4 for Friday: Do you follow these top Steelers traditions?
Steel City Underground presents “4 for Friday,” an off-season series of articles focused on four related Pittsburgh Steelers topics and commentary for fans and members of Steelers Nation.
For fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers, there is such a storied history of the team in the National Football League that there are plenty of traditions to follow. As one of the most loyal fan bases – in the U.S. and abroad – members of “Steeler Nation” travel well to not only support the team, but to share their fandom everywhere they go.
Whether a long-time fan or new member, those who are loyal to the black and gold have strong emotions when it comes to traditions surrounding the Steelers. It isn’t always an in-stadium custom, as some greatly enjoy wagering through the wypłacalne kasyna internetowe PL best payout casinos, but the traditions are honored and revered. Do you know the top Steelers traditions, and do you follow them?
1. Having a “Terrible Towel” & participating in the “Terrible Towel Twirl”
Probably the most referenced item of Steelers fan gear all over the world is the “Terrible Towel.” Longtime broadcaster and “voice of the Steelers” Myron Cope, conceived what became the official towels whose proceeds benefit the Allegheny Valley School in Pittsburgh (Pa.), a charity that had special meaning to Cope.
Over the years, other official versions of the Terrible Towel have been released and fans have latched onto the iconic rally towels. The Steelers have shared numerous photos of fans with the Terrible Towel in space (the International Space Station or ISS), in military fighter aircraft, at the top of mountain peaks, and wrapped around newborns as a symbolic baptism of a new member of Steeler Nation.
Beginning in 2010, Heinz Field started the tradition of having special guests – honored fans, former players, celebrities, musicians included – lead the “Terrible Towel Twirl” in which home fans join in from the stands as a pre-game rally. This tradition continues to this day at Acrisure Stadium.
2. Believing “the curse” of the Terrible Towel
The Terrible Towel has become so revered by the Steelers fan base, and the team, that it is said that any individual who disrespects the icon is cursed.
The terrible towel remains undefeated!
Browns☑️
Jaguars☑️
Bills☑️
Ravens☑️Never disrespect Myron Cope. #CurseIsReal
— Jay Schiffbauer (@jrs_progolf) January 28, 2024
Ask a Steelers fan if they believe there’s anything to “the curse” and you’re sure to hear a story or two about things that have happened, especially to opponents, who – in one way or another – sullied the Terrible Towel.
Let’s just say that there have been some rather ironic, karmic things that have occurred to individuals who purposefully treated the towels in negative manner. The Steelers have sneaked into playoff contention, as an example, after a team – that looked to be headed there instead – decided it might be humorous to grab Terrible Towels and treat them like garbage. Interpret that how you will.
3. Playing “Renegade” as a rally song
When rock band Styx released their single, “Renegade,” in 1968, there was no way anyone could have predicted the song would become a rallying call for the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans.
It’s true that few things will make the hair on the back of the neck raise quite the way “Renegade” does for fans, especially when it is being pumped through numerous high-quality speakers! Add a video of some of the most electric plays and you’ve got a tradition that fans not only expect but demand at Acrisure Stadium.
Add in the vast number of videos that fans have produced on their own and you get a sense of just how impactful this single song has become as a Steelers tradition.
4. Attending training camp
Steelers fans have long been in love with training camp, especially when it has been held at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It’s the public’s first real opportunity to see what that season’s crop of players look like.
Training camp is also an opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with the players and staff. Players regularly sign much-desired autographs. It’s a family event that is often passed down generation to generation, similar to owning season tickets to the games.
There are other traditions – fantasy football with Steelers players and team names, tailgating in Pittsburgh, parking in the “Gold Lot,” chanting “Here We Go” – that members of Steeler Nation hold dear, as well. Bars and clubs across the country are dedicated to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their fan base. “Yinzer” isn’t necessarily a negative thing to be called.
The fact that there are so many cherished practices and traditions speaks to the level of dedication the Steelers have to their fans and their fans have to them.
Do you have any unique Steelers-related traditions of your own? Leave us a comment and let us know.
