LATROBE, Pa.
─ The Steeler Nation was
officially introduced to its newest member today when the team announced the
name of its new mascot at the club's training camp at Saint Vincent College in
Latrobe, Pa.
Steely
McBeam was
the winning entry among more than 70,000 names submitted by Steelers fans around
the world. He is a contemporized version of the former Steelers logo, a
steelworker, representing Pittsburgh's rich history in the
steel industry. The logo was used during the 1950s and
'60s.
"We're excited to announce
'Steely McBeam' as the name of our new team mascot," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "It was a difficult
decision and we received many deserving entries, but we expect him to be a
favorite among our youngest fans."
Steely McBeam will
regularly participate in the team's many charitable programs and other
club-sponsored events. He will also be visible throughout Heinz Field during
Steelers games.
The winning entry was
submitted by Diane Roles of
Valencia, Pa. She will receive a VIP
package for four to the Steelers' Sept. 16 home opener against the Buffalo
Bills, including premium seating and pre-game hospitality. She will also receive
an authentic Steelers throwback helmet and jersey just like the one that will be
worn by the team that day.
The Steelers kicked-off a
"Name the Mascot" contest sponsored by Cricket this past April. Fans were able
to send in nominations by logging onto the team's official website, www.steelers.com,
or by going to www.kdka.com.
The Steelers last had a
mascot, Stevie Steeler, from the mid-1980's to mid-'90s.
The introduction of Steely
McBeam is one of many events scheduled this year as the Steelers celebrate their
75th season. The team will wear throwback uniforms on Sept. 16
against Buffalo and again during a Monday
Night contest against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 5.
The Steelers will dedicate
an historical marker to Three Rivers Stadium this fall, and name their All-Time
and Legends teams. The All-Time Team will be honored during the club's
75th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 4 at the PittsburghConvention
Center as well as during halftime
of the Nov. 5 game against Baltimore.
A full schedule of Steelers
75th Season activities can be found by logging onto www.steelers.com.
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Rookie LaMarr Woodley
helped with the unveiling of the mascot name.
A young fan, visiting
from Hawaii, made the announcement.
Team President Art Rooney, II addressed the crowd.