Steelers plan to refurbish Acrisure, not move

[Dointhatrag]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nf...1&cvid=86fc6a8687d44c5ea1f6f0c96207bbca&ei=42

During a recent press conference, Art Rooney II made it clear that the team would rather renovate than replace its current venue. Saying, he wants the Steelers to call their stadium home for a "long time."

We are going through a stadium assessment at this point, really looking at what it's going to take to be in this stadium for the next 10, 20 years, whatever it's going to be. It's a process. Hired some consultants to help us look at it. We like the stadium, think it's a great facility. With the right kinds of improvements, [it] can continue to be our home for a long time.

I dont expect Pitt Football to make any changes if this happens

 

[pittdan77]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nf...1&cvid=86fc6a8687d44c5ea1f6f0c96207bbca&ei=42

During a recent press conference, Art Rooney II made it clear that the team would rather renovate than replace its current venue. Saying, he wants the Steelers to call their stadium home for a "long time."



I dont expect Pitt Football to make any changes if this happens

Rooney's know they won't be able to impose their will again so it makes sense. Pitt staying at Acrisure also makes sense so long as it exists.

 

[PittMan 72]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nf...1&cvid=86fc6a8687d44c5ea1f6f0c96207bbca&ei=42

During a recent press conference, Art Rooney II made it clear that the team would rather renovate than replace its current venue. Saying, he wants the Steelers to call their stadium home for a "long time."



I dont expect Pitt Football to make any changes if this happens

Expected this. WAY too much $$$$ and infrastructure development in the stadium areas on the N Shore to abandon this soon, IMO.

Plus in all honesty the ingress/egress and proximity to highways is not bad at all for a facility that close to the city.

 

[forbesfield]

Yeah, they were never going to move out of that stadium under today's financial/political conditions. The new county exec would never play the game the way the Steelers would require.

Still waiting for news regarding the training facility on the South Side. I heard a while ago that they wanted to move to a new location with more room, and was told it is inevitable.

 

[HailtoPitt]

How much is the city/county going to give them to add more luxury seats? And why do they need to renovate?

 

[Dan1911]

During a recent press conference, Art Rooney II made it clear that the team would rather renovate than replace its current venue. Saying, he wants the Steelers to call their stadium home for a "long time."

Mighty gracious of him to do with other people's money.

 

[HailToPitt725]

The Ravens’ upcoming M&T Bank Stadium renovation is a good example of what to expect regarding Heinz Field Acrisure’s future. It won’t look like anything drastic from a high level overview, but it’ll involve pretty much redoing everything on the inside, from suits to the led boards. The biggest additions will likely be replacing the bleachers with seats in the north end zone upper deck and extending the concourses out towards Rooney/North Shore Dr for more interior space.

 

[bwh05]

The Ravens’ upcoming M&T Bank Stadium renovation is a good example of what to expect regarding Heinz Field Acrisure’s future. It won’t look like anything drastic from a high level overview, but it’ll involve pretty much redoing everything on the inside, from suits to the led boards. The biggest additions will likely be replacing the bleachers with seats in the north end zone upper deck and extending the concourses out towards Rooney/North Shore Dr for more interior space.

I wonder who coughs up $600 million because I don't see the Rooney's wanting to kick in a whole lot if past history is any indication.

 

[pittdan77]

Still waiting for news regarding the training facility on the South Side. I heard a while ago that they wanted to move to a new location with more room, and was told it is inevitable.

They just finished an upgrade over there so I don't if that was in response or if something is still down the road.

 

[Burgh15]

There's two distinct groups of NFL teams now in terms of stadium development. Destination cities that have hope of hosting multiple Super Bowls and Final Fours and everyone else. The Steelers and really about 24 or teams fall into the everyone else category.

As posted above, Baltimore will be the model and I agree expanded concourses would be nice. I don't care about luxury seating. My gameday experience would be improved by improving WiFi, having topnotch sound systems and video boards, modernizing concession stands to make it a more efficient process, and more bathrooms. That new arena in LA is going to have an insane number of stalls because the owner wants the fans in seats, not in the restrooms.

What is on everyone's wish list for upgrades?

 

[PittMan 72]

There's two distinct groups of NFL teams now in terms of stadium development. Destination cities that have hope of hosting multiple Super Bowls and Final Fours and everyone else. The Steelers and really about 24 or teams fall into the everyone else category.

As posted above, Baltimore will be the model and I agree expanded concourses would be nice. I don't care about luxury seating. My gameday experience would be improved by improving WiFi, having topnotch sound systems and video boards, modernizing concession stands to make it a more efficient process, and more bathrooms. That new arena in LA is going to have an insane number of stalls because the owner wants the fans in seats, not in the restrooms.

