The Pittsburgh Steelers are encouraging fans to arrive early to enjoy the many activities surrounding game day at Heinz Field for Saturday's preseason opener against the New York Giants. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and all gates will open at 5:30 p.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 bag 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 Line will make its debut at Heinz Field. The drum line will perform pre-game on the field and throughout the stadium, and will continue throughout the stadium during the game.
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 4 p.m., The Vagrants will perform prior to kickoff outside of Stage AE.
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 Saturday's game:
- The Steelers will be honoring selected season ticket holders and club suite holders as part of the Steelers Fan Appreciation Event. The selected season ticket holders will receive a #1 jersey and form a tunnel for the players during introductions.
- In support of USA Football Month, the Steelers will have a Dick's Sporting Goods Halftime exhibition youth football game between the Hopewell Vikings and the Monaca Indians, which are both participants in the Heads Up Football Pilot Program.
- Broughton Ganaway (Perry/Oliver), Morningstar Richards (Perry/Oliver) and Bailey Holihan (North Catholic) will be presented with Arthur J. Rooney Scholarships on the field prior to kickoff.
- U.S. Marines Sgt. Doug Vitale will be honored as the ATI Hometown Hero, which is new in 2013 as one local military hero will be recognized before each home game.
- Kenzie Palmer, a Season 10 finalist on American Idol, will sing Saturday's national anthem.
- Pittsburgh native Steve Byrne and the cast of the television show, Sullivan and Son, will lead this week's Terrible Towel Twirl along with 1st-IN-GOAL pre-game field pass winners.
- PNC Bank President Sy Holzer will present Steelers offensive tackle Mike Adams with the Joe Greene Great Performance Award, given to the team's annual Rookie of the Year.
- As part of the USA Football Month, the Albert Gallatin Senior High School JROTC Color Guard will present Saturday's colors.
- Field & Stream will have a Fishing Bass Tank on Art Rooney Ave. prior to kickoff. The tank will be sponsored by Dick's Sporting Goods in advance of the new Field & Stream store that will open in Cranberry Township.
- WDVEand theSteelers Radio Networkwill be live at Stage AE for their pre-game shows.
- The Flow Bandwill perform in the FedEx Great Hall and Kevin Dale will perform on the Main Concourse.
- During the 2013 football season, Steelers alum Josh Miller will 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.
