Iconic Steelers Draw Fans, Money from Around World

When the Pittsburgh Steelers play at home, the scene might be only slightly less subtle than Mardi Gras in New Orleans or St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, or what Las Vegas looked like recently leading up to Super Bowl LVIII.

Flags drape homes and more than a few cars as fans walk around in black and gold jerseys whether they are headed to the game or just to the grocery store for game-day snacks.

The ritual of football has for decades dictated the city’s social life, traffic, wardrobes, Monday morning office conversation and even the hours of worship — church could never overlap with kickoff time.

The enthusiasm does not go unnoticed by economic development types.

Spending during home games last season totaled nearly $180 million, according to VisitPITTSBURGH, which promotes tourism and convention business in the city.

“There’s a reason Pittsburgh has been dubbed the ‘City of Champions’ for decades, and we’re fortunate to have so many incredible sports teams, events, and arenas to cater to sports enthusiasts across the country and around the world,” said Jerad Bachar, the organization’s president.

Fans all over

The winner of six Super Bowls — tied for most in National Football League history — the Steelers have been a marquee team for more than five decades since the iconic “Immaculate Reception” in 1972, which the NFL has deemed the greatest play in its history.

The team’s far-flung fans, many of them Pittsburgh expatriates, have spawned