What is on everyone's wish list for upgrades?

Here‘s how I feel. I sat in Pitt Stadium for 30+ years. Always on the home (west) side that was built directly onto the existing hillside. So the only access to enter/exit the stadium, restrooms, or concession stands was at the top rim of the stadium. That consisted of a walkway about what - 15’ wide? - that was filled with people walking in both directions. Bleacher seats that for many years were constructed of old, unpainted, dried out wood. Splinters in the ass, anyone? They finally covered them with an aluminum veneer. Yay!!!

But I went and NEVER missed a home game. 1973 - 1983 were the reward. Great teams. An MNC and some near misses.

So for me, HF/Acrisure is like a luxury. Parking in close proximity to the stadium for tailgating. Roomy, chairback seats. Restroom nearby.

Not sure how many have been to other college stadiums. I’ve been to a BUNCH to see Pitt play. I guess it depends on what each individual is looking for. But NO on campus college stadium I’ve been to gives me the “at the game” amenities or experience as Acrisure does. I’m not talking about tradition. I’ve been there and done that. (ND, the ‘Shoe, Clemson, etc.) And of course I speak only for myself.

But after going on 23 years at Acrisure now, I’m fine with it. They want to do some upgrades? OK. That’s fine.

If people want to get back on campus, get hoops tIckets like we do. And I drive 65+ miles each way. Or go to the FB games early and stop in Oakland (just 3 miles or so from Acrisure) before or after the game, and get your fix.

I’m a LOT more concerned about what the powers that be are doing to destroy the great game of college football.

 

[HailToPitt725]

There's two distinct groups of NFL teams now in terms of stadium development. Destination cities that have hope of hosting multiple Super Bowls and Final Fours and everyone else. The Steelers and really about 24 or teams fall into the everyone else category.

As posted above, Baltimore will be the model and I agree expanded concourses would be nice. I don't care about luxury seating. My gameday experience would be improved by improving WiFi, having topnotch sound systems and video boards, modernizing concession stands to make it a more efficient process, and more bathrooms. That new arena in LA is going to have an insane number of stalls because the owner wants the fans in seats, not in the restrooms.

What is on everyone's wish list for upgrades?

From a Pitt perspective, it’d be nice if they revamped the Great Hall so that instead of Pitt football having a small section, they’re able to rotate memorabilia in and out. Digitizing the signage and incorporating more technology throughout the exhibit would also allow them to make a more complete switch from Steelers to Panthers. SoFi and MetLife do a great job at transitioning between Chargers/Rams and Giants/Jets.

In general, I’m optimistic that a revamped stadium would make it feel more like “Pitt’s stadium” on gameday and not just “Pitt playing in the Steeler’s stadium.”

Edit: Also, I was spoiled when we visited MBS for the Peach Bowl… any chance we can get some actual field-level suites? There’s enough room down there.

 

[AverageFFan]

From a Pitt perspective, it’d be nice if they revamped the Great Hall so that instead of Pitt football having a small section, they’re able to rotate memorabilia in and out. Digitizing the signage and incorporating more technology throughout the exhibit would also allow them to make a more complete switch from Steelers to Panthers. SoFi and MetLife do a great job at transitioning between Chargers/Rams and Giants/Jets.

In general, I’m optimistic that a revamped stadium would make it feel more like “Pitt’s stadium” on gameday and not just “Pitt playing in the Steeler’s stadium.”

Edit: Also, I was spoiled when we visited MBS for the Peach Bowl… any chance we can get some actual field-level suites? There’s enough room down there.

How about replacing those bright yellow seats with those that are of a more mute color, so they don’t stick out so much when unoccupied! So embarrassing!

 

[Lion_Backer]

During a recent press conference, Art Rooney II made it clear that the team would rather renovate than replace its current venue. Saying, he wants the Steelers to call their stadium home for a "long time."

Mighty gracious of him to do with other people's money.

The Steelers have put a bid in to host the NFL Draft in 2026 or 2027. Pre Covid, the financial impact for the 3 day event in Nashville was $224mm.

It would be nice if the city/county would allocate at least a portion of the windfall from these additional revenues for stadium improvements.

 

[HailToPitt725]

How about replacing those bright yellow seats with those that are of a more mute color, so they don’t stick out so much when unoccupied! So embarrassing!

My opinion on this has actually changed over time. I was in agreement with you for a while, preferring dark grey or black seats that you find at many NFL stadiums. However, the yellow seats are pretty much synonymous with Acrisure and Pittsburgh at this point, so I say keep them. They even match our colors again as well!

