GAMEDAY GUIDE

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

1933

2001

68,400

10-7

Steelers fans are some of the most dedicated fans in sports. Stepping into their city is exciting and fun, especially when you immerse yourself into Yinzer culture (see definition below). Scroll through our Pittsburgh Steelers Gameday Guide to learn about the city, fans, tailgating culture, and more.

THE TEAM AND FANS

The Steelers have arguably the most dedicated fandom in sports. Steeler Nation is all over the world, not just Pittsburgh, and they famously are the most female fanbase in football!

Steelers fans wear black and gold everywhere and love everything to do with Pittsburgh. It’s easy to find a Steelers bar in any city in the US, and plenty abroad!

Fans and the team embody Pittsburgh’s history as a steelworker’s town. They’re famous for the Steel Curtain defense of the 80s and winning 6 Super Bowl titles, tied for the most in the NFL.

Pittsburgh residents are famous for their unique accents, playfully called Pittsburghese, and the word yinz (think you guys, or y’all if you’re Southern) specifically. They call themselves Yinzers and have a ton of city pride!

Yinzers are known to be kind and welcoming to visitors, but they will make fun of Browns fans!

The Steelers have tons of noticeable game traditions, most notably The Terrible Towel. Fans all carry their towels and give them a wave to celebrate everything from first downs to touchdowns.

You’ll hear the iconic song Renegade by Styx playing in the second half of a game. This song turned into the Steelers’ unofficial hype song in 2003 when it played before a huge moment and fans went wild. Now it’s what fans and players need to get hyped up before big drives and mega-important plays.

You’ll also hear plenty of Mac Miller and Wiz Khalifa at games and tailgates, both being proud Pittsburgh natives. Snoop Dogg isn’t from here, but is a serious Steelers fan, and comes to several games a year!

Pittsburgh-born celebrities like Jeff Goldblum, Christina Aguilera, Michael Keaton, and Marc Cuban occasionally stop by Steelers games to huge applause from fans.

Be ready to cheer “Here We Go!” and dance to the Pittsburgh Polka while cheering on with the biggest fandom in football!

Pittsburgh is known as the City of Champions for a reason. The six-time Super Bowl Champions The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t the only teams in town.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have won the Stanley Cup five times with an alumni filled with famous hockey players. Think of Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr. They also have Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang on the roster now. They play at PPG Paints Arena in the Uptown neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

Baseball fans have a home too; the Pittsburgh Pirates play at PNC Park in the North Shore neighborhood of the city. Famed philanthropist and slugger Roberto Clemente is honored here. Consistently voted the best view in baseball, there isn’t a bad seat in the house, with PNC Park facing the rivers and downtown Pittsburgh.

You can watch soccer in Pittsburgh, too, as we have our own USL team, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. An homage to the three rivers, the Riverhounds play waterside on the South Shore. They are known for rowdy fans and loud chants, and recently won the 2025 USL Championship!

Fun fact, all four of these teams share the same colors – Pittsburgh’s favorite black and gold!

TAILGATING

Tailgating happens all across the North Shore neighborhood, where Acrisure Stadium (nee Heinz Field, as locals still call it) is located. 

You’ll find a mix of tent and car tailgating, but one thing is for sure, it will be packed! Steelers fans show up in rain, snow, or shine!

If you’re tailgating by yourself, note that the lots immediately around Acrisure fill up fast and don’t allow tents!

Of course, Gameday Pittsburgh hosts an all-inclusive tailgate experience just a short walk to the stadium! Get your tickets here.

Gameday Hospitality Pittsburgh tailgates before every home Steelers game (and Pitt football game)! Here’s some fun things you’ll find at our tailgate experience:

  • Delicious barbecue from South Side BBQ Company
  • Hot-off-the-grill burgers and hot dogs
  • Unlimited beverages including beer, seltzer, canned cocktails, and mixed drinks
  • Live music performances by local DJs and guest appearances from country star Jack Wilder
  • Games like cornhole, football toss, pong and flip cup, and giant jenga
  • Free swag and giveaways
  • VIP upgrades and private tent options

Get tickets to the next Pittsburgh Gold Zone Tailgate Experience here!

