Pittsburgh Steelers Announce Plans for 75^th Season Celebration

Team's History to be Celebrated at Events Throughout the Year

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers unveiled plans today to showcase the team's 75^th season with a broad range of events and festivities that will celebrate the legacy of the team and its players with fans worldwide.  

Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney said, "Today we are announcing a celebration of the rich history and tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers, dating back to when my father founded the team in 1933.  We are excited to share this celebration with our passionate and loyal fans worldwide."

From throwback uniforms to an All-Time Team and a new team mascot, the celebration will recognize the greatest moments in Steelers history.  The All-Time Team that will represent the top players in the Pittsburgh Steelers history, selected by a vote of the fans.  Beginning today, fans worldwide can vote for the players they feel should be part of the All-Time Team by visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers website at www.steelers.com, at any PNC Bank location or via a ballot that will appear in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

A Steelers Legends Team will also be named to represent the Steelers top players prior to 1970.  This team will be selected by a special panel of experts.  Fans will also have an opportunity to enjoy a look back at the greatest plays and games in the entire 75-year history of the team.

The 75^th Season Celebration will be led by Steelers Hall of Fame member Joe Greene, who wore the number 75, and will serve as the Honorary Captain for the season.  All of the festivities are detailed and will be updated throughout 2007 in a special section of the Steelers website.

"The 75^th Season Celebration is our way of thanking Steelers fans for their unyielding support," said Arthur J. Rooney II, president. "We have a broad range of activities and events planned throughout the year and look forward to celebrating the team's history.  We would like to thank Joe Greene for serving as our honorary captain.  We'd like to thank our Pittsburgh Steelers 75^th Season lead sponsor, PNC Bank, for helping us bring these events to the city of Pittsburgh and Steelers fans worldwide.  We would also like to recognize Cricket, Giant Eagle, Heinz and UPMC for their support.  But most of all, we'd like to thank Steelers fans everywhere."   

The Steelers unveiled a new 75^th Season logo, which will be displayed on everything from the turf at Heinz Field to team uniforms and memorabilia that will available at all Steelers merchandise outlets.  Throwback uniforms that represent the look of the 1940s, '50s and '60s will be worn by the team during two home games – September 16 vs. Buffalo and November 5 vs. Baltimore.  Steelers Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward modeled the uniform today during the press conference.  The new team mascot was unveiled and a "Name the Mascot" contest was announced, giving fans the opportunity to contribute ideas through the Steelers website. Information is available now for fans to participate in a contest to name the new mascot at www.steelers.com and www.kdka.com.

Additional events and activities throughout the season will include:

Ø       A Fan Blitz is being held at Heinz Field on Saturday, April 28, that will kick off the 75^th season festivities during draft day weekend.  This event will give fans the opportunity to watch the draft excitement unfold on the jumbotron and on large screen televisions throughout Heinz Field, which will be open from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.  While there, fans can see a Steelers throwback helmet and uniform on display in the Steelers locker room and add their ideas to the "Name the Mascot" contest. Concessions will be open throughout the day.

Ø       As part of the 75^th Season Celebration, each Steelers home game will reflect a different decade of the team's history, beginning with the 1930s. 

Ø       The 75^th Season Celebration theme will also be reflected at each of the following Steelers annual events:

Men's Fantasy Camp (Saint Vincent College) – Friday, June 1 – Sunday, June 3

Women's Training Camp (Saint Vincent College) – Late July

Hall of Fame Game – Sunday, August 5, Canton, Ohio

Kickoff Luncheon – Wednesday, August 29

The 2007 Rib Fest – Thursday, August 30 – Monday, September 3

Pittsburgh Steelers 5k Race and Fun Run – Sunday, September 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers Fashion Show – Friday, October 5

Ø       July 23 – Training camp will begin.  The new mascot will be on hand to meet and greet fans at The Steelers Experience, and throughout training camp.   

Ø       August 11 – The pre-season home opener against the Green Bay Packers will include the greatest moments in Steelers history on the jumbotron and other 75^th season festivities.

Ø       September 16 – At the regular season home opener against the Buffalo Bills, the Steelers will wear the special throwback uniforms for the first time.

Ø       November 4 – The Steelers will hold their 75^th Season Gala at the Pittsburgh Convention Center featuring members of the Steelers All-Time Team.

Ø       November 5 – The Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, and introduce the All-Time Team at the game.  

Ø       The Pro Football Hall of Fame will produce a special 75^th Season exhibit that will be on display at the following locations:

Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio: July – August 2007

Heinz Field Coca-Cola Great Hall: September – October 2007

Heinz History Center: November – December 2007

Fans worldwide who are interested in the festivities should visit the Steelers official website at www.steelers.com for more information and updates on events and activities.  

Merchandise for the 75^th Season will be available for purchase starting Friday, April 27, at the Steelers' Sideline stores located in the Grove City Outlets, Monroeville Mall, Pittsburgh Mills Mall, South Hills Village Mall, Heinz Field and online at www.steelers.com.  Items will include hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, women's and youth t-shirts.  The throwback jerseys will be available for purchase beginning in September 2007.

Steelers Mascot

Steelers 75th Anniversary Throwback Jersey

Steelers 75th Anniversary Throwback Helmet