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Steelers To Mark 40th Anniversary Of Immaculate Reception

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- In the grand scheme of Pittsburgh sports, the Immaculate Reception was a turning point.

"Everyone knows where they were on Dec. 23, 1972 if they were born at that time," Andy Masich, director of the Heinz History Center, said.

The event has become so pivotal in our lore that the shoes Franco wore that day are on display at the Heinz History Center – as is the piece of turf from Three Rivers Stadium where x marks the spot of the miracle, in addition to the original statue of Franco at that moment.

Its twin is at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

The moment is so special, it's only natural the Steelers will include milestone in the celebration of their 80th season this year.

"It so happened that Dec. 23 is a Sunday, so it means we have a game on the 40th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception so we'll have some special event that day to celebrate that," Steelers President Art Rooney II said.

Game day will culminate with the dedication of the actual location of the Immaculate Reception along the edge of what is now Stage AE's parking lot. Will it be a plaque, or perhaps a statue?

"I think it's going to be something special – something that Pittsburghers will want to go to and remember that moment," Masich said.

We only have six months and 23 days to wait, but who's counting.

RELATED LINKS
Pittsburgh Steelers
Heinz History Center

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