Heinz Field Groundbreaking
June 18, 1999
This year will be the 20th season at Heinz Field. Yes, 20 years at the home of the black and gold that seems like it opened not that long ago.
And the dream for the shiny new home for the Steelers all began on June 18, 1999, when ground was broken in the shadows of Three Rivers Stadium 21 years ago today.
Late Steelers' Chairman Dan Rooney and team President Art Rooney II were among those who took part in the groundbreaking, along with Hall of Famer Joe Greene and former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
"We have worked hard to design a spectacular football stadium for our fans, one of which they will be proud and can enjoy for years to come," said Art Rooney II on the day of the groundbreaking. "In addition to being a great stadium for fans to watch football, we wanted the design to be distinctively Pittsburgh. We believe the current design accomplishes both objectives."
Part of that Pittsburgh feel was the 12,500 tons of exposed steel in the South end of the stadium which gave fans a view of the city's skyline.
Through the years there have been upgrades inside and outside of Heinz Field, as the dream that began on the day of the groundbreaking is one that grows on a regular basis.
In addition to being the home of the Steelers, Heinz Field is also the home of the University of Pittsburgh football team as well as a venue that has hosted some of the top concerts in the Pittsburgh region through the years.
Take a look at photos of the Heinz Field groundbreaking ceremony, held on June 18, 1999
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of Art Rooney, Jr. and Dan Rooney during the Heinz Field groundbreaking ceremony and construction, June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of fireworks after the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Posed shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
Candid shot of the ground breaking ceremonies for Heinz Field, held on June 18, 1999.
