Pittsburgh Steelers Issue Reminders For Final Preseason Game
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - With the Carolina Panthers coming to Heinz Field for the preseason finale on Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers have issued reminders to fans.
According to a statement from the Steelers, fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid anticipated heavy traffic and last-minute crowds at the gate, and to enjoy in-stadium pregame activities. All gates will open at 5:30 p.m.
All NFL teams implemented a new safety policy at stadiums last year and it remains in effect this season. The policy affects the type and size of bags that are permitted into the stadium, not the items that fans normally need to bring to a game.
- Heinz Field encourages fans to not bring in any type of bags. However, the following style and size bag, package or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium are permitted:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." (Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are available through steelers.com, at all Steelers Sideline Stores and at nflshop.com), or
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
- Logo on bag cannot exceed 4.5" tall by 3.4" wide.
- Small clutch purses, approximately the size of a hand, or 4.5" x 6.5" with or without a handle or strap, may be carried in the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at each gate.
- Diapers and wipes can be carried in a clear bag, however diaper bags are not permitted.
- Each member of a family, including children, will be able to carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse.
The Steelers and Heinz Field management are advising fans attending Thursday's game about some traffic, access and security matters, including the following stadium policies:
- Signs and apparel with foul language or inappropriate messages are prohibited at Heinz Field. Fans with signage or apparel bearing foul language will not be allowed into Heinz Field or will be subject to expulsion from the stadium.
- Media must present identification and check-in prior to being admitted to the stadium.
- Media planning on exiting and re-entering the stadium at any point on game day must have their credential "scanned-out" before exiting in order for it to be valid for re-entry.
Heinz Field management recommends that all fans lock their vehicles and keep personal belongings out of sight before entering the stadium. Fans are advised to not leave valuables in their vehicles during games.
Counterfeit Tickets
The Steelers and Heinz Field management are warning fans to watch out for counterfeit tickets when attempting to make a purchase from scalpers. Fans looking to purchase tickets are advised to only purchase tickets from the Steelers ticket office or access the team's online TicketExchange service by logging on to www.steelers.com/ticketexchange or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Fans are advised not to purchase paper tickets printed through the TicketExchange service from scalpers because of the possibility of counterfeiting.
Parking
Game day (cash) parkers are encouraged to utilize parking:
- In the Golden Triangle and ride the free "T" to Heinz Field;
- At Station Square and ride the Gateway Clipper Fleet;
- At South Hills "T" Lots (for free) and ride the "T" to Heinz Field.
Game day (cash) fans arriving on the North Shore via the Ft. Duquesne Bridge (I-279 northbound) less than two hours before game time are urged to take Exit 1C to park at Rivers Casino, Beaver Avenue or Western Avenue, or Exit 1D to park at the Blue 10 Garage or the Allegheny Center Garage.
Reserved, pre-sold parking lots around the stadium open at 2:30 p.m. to game day parkers. Tailgating is permitted in the pre-sold lots surrounding the stadium. Fans with pre-sold parking (from the East, South and West) should use the West End Bridge to access parking facilities.
Fans can park in the Golden Triangle and ride the free "T" to Heinz Field again this year. Fans can park in one of the seven Pittsburgh Parking Authority garages in the Golden Triangle for $5.00. Check for space availability via iPhone (ParkPGH); Mobile (m.parkpgh.org); SMS/Text and Voice (412-423-8980).
Station Square Boat Shuttles
Park at Station Square ($10.00) and ride the Gateway Clipper Fleet Steelers shuttle boats ($5.00 per person, each way).
Boat Shuttles from Golden Triangle and Strip District
You can enjoy a boat shuttle ride from the Allegheny Wharf to/from Heinz Field. Access the Allegheny Wharf via steps at the south end of the Clemente Bridge near Ft. Duquesne Boulevard. Pittsburgh Water Limo boat shuttles begin three hours prior to kickoff. Return shuttles begin at the end of the third quarter and continue until one hour after the game concludes.
Fans can contact www.pittsburghwaterlimo.com for information and reservations for limited boat service from the Convention Center and from the Strip District at 23rd Street.
Traffic Alerts
PennDOT, the Pittsburgh City Police and other partners are working with the Steelers and Heinz Field management to facilitate event access and to provide tips that will help with your game day commute:
Post-Game Traffic
Route 28 Alternate Routes to Consider:
· One lane northbound on Route 28 North (between the Madison Exit and the 31st Street Bridge) has been closed for construction. Fans who normally exit via Route 28 North may want to consider the following exit routes:
o HOV North to McKnight Road;
o 16th Street Bridge to 40th Street Bridge (via Liberty Avenue and Butler Street);
o River Avenue to the 31st Street Bridge.
West End Bridge
· If you are in the right lane, stay in the lane across the bridge, do not merge; at the traffic signal, keep moving and turn right on red; then proceed in all directions, including returning to Route 19 South, to Route 51 South, and to I-376 West (Parkway West).
· If you are crossing the bridge from the North Shore area to Route 51 South and I-376 West, the left lane may be the quickest lane to use.
I-376 West (Parkway West), Alternate Routes to Consider:
1. To Beaver and Butler counties, Northwest Pennsylvania or Northeast Ohio
· I-279 North via HOV, then North on I-79; OR Route 65 North, then North on I-79.
2. To Southwest Allegheny County, Washington or Greene counties, West Virginia or Southeast Ohio
· Route 65 North, then South on I-79;
· HOV to I-279 North; then South on Camp Horne Road (Exit 8) to Route 65 North at Emsworth and to I-79 South;
· Route 51 North to I-79 South (via Route 65 North; McKees Rocks Bridge South; Route 51 North; then Neville Road North to I-79 South);
· Route 50 West to I-79 South (North on Route 60 [via Noblestown Road]; then West on Route 50 to I-79 South [Carnegie] or I-79 South [Kirwan Heights])
Golden Triangle (postgame)
· Ft. Duquesne Blvd., eastbound Stanwix Street to Sixth Ave. is closed following the game.
· Clemente Bridge is closed northbound following the game.
Trucks Prohibited from North Shore Before, During and After Game
Trucks (except those approved by police for deliveries and those displaying North Shore Pre-Sold Parking permits and traveling directly to their permitted lot or garage) are prohibited from the North Shore Streets Area (Reedsdale Street, Casino Drive, North Shore Drive and Mazeroski Way) from three hours before until two hours after the game.
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