Trip to see the Steelers?

by Ragnar808 on Feb 6, 2009 9:36 PM EST

Hey all, I'm from the NYC area and a huge Steeler fan. Always have been, always will be! But I've never been to Pittsburgh! I really really want to come out there next football season to catch a game at Heinz Field. I was wondering if anyone knows someone who has made the long trip by car or air and what's the lowest budget way to get this done. I've got wheels, so I imagine driving, staying at a cheap hotel is the way to go. I've seen tickets going for what seems like decent prices on stubhub. Any advice for the out of town Steeler fan looking to make the journey? Thanks!

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NYC-PIT isn't that bad a drive

Come across on I80 and cut down on pa28 – it’s about an 8 hr drive. Dunno about hotels cause I always stay with my folks :)

by acrollet on Feb 6, 2009 11:01 PM EST reply actions

NYC, Pittsburgh will welcome you!!

Heyy, I lived in NYC for 6 years!
Driving would probably be much less expensive and parking here is nothing compared to NYC. I actually find it faster just to go the Garden St Pkway to jersey turnpike and get on to the PA turnpike. That normally only toook us like five and a half hours. Its party time!!!
If you have any other questions you can always IM me if you like.

by 6rings2NV on Feb 6, 2009 11:25 PM EST reply actions

a few years back

i was driving from indiana to long island, i stopped in pittsburgh on the way and spent the night, the next days drive wasnt bad

by indianasteelers on Feb 7, 2009 9:09 AM EST reply actions

Driving ...

is generally the cheapest if one has available time. Day’s drive to Pittsburgh from New York City. Stay in an inexpensive motel outside the Greater Pittsburgh area that has a short drive in on game day. Go a little early so you can park in a downtown ramp, which I found inexpensive and readily available. Walk across the bridge to the greatest football environment ever. Reverse after game’s end. Have a good time. This year I am blessed in that I’ll get to see the Steelers live here in KC and also have an opportunity to shoot over to Denver.

by tenthmtnman on Feb 7, 2009 9:47 AM EST reply actions

Taking Route 80 saves the tolls on the NJ and PA Turnpikes...

…..which add up on a round trip. (I read they are going to put tolls on I-80, but I’m not sure that’s started yet)

Downtown hotels are pretty much sold out for Steeler games, and prices are high by Pittsburgh standards (though still cheap by NY standards). You might consider staying somewhere near the airport that offers free breakfast. I like the Embassy Suites, because they have a large atrium where hundreds of Steeler fans help themselves to an all-you-can-eat heart attack meal of greasy bacon and omelettes and other good stuff, and get ready for the game.

You might also want to consider a trip to training camp at St Vincent’s in Latrobe. The Steelers don’t charge for admission. All it costs is parking….motels in the area are not expensive….It’s about half an hour off the turnpike at the Irwin exit. This is something you definitely can afford….and I highly recommend it.

by Homer J. on Feb 7, 2009 10:59 AM EST reply actions

Also,

If you are in the ‘Burgh, there is lots to do besides check out the Steelers! I recommend you check out the Cathedral of Learning, go to the Strip District and have a Primanti Brother’s sandwich, and of course take the Incline up to Mt. Washington (pronounced "Warshington"). Fun, safe spots to imbibe alcohol include the South Side, the North Shore, and Shady Side/Squirell Hill.

by Jonny B. on Feb 7, 2009 11:58 AM EST reply actions

Thanks!

Hey, thanks for all the travel tips. I’ll be sure to consider all this once I actually get some tickets….probably off stubhub or something.

Question——as far as great seating goes for Heinz Field, are there any seats there that are just plain bad? Heinz Field always looks like a cool place, but also kinda strangely shaped…..

by Ragnar808 on Feb 7, 2009 6:34 PM EST reply actions

Avoid stub hub

Go to steeler ticket exchange. Way cheaper and less fees.

I have sat way up at the 30, front row at the 5, and midway up at the 40.

I dont think there are too many BAD seats.

But like I said check that steeler ticket exchange online, its a much better deal

by Mechem on Feb 7, 2009 9:13 PM EST up reply actions

NYC is not a terrible drive

I’ve driven to NYC from PIT and its not terrible.

Look also at some low cost airlines. The Pittsburgh airport has a few cheap direct connections.

Hotels in the burgh are really affordable.

Or you can go to a road game if you are going to travel anyway.

Heck come to Detroit when they play up here. See you there! Tickets should be cheap.

by Mechem on Feb 7, 2009 9:11 PM EST reply actions

I live a couple counties over from NYC.

My old man and I went in the summer and with just a few stops got there in about 7 and a half hours. Mars, which is about 15 minutes out of Pittsburgh, has some good hotels for decent prices, with some multiple choices for eating out. Once you get to the city, check out the Jerome Bettis Bar and Grille, located right outside the stadium. Eat there for lunch around noon, cause it’s a lot less crowded.

To the tune of the classic children's song "This Old Man" (the part with nick nack patty whack)

Big Snack, Silverback, take the Dawg Pound's Bone, the Black and Gold sent the Brownies crying home.

by Tim Mullhaupt (HSS) on Feb 8, 2009 12:00 AM EST reply actions

As someone who's made the NY/NJ-Pitt drive more times than...

…I can even count, it’s really not that bad, but I’d say to avoid the PA Turnpike whenever you can. Just take I-80.

The hotels in the Oakland/Shadyside areas usually aren’t that expensive unless there’s some big event going on at one of the universities, and they’re a very easy bus ride away from the stadium, so you don’t need to deal with the mess (and expense) that is parking at Heinz Field. (And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with “tailgating” out of the paper shopping bag you filled with a case of beer beforehand to bring with you…)

by HinesField on Feb 8, 2009 6:09 PM EST reply actions