisure Stadium: A new season brings changes on the football field, and at Acrisure Stadium, it brings changes off the field as well.
Each year, to make the fan experience better for Steelers Nation, new additions and upgrades are provided to enhance the game day experience.
The changes bring new technology, tasty culinary items, fun features and in-stadium entertainment, all part of the elevated experience you will have during the 2024 Steelers season at Acrisure Stadium.
Before you even enter Acrisure Stadium, stop by the Steel Yard, a fun area located outside of Gate A that gives you the feeling of being in your own backyard, with all of the game day excitement. Admission is free for all guests to enjoy a perfect tailgate spot.
Once you are in stadium, the new look Terrible Towel Wall, located in the FedEx Great Hall, is a must-see pregame. You can learn about the history of the towel and snap some unforgettable photos with the massive 400-square-foot Terrible Towel.
There are also more unique food and beverage options than ever before, including the Miller Lite Renegade Pub, located in the West Main Concourse. The spacious area includes a Pittsburgh mural, large TV screens so you don't miss any action, and a full-service bar.
With technology constantly changing, Acrisure Stadium is staying on the cutting edge, with an Acrisure Stadium mode added to the Steelers mobile app for easy access to stadium maps, parking information, mobile ticketing, and more. And with the need to access details on your phone, as well as capture fun memories in stadium, new ChargeFuze Stations are located throughout the stadium to keep your mobile device charged.
This is just the beginning of what you will enjoy this year at Acrisure Stadium.
For more details, click here.
Honoring America: The National Anthem will be performed by singer, songwriter and guitarist Tim Montana. Following the anthem, there will be a flyover provided by the 13th Bomb Squadron - The Devil's Own Grim Reapers.
The North Allegheny High School marching band will perform at halftime.
Twirl the Towel: The Terrible Towel Twirl will be led by Pittsburgh Penguins assistant captain Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.
The voice of the Steelers: The Steelers will pay tribute to former radio play-by-play broadcaster Bill Hillgrove during the first quarter of today's game.
Hillgrove will be recognized for his illustrious career with the Steelers Radio Network, which spanned 30 years of being the Voice of the Steelers.
Hillgrove retired during the offseason.
Enter early: Acrisure Stadium Management and the Pittsburgh Steelers are reminding fans to enter the stadium early to ensure they will not miss kickoff.
Fireworks, which will be presented by Zambelli Fireworks, will be set off an hour prior to kickoff and 30 minutes prior to kickoff to serve as reminders for fans to enter Acrisure Stadium so they will not miss all of the pregame activities, including Steelers introductions and kickoff.
Fans are also being reminded of the mobile ticketing process in place at Acrisure Stadium. Prior to coming to Acrisure Stadium, fans should:
• Save their mobile tickets to the digital wallet on their smartphone.
• Make sure their phones are fully charged.
Visit the Official Steelers Pro Shop: Gear up for gameday by visiting the Official Steelers Pro Shop located on Art Rooney Ave at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers Pro Shop offers a variety of on-field sideline gear, jerseys, hats, terrible towels and more direct from the team.
Hearing from Legends: A live Legends Q & A will take place at the FedEx Great Hall Stage at 11:15 a.m. Arthur Moats will host it, with his guest Jon Kolb.
Remember the Game: No matter if you were waving your Terrible Towel at Acrisure Stadium or in the comfort of your own home, purchase your commemorative ticket to relive the moments of each game of the 2024 season.
-->> **Learn More**
Mobile Ticketing
Ensure your phone is fully charged on gameday. Download your mobile ticket before arriving to Acrisure Stadium. Be sure to access your digital ticket(s) and save to your Apple or Google Wallet before you arrive at Acrisure Stadium.
Cashless on Gameday
For your safety and convenience, we are limiting the number of touchpoints between you and our staff members. Acrisure Stadium is a cashless venue and credit and debit cards are still accepted, as well as Apple and Google Pay.