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

The general seats themselves need upgraded in several areas. Falling into disrepair. Great Hall has a lot of unused space.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

The Steelers have put a bid in to host the NFL Draft in 2026 or 2027. Pre Covid, the financial impact for the 3 day event in Nashville was $224mm.

It would be nice if the city/county would allocate at least a portion of the windfall from these additional revenues for stadium improvements.

Yeah, but that completely made up number of $224 million was in no way, shape or form the amount of money that went to the city/county. I mean someone comes to town and spends $100 at dinner, the city and the county don't get any of that. If someone buys a tee shirt to commemorate the event, the city and the county dont' get any of that. Sure, they get the tax money on a hotel room, but the large majority of the money goes to the people who own the hotel.

If the city and the county put every penny of actual extra money that they get from an event like that back into the stadium it won't even come close to pay for whatever improvements they are going to want to make.

 

[Saboteur II]

Yeah, they were never going to move out of that stadium under today's financial/political conditions. The new county exec would never play the game the way the Steelers would require.

Still waiting for news regarding the training facility on the South Side. I heard a while ago that they wanted to move to a new location with more room, and was told it is inevitable.

Washington and Butler counties have more land and better interstate highways…plus, no tunnels.

 

[Saboteur II]

I wonder who coughs up $600 million because I don't see the Rooney's wanting to kick in a whole lot if past history is any indication.

“Past history”? Is there any other kind?

 

[HailtoPitt]

Yeah, but that completely made up number of $224 million was in no way, shape or form the amount of money that went to the city/county. I mean someone comes to town and spends $100 at dinner, the city and the county don't get any of that. If someone buys a tee shirt to commemorate the event, the city and the county dont' get any of that. Sure, they get the tax money on a hotel room, but the large majority of the money goes to the people who own the hotel.

If the city and the county put every penny of actual extra money that they get from an event like that back into the stadium it won't even come close to pay for whatever improvements they are going to want to make.

I agree that they just make up these numbers to push whatever agenda they want to push.

 

[dan15701]

Yeah, but that completely made up number of $224 million was in no way, shape or form the amount of money that went to the city/county. I mean someone comes to town and spends $100 at dinner, the city and the county don't get any of that. If someone buys a tee shirt to commemorate the event, the city and the county dont' get any of that. Sure, they get the tax money on a hotel room, but the large majority of the money goes to the people who own the hotel.

If the city and the county put every penny of actual extra money that they get from an event like that back into the stadium it won't even come close to pay for whatever improvements they are going to want to make.

Not to mention that they have found with most of these “impact” studies they completely ignore that much of that money is not new spending. For example Joe Family from Armstrong County attends the draft but because they do that they will now skip their annual Kennywood trip. So while on their report the Joe Family spent $500 in Pittsburgh attending the draft they neglect that to account that 2 months later they won’t be spending $500 at Kennywood. So in reality the net economic impact to the area is $0.

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Not to mention that they have found with most of these “impact” studies they completely ignore that much of that money is not new spending. For example Joe Family from Armstrong County attends the draft but because they do that they will now skip their annual Kennywood trip. So while on their report the Joe Family spent $500 in Pittsburgh attending the draft they neglect that to account that 2 months later they won’t be spending $500 at Kennywood. So in reality the net economic impact to the area is $0.

The economy is fantastic right now and everyone is basically rich. Joe Family will be able to attend the draft, go to Kennywood, and drive through Popeye's across the street after.

 

[HailToPitt725]

Not to mention that they have found with most of these “impact” studies they completely ignore that much of that money is not new spending. For example Joe Family from Armstrong County attends the draft but because they do that they will now skip their annual Kennywood trip. So while on their report the Joe Family spent $500 in Pittsburgh attending the draft they neglect that to account that 2 months later they won’t be spending $500 at Kennywood. So in reality the net economic impact to the area is $0.

Yup, the theory is called unseen economic activity. However, I feel like events like the NFL Draft might be the exception; I’d be interested to view the % of attendees who are from Pittsburgh vs out-of-town. I feel like the ratio of visitors would be much higher than, say, your typical Steelers game.

 

[Lion_Backer]

Yeah, but that completely made up number of $224 million was in no way, shape or form the amount of money that went to the city/county. I mean someone comes to town and spends $100 at dinner, the city and the county don't get any of that. If someone buys a tee shirt to commemorate the event, the city and the county dont' get any of that. Sure, they get the tax money on a hotel room, but the large majority of the money goes to the people who own the hotel.

