Bathroom Guide for Heinz Field Tailgaters
Whether you've had a few too many cold ones or the kids have waited until the last second to let you know that nature's calling, when you've got to go, you've got to go. And when you're in a hurry, it helps to know where to go when tailgating at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field. Use this bathroom guide designed for Heinz Field tailgaters to help you navigate the bathroom situation at Pittsburgh's stadium.
Using the Bathrooms in the Heinz Field Lots
No matter how badly you have to use the restroom, resist the urge to relieve yourself in any of the Heinz Field parking lots unless you have access to a porta potty. As tempting as it may be to sneak a leak behind your tailgating vehicle, don't. Public urination breaks the stadium's P.R.I.D.E. Fan Code of Conduct, which encourages a positive experience at Heinz Field, respect for others, integrity, dignified behavior and excellence both on and off the field. This code of conduct extends to the parking lots as well and, according to the 2012 Heinz Field Fan Guide, is grounds for ejection from the stadium and will result in having to complete the NFL online Fan Conduct Class before you can attend any stadium events.
If you don't have access to a porta potty, head to the area of your parking lot where there are RVs. These tend to have their own in-vehicle bathrooms and many tailgaters are willing to welcome you aboard if you ask.
Restrooms Inside Heinz Field
Once you're in the stadium, there are plenty of restrooms to relieve your beverage-filled bladder—52 of them in total—and all are handicapped accessible. In total, Heinz Field boasts more than two dozen men's and women's facilities and numerous family-friendly restrooms containing more than 487 lavatories, 204 urinals and 83 water closests.
Ten family restrooms that feature changing tables for little ones are also located throughout the stadium in North Club sections 4 and 12 as well as Lower Level East near Section 105 in the Coca-Cola Great Hall, Lower Level North Section 124, Lower Level West behind Section 141, East Club Section 205, West Club near Section 240, Upper Level East behind Section 505, Upper Level North Section 522 and Upper Level West behind Section 529.
If you're seated in the Heinz Field's East sections, restrooms can be found in the East Side Section 105 in the Coca-Cola Great Hall, East Club near Section 205 and the Upper Level East behind Section 505. Fans seated in the West sections can access several restrooms in the West Side Section 141, West Club near Section 240 and Upper Level West behind Section 529. North section restrooms are located in Lower Level North close to Section 124 and Upper Level North behind Section 522.
With so many available restrooms located within the stadium, you likely won't have to wait in line too long, especially if you plan your pit stop outside of prime potty periods, like halftime and just before the game starts. Instead, use these times to grab something to eat and drink at one of Heinz Field's 47 concession stands or browse the black and gold Steelers merchandise at the seven team stores and 15 novelty stands.
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.
