Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium
Acrisure Stadium, formerly Heinz Field, is more than just a football venue—it’s a cornerstone of Pittsburgh sports culture. While its name has changed, its legacy as one of the NFL’s most iconic venues hasn’t. Home to the Steelers since 2001, this stadium has hosted countless thrilling moments.
While it lags behind the ultra-modern features of newer stadiums, its history, atmosphere, and significance to fans make it among the best. Here are four incredible facts every Steelers fan should know about their home field.
Consistently ranked among the NFL’s best venues
Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) has aged like fine wine. Since opening in 2001, it’s earned praise for blending grit with charm. Sports Illustrated ranked it the 11th-best NFL stadium, beating every venue in the AFC North.
USA Today also ranks the stadium as the 9th best in the NFL. But what’s the secret? Location, location, location. Nestled on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, it offers sweeping views of the Ohio River and easy walks to bars and restaurants. Sure, it lacks the flashy tech of modern stadiums—concourses feel dated, and luxury suites aren’t as lavish. But fans don’t care.
The energy here is electric. Tailgates bleed into the stands, creating a deafening home-field advantage. Since 2017, the Steelers have won 68% of their home games at Acrisure. While the lease runs through 2030, contract extension talks will likely begin in 2026-2027. For now, this 24-year-old gem remains a fortress of black-and-gold pride.
It is also among the safest NFL stadiums
Fan safety is a growing concern at NFL games, with incidents of altercations and disorderly conduct rising across the league. However, Acrisure Stadium ranks among the safest venues, placing 10th in a Bryant Baucom study that analyzed crime rates in and around stadiums.
This ranking is particularly noteworthy when considering national trends. A Sportsbook Review survey reveals that 4 in 10 NFL fans have witnessed or experienced crimes at or around stadiums. About 45% of women aren’t comfortable attending games alone, and 77.2% of parents won’t let their children attend without supervision.
These statistics highlight the importance of stadium safety, making Acrisure Stadium’s high safety ranking a significant point of pride. Another study suggests that Acrisure Stadium and the surrounding area experience 36.03 crimes per 1,000 residents. By contrast, Empower Field at Mile High leads the ranking as the NFL’s most unsafe stadium, with a disturbing 74.14 crimes per 1,000 residents.
That’s not to say incidents never happen. In 2022, a tragic escalator fall claimed a fan’s life—the first fatality in the stadium’s history. Similarly, in 2023, an unruly fan was ejected twice for harassing others. CBS News reports the assailant was booked for reckless trespassing and sent to the Allegheny County Jail. Still, security stays sharp. Surveillance systems, bag checks, and strict ejection policies keep risks low.
Stadium officials and local law enforcement work together to ensure a safe environment for fans. Security personnel quickly handle disruptions, as unruly attendees are ejected if necessary. Despite these measures, accidents still happen. Slips and falls, collisions in crowded areas, accidents in the parking lot, or injury caused by another fan’s actions can cause serious harm.
In such instances, particularly if someone’s negligence caused the incident, you must know your legal options. First, seek immediate medical attention. Then, consult a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and potential legal outcomes. Whether determining liability or navigating insurance claims, professional legal support can make all the difference in handling an unfortunate situation.
However, TorHoerman Law suggests documenting the evidence, as it can strengthen your case. Ensure you collect as many photos or videos as possible and keep track of anything specific to the case. It can be the key to negotiating fair compensation.
It’s a FEMA-designated emergency hub
Beyond football, Acrisure Stadium plays a vital role in the community. The stadium is one of four NFL stadiums designated as an emergency response site by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to WBOY.com, it can be used as a shelter during extreme weather events or large-scale emergencies.
Other stadiums include New York’s MetLife Stadium, Seattle’s Lumen Field, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Stadium.
Acrisure Stadium has undergone extensive assessments to ensure it can function effectively during disasters. Stadium facilities can be used for mass evacuations, medical response, and temporary housing. Due to its large capacity and central location, the stadium is crucial to Pittsburgh’s emergency preparedness.
The FEMA designation is reviewed annually, ensuring the venue remains ready to support the city during disasters. This recognition highlights the stadium’s significance beyond sports, reinforcing its value to the Pittsburgh community. For Pittsburghers, this means peace of mind. Whether you’re cheering a touchdown or fleeing a storm, Acrisure has your back.
It’s more than a football field
Acrisure Stadium isn’t just for Steelers football—it’s a multipurpose venue hosting concerts, international soccer matches, and major entertainment events. Over the years global superstars such as U2, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Guns N’ Roses, Beyoncé, Kenny Chesney, and The Rolling Stones have performed there.
In addition to music events, the stadium has hosted club soccer matches featuring teams such as Borussia Dortmund, S.L. Benfica, Manchester City, Liverpool, and AC Milan. Its versatile design allows for seamless transformations, accommodating various sporting and entertainment needs.
The stadium’s infrastructure is impressive, featuring 6,000 square feet of locker room space that’s shared between the Pittsburgh Steelers and The University of Pittsburgh Panthers (who each have individual locker room areas in addition to visitor’s lockers.) Even the grass is elite—Kentucky bluegrass, a surface players prefer over artificial turf.
Looking ahead, Acrisure Stadium continues to attract major events. According to WTAE-TV, AC/DC will bring their “Power Up” tour to the venue in May, returning to national touring after nearly a decade.
Final thoughts
For over two decades, Steelers Nation knew it as Heinz Field. Since the naming rights were acquired by insurance brokerage firm Acrisure in 2022 they’ve known it by a different name. While the name may be different, the stadium’s heart and soul remain the same.
Fans who are interested can take advantage of offseason guided tours. Visitors can explore the locker rooms, press box, and FedEx Great Hall. These tours give fans a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s most iconic venues, with plenty of historical memorabilia on display. If you’re there on game day, tailgating is a beloved tradition for Steelers fans. You can soak in the pregame atmosphere in designated areas surrounding the stadium.
Acrisure Stadium is more than just the Steelers’ home —it’s a beloved landmark in Pittsburgh. From its high NFL stadium rankings to its commitment to fan safety, emergency preparedness, and spectacular events, it is essential to the city’s identity. For Steelers fans, it’s home.
Next time you walk through those gates, remember that you’re stepping into a landmark as resilient and spirited as Pittsburgh. Here’s hoping for 22 more years of history.