If the city and the county put every penny of actual extra money that they get from an event like that back into the stadium it won't even come close to pay for whatever improvements they are going to want to make.

We are in agreement that the amount of revenue generated from events like the NFL Football Draft are net figures and only tangentially correlated.

There are financially beneficial reasons why cities and teams lobby to host such events. And, from a PR perspective, I believe that a portion of this windfall should be designated for these refurbishments.

Also, any team and city that host the Super Bowl should be exempted from hosting the draft. This would allow teams whose cities are not capable of hosting a Super Bowl to gain NFL league monies for capital improvements.

It would be nice to know what the real economic impact for one time events such as the draft generate.

 

[upj87]

Washington and Butler counties have more land and better interstate highways…plus, no tunnels.

Best visual setting in all of the NFL > 15 fewer minutes in traffic from some staid chunk of dirt outside of the city.
and yes, that is the first time in 11,000+ posts that I have felt the need to bring out the word "staid"..

 

[forbesfield]

Washington and Butler counties have more land and better interstate highways…plus, no tunnels.

Of course. But the Steelers don't really want to go that far out. They just want Allegheny County to think they want to go that far out. Point being, in order to create hysteria, political leaders have to play along, and I don't think that the new county executive, who is basically a socialist, is going to be giving the Steelers a handout.

Seems like the trend nowadays is NOT to build further away, but to build closer in.

 

[Islanderpanther]

There's two distinct groups of NFL teams now in terms of stadium development. Destination cities that have hope of hosting multiple Super Bowls and Final Fours and everyone else. The Steelers and really about 24 or teams fall into the everyone else category.

As posted above, Baltimore will be the model and I agree expanded concourses would be nice. I don't care about luxury seating. My gameday experience would be improved by improving WiFi, having topnotch sound systems and video boards, modernizing concession stands to make it a more efficient process, and more bathrooms. That new arena in LA is going to have an insane number of stalls because the owner wants the fans in seats, not in the restrooms.

What is on everyone's wish list for upgrades?

Move it to Oakland for starters….after that it’s all about not operating and staffing the stadium, including the concession stands, on Pitt game days like the McKeesport Little Tigers are playing that day.

 

[CentPaPittFan]

Here‘s how I feel. I sat in Pitt Stadium for 30+ years. Always on the home (west) side that was built directly onto the existing hillside. So the only access to enter/exit the stadium, restrooms, or concession stands was at the top rim of the stadium. That consisted of a walkway about what - 15’ wide? - that was filled with people walking in both directions. Bleacher seats that for many years were constructed of old, unpainted, dried out wood. Splinters in the ass, anyone? They finally covered them with an aluminum veneer. Yay!!!

But I went and NEVER missed a home game. 1973 - 1983 were the reward. Great teams. An MNC and some near misses.

So for me, HF/Acrisure is like a luxury. Parking in close proximity to the stadium for tailgating. Roomy, chairback seats. Restroom nearby.

Not sure how many have been to other college stadiums. I’ve been to a BUNCH to see Pitt play. I guess it depends on what each individual is looking for. But NO on campus college stadium I’ve been to gives me the “at the game” amenities or experience as Acrisure does. I’m not talking about tradition. I’ve been there and done that. (ND, the ‘Shoe, Clemson, etc.) And of course I speak only for myself.

But after going on 23 years at Acrisure now, I’m fine with it. They want to do some upgrades? OK. That’s fine.

If people want to get back on campus, get hoops tIckets like we do. And I drive 65+ miles each way. Or go to the FB games early and stop in Oakland (just 3 miles or so from Acrisure) before or after the game, and get your fix.

I’m a LOT more concerned about what the powers that be are doing to destroy the great game of college football.

I'm with you although attended only 1-2 games a year in the 1973-1983 era. Was away at college, or had a job out of town, or in the beginning was young.... LOL

 

[Panther Holla]

Of course. But the Steelers don't really want to go that far out. They just want Allegheny County to think they want to go that far out. Point being, in order to create hysteria, political leaders have to play along, and I don't think that the new county executive, who is basically a socialist, is going to be giving the Steelers a handout.

Seems like the trend nowadays is NOT to build further away, but to build closer in.

Much of the land surrounding the new toll road connecting the Pit airport to I-79 near South Pointe is in Allegheny County. At least one business park is planned. I’m not suggesting that the Steelers would want a stadium out there, but that parcel of Allegheny and Wash counties makes for a bargaining chip.