Clear Bag Policy
To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers will continue to enforce the NFL CLEAR BAG POLICY that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the stadium.
Security Screening
You may walk through new state-of-the-art screening machines at certain gates that do not require the removal of personal items (e.g. keys, cell phones, coats or bags). Simply walk through the system unimpeded.
Hispanic Heritage Month: The Steelers are highlighting the Latino Youth Honors as a part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Two area students, both who play football for their schools, are being honored. Isabelly Rodriques, from Moon Area High School, and Natalia Pereira, from Ambridge Area High School.
They are part of a full list of honorees will be recognized by the NFL and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, with a selection of eight finalists each receiving a grant award that can be used for college, including $25,000 grants for both the male and female national winners and $5,000 grants for each of the six other finalists.
Additionally, the eight finalists will participate in a variety of special events taking place in New Orleans during Super Bowl LIX Week. Activities will be designed to provide mentorship, guidance and resources to pursue careers in professional sports and all eight finalists will attend this year's Super Bowl. During that week, a male and female national winner will be announced at NFL Honors, with the recipients receiving an invitation to HHF's National Youth Awards ceremony later in 2025.
In addition, the Community Organization of the Game is the Latino Community Center. The Latino Community Center welcomes, guides and builds community among Latine families and in the Pittsburgh region. The LCC is focused on ensuring all Latine kids have the tools and resources needed to become the best version of themselves- this includes high quality education programs and wrap-around family support services.
Pregame Activities
Art Rooney Avenue: Celebrate with Steelers Nation on Art Rooney Avenue, home to the Steelers Experience, including photo opportunities, the FedEx Air and Ground Zone, prize giveaways, Hall of Honor Museum display, and more.
Test your speed at the new 40 Yard Dash on Art Rooney Ave!
Location: Along the East Side of the stadium
Time: Open 3 hours prior to kickoff.
Stage AE
Stop by the Official Tailgate Zone of the Pittsburgh Steelers, featuring a live band, giant TVs to watch highlights and games, food and drink specials and contests.
Location: Along North Shore Drive
Time: Opens 4 hours prior to kickoff
FedEx Great Hall
Take advantage of photo opps, watch the live pregame show -Steelers Kickoff, and explore the Steelers Pro Shop with access to concessions all in the FedEx Great Hall.
Location: Enter through East side of Stadium
Time: Pregame Show - 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Steel Yard
Prepare for kickoff at our traditional backyard tailgate experience with your favorite lawn games & Anheuser-Busch products in the Bud Light backyard, or enjoy a cocktail from the brand new Stillhouse mobile hub.
The Steel Yard is also home to larger-than-life photo ops, including the 360-photo booth & #HEREWEGO sign.
Location: Outside of Gate A East on the south end of the stadium
Time: Opens 3 hours prior to kickoff
Gameday Poster Series: Stop by the Steelers Pro Shop to purchase your Gameday Poster while supplies last! Each poster is uniquely designed to represent each of our home games, with a season-long poster available that encapsulates the season!
Saluting a hero: The U.S. Steel Salute to Heroes recipient is BOSUN MATE 3rd Class, Daniel A. Bish. In 1943, Bish decided to do his part in World War II and signed up for the United States Navy. During his service, he became the exception to most World War II Sailors who served in only one theater. Due to his skills and role, Bish served in battles in both the Atlantic and Pacific After the war, he worked locally on the Lock systems along our rivers which are still in operation today.
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
WATCH/STREAM
- The game broadcast is carried on CBS (KDKA locally in Pittsburgh). Game coverage begins Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET;
- The BetMGM Steelers Kickoff pregame show with Bob Pompeani and former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch airs at 11:30 a.m. ET on KDKA-TV in the Pittsburgh market; The Neighborhood Ford Store Steelers Xtra Point postgame show with Pompeani and former Steelers defensive lineman Chris Hoke starts immediately following the game on KDKA+.
- Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analysis), and Tracy Wolfson (field reporter) are on the game call.
