A Steeler-Styled Weekend For Your Guests
Going to a home Pittsburgh Steelers game for the first time is like a rite of passage that most die-hard Steeler fans count as one of their favorite memories. So, it's only right to share that experience with the ones you love. If you've got out-of-town guests coming into Pittsburgh for a Steelers game, here's a
guide to show them exactly what Pittsburgh is all about.
The Day Before Game Time:
If you've got guests pouring in for the whole weekend, then you've got to show them around the city before the big game. Chances are, they will probably stay in a hotel near Heinz Field, so the North Shore is a great place to start. Here are a few spots that you should definitely keep in mind.
Sports Fanatics
Western PA Sports Museum
1212 Smallman St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 454-6000
Hours: Open daily, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: adults, $10; students and children (5-17), $5
Reviews, Directions & More InfoIf your guests are die-hard sports fanatics, then the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in the Heinz History Center should be at the top of your list. This 20,000 square foot museum houses more than 70 hands-on interactive exhibits and 20 audio-visual programs featuring amateur to professional sports in the western Pennsylvania area.
Sports: football, hockey, racing, golf, baseball
Highlights: Overture Theatre: five video screens showcasing the greatest moments in Western PA sports Immaculate Reception, Stanley Cup celebrations); Football-Cradle of Quarterbacks: learn about the more than 50 professional quarterbacks from this region (Joe Namath, Dan Marino), try on a Super Bowl ring or make a perfect pass to Lynn Swann; Hockey: learn the history of hockey in Pennsylvania and check out some items from legendary players to current stars.
Kids in Tow
Carnegie Science Center: Highmark SportsWorks
One Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-3400
Hours: Sun-Fri, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Admission: adults, $17.95, children (3-12), $9.95
Reviews, Directions & More InfoIf you've got kids in the shuffle, head on over to the Carnegie Science Center's Highmark SportsWorks. This exhibit features nearly 30 interactive experiences in three different areas: LifeWorks, Physics of Sports and Sports Challenge. Watch the kids have fun, and sneak in a little of your own while you're there.
CBS Pittsburgh Insider's Note: don't plan on making a visit here on Steelers game day. The Carnegie Science Center is typically closed on Steelers home game days. Call ahead to make sure.
Highlights: LifeWorks: BodyScan exhibit, human body simulator ride; Physics of Sports: human yo-yo, 25-foot rock wall, unicycle; Sports Challenge: reaction time test against ice hockey goalie, measure your fastball.
Animal Lovers:
National Aviary
700 Arch St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 323-7235
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: adult, $13; child, $11
Reviews, Directions & More InfoCheck out the country's National Aviary in the North Shore of Pittsburgh. It's a beautiful collection of diverse birds, with over 600 from all over the world. There are several large, walk through exhibits, opportunities to feed the birds, intimate interaction between visitors and free-flying birds and opportunities to meet endangered and threatened birds. This place is definitely for bird-lovers, so leave behind friends and family members plagued by ornithophobia.
Culture Fiend:
Andy Warhol Museum
117 Sandusky St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 237-8300
Hours: Tues-Thurs, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Fri, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: adults, $15; students & children (3-18), $8
www.warhol.org
Reviews, Directions & More InfoDesignated as the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single artist, the Andy Warhol Museum is a must-see attraction for all visitors. Even if you've got friends or families that aren't art enthusiasts, they will still be amazed with this one. This 88,000 square foot facility contains 17 galleries, with 900
paintings, 77 sculptures, 1,000 unique prints, 4,000 photos, 4,000 videos and more. Also gaze through Warhol's archives, scripts, collectibles, diaries and correspondence. The museum also offers film screenings, live music, lectures, workshops and more.
Nighttime Fun:
Isabela on Grandview
1318 Grandview Avenue, Mount Washington
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
(412) 431-5882
Hours: Mon-Sat, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info:When guests come into town, there's no question you need to head over to Mount Washington to give your friends and family the best view in the town of the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline. Park your car in Station Square and take the Monongahela Incline up to Isabela on Grandview for some fine dining and breathtaking views.
When you're finished with your meals, head back down to Station Square for a night out on the town. There's a ton of bars and nightlife that will suit every taste—from Saddle Ridge and Hard Rock Café to Buckhead Saloon.
Game Day Tailgating:
Tailgating outside of Heinz Field and various lots in the area is a highlight of the Steelers experience. However, if your guests would rather beat the cold and parking woes, there are some great bars and restaurants that are fun tailgating options for Steelers fans.
McFadden's
211 North Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 322-3470
Hours: Mon-Fri, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sat, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.This American/Irish cuisine pub is Steeler fan central on game days. Thirty high definition flat screen television give fans game day access to everything football. They have a huge bar with Steeler specials and an even better menu—great soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and appetizers (crab dip, wings,
nachos, onion rings and platters).
Jerome Bettis Grille 36
393 N. Shore Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 224-6287
Reviews, Directions & More InfoYou can't get more Steeler-themed than Jerome Bettis Grille 36. This classy establishment is a perfect tailgating option for Steeler fans and visitors. Their menu is huge and varied (ultimate mac and cheese, the 36-ounce New York Strip Steak, a ½ pound burger stuffed with cheddar cheese and a killer Korean BBQ Beef Taco appetizer, served with wasabi slaw and a spicy Asian chili sauce. They also have a fantastic bar, serving up 36 of everything—beers on tap, bottled beers, wines, martinis and specialty cocktails. With Steeler décor, great food and drinks, this place will get you in the mood for the big game.
Primanti Bros.
46 18th St. Strip District
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Hours: Open 24/7This local institution is a must for visitors looking for a good slice of what Pittsburgh is all about. Grab one of their sandwiches, which are all topped with coleslaw fries and tomatoes. Some good choices include the Pitts-Burgher Cheese Steak, Deluxe Double Egg and Cheese, Capicola and Cheese and the Corned Beef and Cheese. Beer specials, great food and terrific atmosphere—what more could you want on a Steeler game-day?
After the Game:
Rivers Casino
777 Casino Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 231-7777
Reviews, Directions & More InfoAfter the Steelers win their game, head over next door to Rivers Casino for some gambling, drinks and food. Rivers has over 120,000 square feet of gaming, with nearly 3,000 slot machines, over 100 tables, 30 table poker room and a state-of-the-art high limits area. This relatively new casino will definitely
impress your guests, and who knows…someone may be leaving a little richer.
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