Steel Delivered for Steelers Football Stadium, Structure Construction Begins

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 1, 2000 —In the next few weeks there will be a dramatic transformation at the construction site of the new Steelers football stadium.

The first shipment of steel arrived at the new site, and the erection of the steel will begin today. Soon, the steel structure of the new stadium will be shaped and the dramatic design of the new stadium will be visible.

To mark the start of the steel construction, the Steelers held a ceremonial placing of the first steel beam at the construction site.

“Today is a very exciting day for the Pittsburgh Steelers, University of Pittsburgh and the city of Pittsburgh,” said Arthur J. Rooney II, vice president and general counsel for the Steelers. “The placing of this first steel beam is symbolic. Not only is steel the namesake for the Steelers. More importantly, the erection of this beam represents the future of Pittsburgh. With the construction of this fabulous stadium, which we believe will be the finest football stadium in the country; the ball park; the renovation of the Convention Center; and the other projects occurring downtown and in the region, the future of Pittsburgh has never been brighter.”

Approximately 12,000 tons of steel will be used to construct the football stadium. From now through August 2000, 640 tractor-trailer loads of steel will be delivered for the project. The primary steel fabricator is Hirchfield Steel of San Angelo, Texas. Century Steel of Dravosburg will erect the steel. Iron Workers Local3 and Operating Engineers Local 66 will supply the labor for this phase of the project.

STEEL CONSTRUCTION QUICK FACTS:
12,000 tons of Steel
Beams—5,200
Columns—280
23,000 bolts
25,000 Slip critical connections each requiring 64 bolts per connection
75-foot long Steel Roof Canopy at the East & West Sidelines
Cranes—3
1—Triple 8
1—4100 Manitowoc with a Luffing Jib
1—65-ton hydraulic assist crane