Find fans making Pittsburgh-inspired favorites like kielbasa and pierogi, with lots of grills going making hot dogs and burgers. You’re sure to see some IC Light, our local light beer, at most tailgates!

You’ll find Pittsburgh tailgaters screaming Renegade and Black and Yellow, of course, and see lots of Terrible Towel waving. Fans like to grill up Pittsburgh classics like kielbasa and pierogi, as well as tailgate favorites like Buffalo Chicken Dip and hot dogs.

You’ll see the Pittsburgh mascots walking around the tailgate lots taking pictures with fans and bringing that gameday energy. We love to see Steeler Jesus, Pope Yinzer, Steel Cowboy, and more friends every gameday!

Steelers fans start early! Think 8:00am for 1:00 kickoffs, and all day long for night games!

THE STADIUM

Acrisure Stadium is located in the North Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh, at 100 Art Rooney Ave.

The North Shore is taken over by fans on gamedays, with a whole strip of bars and restaurants on North Shore Drive and all the tailgating lots.

The Kamin Science Center and the Rivers Casino are also across the street from Acrisure.

No, Acrisure Stadium is open air. Make sure to bring your winter coat or rain jacket if the weather calls for it!

Lots of fans park in the Champions Garage located in between Acrisure and PNC Park. You can also park in the tailgating lots surrounding the stadium.

Acrisure Stadium has typical NFL policies enacted, including

  • Clear Bag Policy
  • Card Only/Cashless Purchases
  • Paper and Soft Fabric Signs Only

Acrisure has lots of concession options throughout the stadium offering food and beverages like

  • Light Beer and Hard Seltzers
  • Craft Beer and Select Cocktail Stations
  • Pepsi Products
  • Primanti Brothers Sandwiches and Pierogi Stands
  • Pizza, Nachos, Popcorn, and Chicken Tenders
  • Barbecue Sandwiches and Burgers

The Club Level has elevated food options including

  • Reuben Sandwiches
  • Chicken Wraps
  • Loaded Potato Wedges
  • Crab Cakes
  • Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches

THE NORTH SHORE

There are plenty of attractions on the North Shore and North Side within walking distance or a short drive from Acrisure.

The Kamin Science Center offers family-friendly and educational fun for all ages.

Rivers Casino is Pittsburgh’s premiere casino with shows, concerts, restaurants, and more.

Randyland is an open-air art exhibit created by local legend Randy Gilson. Walk around and admire the quirky displays for free!

The Andy Warhol Museum showcases the art and history of Pittsburgh’s own Andy Warhol. The Mattress Factory nearby is a modern art museum with interactive exhibits.

Mexican War Streets are a collection of streets with beautiful architecture: the perfect place for an autumn walk!

The Pittsburgh Aviary homes a vast collection of 500 birds and offers educational programs and animal encounters.

North Shore Drive boasts a busting collection of bars and restaurants inbetween PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Shorty’s Pins and Pints has a full bar and kitchen as well as duck pin bowling lanes and outdoor games!
  • McFadden’s is a lively bar and kitchen known for late night dancing.
  • Southern Tier Brewery has a location in Pittsburgh with a huge outdoor area and full bar and kitchen.
  • Mike’s Beer Bar is a local favorite just off of North Shore Drive that boasts hundreds of beers and the novelty “Steak on a Stone” entree.

PNC Park boasts countless awards for America’s most beautiful ballpark, and you’ll be sure to see it. Catch a night game to catch the best view in Pittsburgh, sunset over the city from PNC.

AROUND PITTSBURGH

Here are some other activities and sights around the city, loved by locals and visitors alike!

  • Duquesne Incline takes guests up Mount Washington in one of the last remaining funiculars in the country. Get the best view of the city and read about Pittsburgh’s history as a steelworker’s town.
  • Point State Park is a park with walking and biking trails right where Pittsburgh’s three rivers meet. See historic sites and great views, and take a picture next to our iconic fountain!
  • Kennywood Park is a theme park beloved by all Yinzers. Ride coasters, eat fries from the Potato Patch, and enjoy the retro amusement park.
  • The Gateway Clipper shows off the city of Pittsburgh from the water on their signature sight seeing tours on an authentic riverboat. They offer themed cruises, dinner tours, and tons of fun activities.
  • Mr. Rogers Statue located on the North Shore is a monument honoring Pittsburgh’s own Mr. Rogers and his work that affected lives all across the world.