 

[sonofabit]

Of course. But the Steelers don't really want to go that far out. They just want Allegheny County to think they want to go that far out. Point being, in order to create hysteria, political leaders have to play along, and I don't think that the new county executive, who is basically a socialist, is going to be giving the Steelers a handout.

Seems like the trend nowadays is NOT to build further away, but to build closer in.

Well there are the Penguins for a non-NFL example. Nice complex in Cranberry. Many players live and pay taxes in very large houses nearby. Smart not to live in the city. My opinion, of course.

 

[forbesfield]

Well there are the Penguins for a non-NFL example. Nice complex in Cranberry. Many players live and pay taxes in very large houses nearby. Smart not to live in the city. My opinion, of course.

I'm talking about the venue for the games. Cranberry works for the Pens, no doubt, as a home base and a practice facility.

 

[andypappas]

The Steelers have put a bid in to host the NFL Draft in 2026 or 2027. Pre Covid, the financial impact for the 3 day event in Nashville was $224mm.

It would be nice if the city/county would allocate at least a portion of the windfall from these additional revenues for stadium improvements.

They better put a bid in on something like that, because the way this team is going, there won't be any home playoff games anytime soon.

 

[BreakingPitt]

Steelers and the City of Pittsburgh are pretty much guaranteed the draft within 4 years. Its between like 4 cities for 3 years. If they don't get it something is seriously wrong with ownership.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

The pewter seats don’t look bad, but have no clue why they chose that. The gold are wrong shade from beginning and were literally picked by the RAD board from a swatch.

 

[dan15701]

Of course. But the Steelers don't really want to go that far out. They just want Allegheny County to think they want to go that far out. Point being, in order to create hysteria, political leaders have to play along, and I don't think that the new county executive, who is basically a socialist, is going to be giving the Steelers a handout.

Seems like the trend nowadays is NOT to build further away, but to build closer in.

They will try to play the game with other counties to squeeze every penny they can out of tax payers. What will hurt them is the other counties are so small they simply can’t afford it. Not one of the surrounding counties even make the top 10 populations in the state. None of these counties with small populations can remotely put up the money that Allegheny county can. It not like say Philadelphia where you have counties surrounding with populations bearing 1 million.

Westmoreland 354,414
Washington 209,631
Butler 194,562
Beaver 167,629

 

[Dan1911]

The economy is fantastic right now and everyone is basically rich. Joe Family will be able to attend the draft, go to Kennywood, and drive through Popeye's across the street after.

Everyone is rich?

So there isn’t a homeless problem in America? Everyone’s rich so there isn’t an affordable housing issue? Everyone’s rich so we’re not running deficits? Kids aren’t having issues paying off their loans because they’re all rich?

 

[forbesfield]

They will try to play the game with other counties to squeeze every penny they can out of tax payers. What will hurt them is the other counties are so small they simply can’t afford it. Not one of the surrounding counties even make the top 10 populations in the state. None of these counties with small populations can remotely put up the money that Allegheny county can. It not like say Philadelphia where you have counties surrounding with populations bearing 1 million.

Westmoreland 354,414
Washington 209,631
Butler 194,562
Beaver 167,629

Yeah, but like I said, if Rooney goes to this current county executive and plays that game, she is going to call their bluff. And given that the stadium votes went against the Steelers/Pirates during the Murphy administration, I don't think she'll get political kickback if she does, because everybody knows the deal with these stadiums now.

It's probably why the Steelers really aren't even going to try to play that game this time. They've essentially admitted it. They can certainly argue for public funds for rehabbing the place, though, because it does get used for concerts, Pitt games, etc. It's less incendiary and more achievable.

 

[PittPanther44]

As far as an NFL experience, you can’t get a better location in the area. Sure, there is lack of tailgating space relatively speaking, but my pregame seems to find a tailgate or a bar every time. Plus the casino is right there.

So it makes no sense to move to (say) a suburban location and build some elite new facility. And while yinzers will yinz, getting in and aht down there isn’t bad compared to some other places I’ve been to (Cle,Chi,Balt).

So renovating on the inside makes sense. Chicago is probably the model of what not to do

So Pitt will have a decision to make. We know what that usually means, so any renovations would figure to be good news.

 

[PittPanther44]

The pewter seats don’t look bad, but have no clue why they chose that. The gold are wrong shade from beginning and were literally picked by the RAD board from a swatch.

I might be in the minority, but the seats look awesome at night when empty, The problem is that half full looks horrible.

 

[WillyDavis33]

Let's face it, the location is ideal! You have to make the upgrades to Heinz/Acisure! The practice facility is a better location for Pitt than the Steelers but I don't see a change to this location either.