- NFL+ Premium gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market games, LIVE local & primetime Regular Season and Postseason games on your phone or tablet, full & condensed replays of every game, and MORE! Whether you are at the stadium or on-the-go, you will never miss a moment with NFL+. NOTE: NFL+ is only available to users within the United States. For a full description of features, requirements, limitations, and other information, visit NFL+ Support.
- Don't forget all Steelers postgame press conferences are streamed live on Steelers.com, the Steelers Official Mobile App and the team's Official YouTube Channel.
LISTEN
- Steelers Audio Network - Game coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. ET; Pregame programming begins at 9:00 a.m.; Postgame coverage starts immediately following the game.
- Rob King (play-by-play), Craig Wolfley (color analyst), Max Starks & Missi Matthews (sideline reporters) are on the call.
- Fans in the Pittsburgh area can listen locally on WDVE 102.5 FM & WBGG 970 AM.
- The Steelers Audio Network will broadcast the game live through our radio affiliates. Click here for a list of our radio affiliates.
- The game broadcast is also carried on Steelers Nation Radio (SNR). SNR is streamed on Steelers.com and the Official Steelers Mobile App. Fans can listen to pregame and postgame programming from anywhere in the world on these platforms. NFL geographical restrictions apply to the game broadcast stream for desktop, mobile web and mobile app users.
- SiriusXM subscribers can listen to Steelers game live. Please visit SiriusXM's Steelers broadcast page for channel details.
EN ESPANOL
Puedes escuchar la transmisión del partido en español en cualquier parte del mundo en steelers.com/espanol desde tu computadora.
- Si estas en México y en el área de Pittsburgh ahora puedes escuchar también desde tu dispositivo móvil y desde el App Oficial de Steelers. Simplemente haz Clic en la esquina superior derecha de la pagina principal del App donde dice "Live Audio" y selecciona español.
- El juego se podrá ver en México por Fox Sports 1.
- Álvaro Martín y Arturo Carlos serán nuestro equipo del Steelers en español este domingo. Martín está en su tercera década de crónica de la NFL y en su sexta temporada como comentarista de Steelers en español. Carlos esta entrando a su sexta temporada como play-by-play de Steelers en Español.
Activa las notificaciones en español del App Oficial de Steelers
Abre la aplicación, haz clic en la esquina inferior derecha en "More," haz clic en "Settings," haz click en la tercera opción "Notifications" y activa el icono en "Español."
IRELAND
Thanks to a partnership between the Steelers and Off The Ball, fans located on the island of Ireland can listen to the official Steelers Audio Network broadcast of the Steelers-Broncos game. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
Don't forget to follow the team on its Irish social handles on X, Instagram and TikTok - @SteelersIreland.
GAME PASS INTERNATIONAL
The NFL, in partnership with DAZN, has officially launched Game Pass International for the 2024 season, an opportunity for fans outside of the United States, Canada and China to catch all of the NFL action this season. Subscribers to Game Pass International will be able to access all preseason, regular season and postseason games live. They will also be able to access replays and condensed games on video on demand.
In addition, subscribers will have access to NFL RedZone and NFL Network, both live and on demand. NFL Films/Media will also provide original content and video via an on-demand library.
Content can be watched on all major devices, and fans can sign up today here: NFL GamePass International
The content is available for fans outside of the United States, Canada, China and a handful of Sanctioned Territories.
CONNECT
- Check out Game Day Central on Steelers.com for up to the minute stats and more.
- On the go? Download the Steelers Official Mobile App and follow along with our Game Center that features stats and drive charts.
- Play the YinzChat on the Steelers Official Mobile App prior to each week's game to win prizes.
- Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat. Don't forget to use #HereWeGo.
- Don't miss live pre and postgame programming on Facebook and YouTube.
- Watch Coach Mike Tomlin's press conference, LIVE immediately following the game, on Steelers.com, the Steelers Official Mobile App, Facebook, X and YouTube.