History Center Marks Immaculate Reception Anniversary With Monument, Photo Contest

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- In the shadow of Heinz Field, a slab of granite marks a hallowed spot. Yard lines drawn on the sidewalk mark the boundaries of a miracle.

The shining granite will be the backdrop for a monument to be unveiled on Dec. 22, an important day in Steelers history. Forty years have passed since the astonishing catch by Franco Harris: The Immaculate Reception.

"When you go out to the airport, you see our Franco figure there," says Heinz History Center President Andy Masich. "We have one at the History Center as well. And now, people are sending us pictures of themselves "Francoing."

"Tebowing" is so... last year. The History Center is celebrating a moment that has met the test of time.

"We're building a monument over on the North Shore using global positioning," Masich adds. "We have located the exact spot for the Immaculate Reception."

As for "Francoing," communications director Brady Smith says the museum's Facebook page is hosting a photo contest featuring fans scooping an imaginary ball into the air.

"This is one of our favorite ones from Machu Picchu," he says. "And here's another from New York City. The American Gothic House in Iowa - somebody's Francoing with a pitch fork.

After receiving all these photos, we decided that a contest would be great to honor the 40th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception."

Masich says Steelers tickets are among the prizes for best photo.

As for the rules: "You have to have one leg up in the air. You have to have your hands stretched forth, making that shoestring catch," he says.

To submit an entry, log on to: Facebook.com/SenatorJohnHeinzHistoryCenter

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