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Best Local Transportation To Get To Heinz Field

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Pittsburgh's Heinz Field is accessible by many different forms of transportation, including personal vehicles. But who really wants to fight their way through the city's notorious tunnel traffic, regular road closures and restrictions and game-day congestion? Take advantage of Pittsburgh's best forms of local public transportation that will get you to the game with the least amount of stress and expense as possible.

Shuttle Boats

Pittsburgh's distinct geographical location provides tailgaters with a unique way to reach Heinz Field: from one of the city's three surrounding rivers. This is an especially easy way to get to the stadium if you're coming from one of the parking lots or garages in the Golden Triangle area. Pittsburgh Water Limo offers shuttle boat rides to and from the Allegheny Wharf for $5 one way per person or $8 roundtrip per person. Shuttle boats make regular departures to Heinz Field beginning three hours prior to kickoff and return trips starting at the end of the third quarter, continuing until one hour after the game ends.

If you're parking in the Strip District, another shuttle boat service, Pittsburgh Luxury Cruises, can take you to the stadium beginning 1.5 to 2.5 hours prior to kickoff. Shuttles are $7 one way per person or $10 roundtrip per person, and reservations are required. You can make your reservation by calling Pittsburgh Luxury Cruises at (412) 221-5466.

Gateway Clipper

The iconic Pittsburgh riverboat, the Gateway Clipper, is another option for tailgaters who want to reach Heinz Field by the three rivers and it is a convenient mode of transportation from the Golden Triangle as well. At $5 per person one way, the Gateway Clipper will take you directly to the stadium from Station Square where its shuttle boats depart every 5 to 30 minutes prior to the start of the game. Return trips to Station Square depart at the start of the third quarter and remain available until one hour after the game.
 
Ride The "T" For Free

The city's "T" is the cheapest public transportation choice and one of the easiest ways to get to Heinz Field from the Golden Triangle. The Park & Ride The Free "T" program is new for the 2012-2013 season but has already become one of tailgaters most popular transportation methods on game day. Park in one of the many nearby garages, including First Avenue Garage and Mellon Square Garage, for just $5 and catch the "T" at the First Avenue "T" station or the Wood Street "T" station. Seven "T" stops are located throughout the Golden Triangle and are within walking distance of Heinz Field.

On Foot

For those tailgaters brave enough to face Pittsburgh's bitter cold temperatures, there are plenty of pedestrian walkways in the stadium's vicinity, including one which runs parallel to the Allegheny River. This is the best option for tailgaters entering Heinz Field from the stadium's Gold and Red Lots and parking lots in the Golden Triangle. Fans who park in the downtown Pittsburgh lots are able to use the pedestrian walkways on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which closes to vehicular traffic on Steeler game days. With its beautiful view of the city, this walk is a must for out-of-town tailgaters looking to take in Pittsburgh's picturesque sights.

Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.

Jessica Wasik lives in Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. Jessica is also a contributing writer for Allegheny West Magazine. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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