How Pittsburgh Plans to Win in NFL Playoff Game
Pittsburgh is a city that takes football very seriously, and is deep in preparation for a Playoff Game that will bring millions of dollars in revenues to the region, as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC Divisional Playoff game being held at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 15.
Between the surge of fans filling hotels, restaurant and nightclubs, memorabilia sales, an increase in airline and taxi service and grocery store sales for avid black and gold tailgaters, the impact on the local economy is projected to be $19.2 million, as estimated by VisitPittsburgh, the region’s tourism agency.
[ Also Read: Toyota Announces Tiny Football League Winners ]This boost comes within just days of the National Hockey League’s Winter Classic, which was held in Pittsburgh on Jan. 1, and is estimated to have generated more than $23 million.
“Pittsburgh is ready to host the tens of thousands of fans that are coming from places like India, Sweden, Germany, Mexico, Australia and even East Africa to enjoy our City and support their Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.
“It is a tremendous source of pride for our City. Collectively, between the NHL Winter Classic the Penguins brought us and the NFL Playoff Game the Steelers have brought us, Pittsburgh will receive in the range of $40-45 million dollars in economic impact. ”
[ Also Read: Football Players Unite to Block the Lockout ]The Playoff game is being held at Heinz Field, a 65,000 seat stadium located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Having sold out every game since the venue opened in 2001, the Steelers are exploring plans to add seats to Heinz Field in the future, and added 1,200 seats to the venue for both the NHL Winter Classic and the Playoff game.
Ten years ago, this area of Pittsburgh had Three Rivers Stadium, a lot of vacant land, a retail warehouse and a few small businesses.
[ Also Read: Intel Chips in to Make Football Helmets Safer ]Since then, a public private partnership of development has led to the creation of a balanced mix of retail, entertainment, restaurants, hotels, corporate tenants and high quality residential development.
Stage AE, the new indoor/outdoor entertainment venue sponsored by American Eagle Outfitters, recently opened in this area, offering diverse musical acts ranging from rock, blues, jazz, pop, country and alternative rock, with a focus on national talent.
Collectively, it is believed, this growth has generated hundreds of jobs and tens of thousands of dollars in tax revenues for the City.
The announcement was made by PSSI Stadium Corporation today, Jan. 14.
