Today in Pittsburgh, the Steelers and Team President Art Rooney II announced they’d like to host the Super Bowl at Heinz Field in 2023. While this could be a huge, one-time financial windfall for the city and surrounding area, the traditionalist in me says, “No thanks.”
If you’re keeping score at home, the big game in 2023 would be called “Super Bowl LVII.” That’s the 57th version for you non-Romans.
In my mind, the Super Bowl has always been played in traditional places like Miami, New Orleans or San Diego.
I realize in recent years that cities like Phoenix (Glendale to be specific) and Houston have become “Super Cities” but to me, Pittsburgh is the city of champions largely because of the Steelers and the last thing I want to see is some other NFL team crowned on our turf.
If you’re picturing me looking like Clint Eastwood in ‘Gran Torino’ I don’t blame you. In this particular case I don’t want anyone on my lawn. In fact, I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone other than an opponent of the Steelers.
Have you seen our “lawn” in January? It makes the greens at Chambers Bay look appealing. That’s no place for the biggest game in America to be played. Sorry, but it’s true.
The screams I hear are coming from Yinzers saying “What if we make it to that Super Bow??? We’d playing at home!!!” Oh? Please tell me all of the teams that have played at home during the 49 years of the Super Bowl.
*crickets*
Do you really want to see Primanti Brothers and Clemente Bridge decked out in Cowboys (God forbid) and Dolphins gear for two weeks? Do you want to see one of them or any other team besides our Steelers celebrating on the Heinz Field…. Lawn?
Look, I know there are plenty of positives to hosting a Super Bowl but to me they just don’t add up. I want Pittsburgh and Heinz Field for the Steelers (and Panthers of course) and for no one else.
Now get off my lawn!
