The Steelers are well aware that male fans aren’t the only ones who will pay to experience Black and Gold football beyond going to the games or watching them on TV.
The Steelers host three events annually that cater to their female fans. All of them, Simpson said, sell out and offer an inside glimpse at the organization.
Every training camp the Steelers host a day for women that includes instruction from alumni, meals, sideline passes to an afternoon practice and an autograph session with select current players. The one-day camp is often wrapped into an extended visit to Steelers training camp, and Simpson said it typically draws women from between 20 to 25 different states.
Also popular is ladies’ night at Heinz Field, which includes drills run by alumni—the women can participate in as much of that aspect of the night as they want—and a prime-rib dinner in one of the Heinz Field club lounges. Two current players attend the event and talk about what a typical day is like for them during the season.
The third event for females only is called Women’s 202 and it provides the best behind-the-curtain look at the Steelers. It is staged during the season at the UPMC Rooney Complex, where the Steelers practice, and an assistant coach talks Xs and Os with the ladies to give them a better understanding of the game.
Three current players put them through drills at the indoor practice facility and sign autographs. The night also includes a tour of the Steelers’ locker room and photo opportunities with the six Super Bowl trophies on the second floor of the facility.
These Steelers Can Hoop
Brett Keisel and Charlie Batch suited up for more than a decade for the Steelers and each also played his share of hoops on the Steelers’ basketball team. I asked each for his starting five among those he played with over the years. I did not give Keisel the option of picking five other than himself since everyone who has seen him play basketball knows how good he is.
Team Batch:
Brett Keisel
Ben Roethlisberger
Antwaan Randle-El
Deshea Townsend
Santonio Holmes
Team Keisel:
Roethlisberger
Randle-El
Ike Taylor
Max Starks