By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

 

The calendar might say April, but Steelers fans are already thinking about the fall as the team released their 2008 schedule on Tuesday.

 

“It certainly looks to be one of the more exciting and challenging schedules that we have ever had,” said Steelers president Art Rooney, II. “Certainly the number of premier teams that are visiting Heinz Field this year will make it an interesting year for our fans and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

 

The Steelers will play five nationally televised primetime games, including a Monday Night game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 29 and a Thursday Night game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 20, both at Heinz Field.

 

On the road the Steelers have primetime dates with the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 14, Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Oct. 5 and a Monday Night match-up against the Washington Redskins on Nov. 3.

“I think that most of the playoff teams get a lot of the primetime games,” said Rooney. “Then when we are playing so many (playoff teams), it is almost automatic that you get that many primetime games. It will be a challenge.

“If you have a winning team and you are competitive then you are going to be playing in the primetime games. That goes with the territory and we will take it.”

 

The Steelers open the season on Sunday, Sept. 7 against the Houston Texans at Heinz Field. The team will also host the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants on Oct. 26, one of eight playoff teams that they face this year.

 

“I really have to say that it is a group of teams that are formidable teams,” said Rooney. “It will be a true test. I think that the message for everybody in this building is they better be working very hard to get ready for this season.”

 

2008 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule

PRESEASON

Friday, Aug. 8   vs. Eagles 7:30 p.m. KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug. 14   @ Bills (Toronto)  7:30 p.m. KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh
Saturday, Aug. 23  @ Vikings  8 p.m. CBS  
Thursday, Aug. 28   vs. Panthers 7:30 p.m. KDKA/FSN Pittsburgh

REGULAR SEASON

Sunday,  Sept. 7  vs. Texans  1 p.m. (CBS) 
Sunday, Sept 14  @ Browns 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Sept. 21  @ Eagles 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Monday, Sept. 29    vs. Ravens 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Oct. 5  @ Jaguars 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, Oct. 12 Bye Week
Sunday, Oct. 19  @ Bengals 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Oct. 26  vs. Giants 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Monday, Nov. 3   @ Redskins 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Sunday, Nov. 9  vs. Colts  4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 16  vs. Chargers * 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Thursday, Nov. 20   vs. Bengals 8:15 p.m. (NFL Network)
Sunday, Nov. 30  @ Patriots * 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 7  vs. Cowboys * 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Sunday, Dec. 14  @ Ravens  * 1 p.m .(CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 21   @ Titans * 1 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Dec. 28   vs. Browns * 1 p.m. (CBS)

* Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling

** All times Eastern