The Pittsburgh Steelers are encouraging fans to arrive early to enjoy the many activities surrounding game day at Heinz Field for Sunday's home opener against the Tennessee Titans. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and all gates will open at 11 a.m.
Beginning in 2013, all NFL teams have implemented a new safety policy at stadiums that will make the security process more efficient and effective. The policy affects the type and size of bags that are permitted into the stadium, not the items that fans normally need to bring to a game.
Heinz Field encourages fans to not bring in any type of bags. However, the following style and size bag, package or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through steelers.com, at all Steelers Sideline Stores and at nflshop.com), or
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Logo on bag cannot exceed 4.5" tall by 3.4" wide.
- Small clutch purses, approximately the size of a hand, or 4.5" x 6.5" with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at each gate.
- Diapers and wipes can be carried in a clear bag, however diaper bags are not permitted.
- Each member of a family, including children, will be able to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse.
- The PA Army National Guard will distribute clear bags to all fans who enter the nearby parking lots.
The Steelers 1st-IN-GOAL promotion, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, will allow fans who enter Heinz Field early on game days the opportunity to win exclusive prizes from the team. The first 25,000 fans who enter the stadium will be given a scratch-off card, and all 25,000 fans will be winners. Fans will have the opportunity to win pre-game field passes and the chance to participate in the pre-game Terrible Towel Twirl on the Steelers' sideline just prior to kickoff, Steelers gift cards, Terrible Towels, Stage AE concert tickets, Nike replica jersey, fountain drinks from Pepsi and GetGo, Augustine's pizzas, Silverstar Meats hot dogs, medium Premium Roast Coffee from McDonald's, appetizers from Andora, PG Store offers, Official 59Fifty football cap from New Era, free Sabra products, overnight stays at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, Sport Clips haircuts, admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Helluva Good dip products and Dole Squishems products.
The Pittsburgh Steeline Drum Linewill perform pre-game on the field and throughout the stadium, and will continue throughout the stadium during the game.
In remembrance of September 11, 2001, the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department, representing first responders and passengers of Flight 93, will present our nation's colors. In addition, members of the New York Fire Department, who were first responders at Ground Zero, and the brother of fallen FDNY member Stephen Siller, will lead this week's Terrible Towel Twirl. Also, the 911 Mobile Museum will be stationed on Art Rooney Ave. The 911 Mobile Museum contains artifacts donated by New York City firehouses and provides Americans a look of what happened on that fateful day. Fans can tour the mobile museum prior to and after the game (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.).
Fans are encouraged to stop by Stage AE prior to entering the stadium to participate in the Official Tailgate Zone of the Pittsburgh Steelers as many great prizes will be given away. Admission is free and the doors will open at 9 a.m. Fans can enjoy a free breakfast, compliments of GetGo, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. WDVEand the Steelers Radio Networkwill also be live at Stage AE for their pre-game shows.
There will also be live music in a variety of areas prior to kickoff. The Vagrantswill perform outside of Stage AE. The FedEx Great Hall is hosting a Back to Football Partythat will feature DJ Steve Maffei Jr. And, Short Buswill perform on the Main Concourse.
The Steelers are participating all season in the "Let's Tackle Recycling"campaign. At every Steelers home game, the Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) and its partners are collecting aluminum cans, glass containers and plastic bottles and cups at tailgating parties in the parking lots outside of Heinz Field. The "Let's Tackle Recycling" campaign is sponsored by the SEA in partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Heinz Field, Waste Management, Three Rivers Power Sweep and Alco Parking.
The following are additional highlights for fans for Sunday's game:
- Bridgestone, the official tire of the NFL, will have a display truck stationed on Art Rooney Ave. and will be handing out NFL approved Clear Cinch Bags and eye-black face stickers to fans prior to the game.
- Steelers alumnus, Robin Cole, will be on Art Rooney Ave. prior to the game to distribute info on Prostate Cancer Awareness.
- Local Boy Scout troops will be handing out the Steelers 2013 Yearbook and schedule magnets to fans at all gates.
- The Belle Vernon Area High School Marching Band will perform prior to kickoff.
- Maggie Rose, who is nominated for best new artist and female vocalist for the Country Music Awards, will sing the National Anthem.
- U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Chris Everettwill be honored as the ATI Hometown Hero, which is new in 2013 as one local military hero will be recognized before each home game.
- At halftime, the Dick's Sporting Goods Youth Football Game will feature Woodland Hills vs. Mount Pleasant.
During the 2013 football season, Steelers alum Josh Millerwill travel across America in the visiting team's city and talk football with Steelers fans, which will be played live on the scoreboard prior to kickoff.