The city of Pittsburgh is home to over 90 neighborhoods, and visitors will find that locals are very loyal to which one they live in! Here are some neighborhoods that visitors love:

  • Cultural District is a downtown-adjacent neighborhood that boasts vibrant night life, multiple theatres, and art galleries.
  • Lawrenceville is known for it’s hipster vibes and eccentric attitudes. Find intimate music venues, craft cocktail bars, local breweries, and lots of small shops and boutiques here.
  • Bloomfield was built as Pittsburgh’s own Little Italy, and today houses a collection of diverse and cultural eateries and cocktail bars.
  • Strip District is home to the old Pittsburgh terminal, where trains would make deliveries of produce and goods. That spirit is still alive today within local markets, international shops, staple restaurants, and more. This is where you’ll go to get all your Pittsburgh sports merch, too!

There are places to stay all over Pittsburgh! Here are some that we recommend.

  • Holiday Inn Express North Shore – You can’t get any closer! Holiday Inn North Shore puts fans just 2 blocks from PNC Park and a 10 minute walk to Acrisure for affordable prices.
  • Kimpton Hotel Monaco – Downtown’s premiere hotel puts guests right in the middle of the action. The Commoner restaurant provides excellent food and beverages downstairs while the Biergarten rooftop bar gives amazing city views.
  • Priory Hotel – Stay in style at this historic boutique hotel, located in Pittburgh’s North Shore neighborhood. The former church offers guests deluxe rooms, apartment suites, EV charging, a fitness center, and a mini bar.

Pittsburgh has a rich history that residents are proud to share in. Learn more about Pittsburgh’s roots at these top-of-the-line museums and attractions:

  • Heinz History Museum shares the history of Western Pennsylvania and houses our very own sports history exhibit to showcase the excellence of our city’s teams.
  • Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Oakland showcases dinosaurs, skeletons, and all kinds of wild wonders.
  • The Clemente Museum educates visitors about the life mission of Roberto Clemente and highlights his philanthropic work before his passing.

FOOD AND DRINK

Pittsburgh is a city of immigrants with rich Italian, Polish, German, and Irish influence. Pittsburgh loves freshly-made pasta, pierogi, and anything from a deli!

Try out Primanti Brothers for Pittsburgh’s most famous food, a stacked sandwich with coleslaw and french fries on top. The original Strip District location is always popping!

We also love S&D’s Polish Deli for homemade favorites and traditional pierogi.

Legend’s on the North Side offers rotating specials of Italian classics. It’s BYOB and totally delicious!

Pittsburgh boasts a robust craft beer scene and is consistently named a top destination for beer-lovers. Some of our favorites include:

  • Old Thunder for traditional European brews
  • Cinderlands for a wide range of IPAs
  • Trace Brewing for beer, coffee, and vibes
  • Hop Farm for some of everything

Pennsylvania is also the home of rye whiskey, and a distilling revival a few years back have brought in a ton of PA spirits for every kind of drinker. Here are some great places to try:

  • Bridges and Bourbon for the biggest whiskey selection in the city
  • Pennsylvania Libations for free samples and PA-only bottles
  • Liberty Pole in Washington for a distillery tour and tasting experience

Here’s some of our favorite places in Pittsburgh:

Restaurants

  • Pussadee’s Garden Upscale Thai
  • DiAnoia’s Eatery Elevated Italian
  • Piper’s Pub Traditional Irish Fare
  • Caliente Pizza and Draft House Pizza with Local Ingredients
  • Meat and Potatoes Creative American
  • Tako Modern Mexican
  • D’s Six Pax and Dogs Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Craft Beer

Bars

  • Olive or Twist Classic Martinis and More
  • Acacia Speakeasy with Curated Cocktails
  • Smokin’ Joes Classic Sports Bar with Tons of Taps
  • Space Bar Themed Drinks with Flare
  • Bar Botanico Modern and Fun Drinks
  • The Warren Craft Cocktails with a Divey Feel
  • Allegheny Wine Mixer Woman-Owned Wine Bar