Steelers Pregame

Well, that time of year has come . . . football season! Not growing up in a sports enthusiasts home, we didn't get too excited about many sports other than the sports my siblings were involved in. Now that I married into a football fanatic family, we get rather excited around this time of year (and it's not because school is starting just ask Makenna)!

Daddy & I had the privilege of going to a Steelers preseason game thanks to the generosity of a ticket(s) donor and my inlaws (aka the babysitters). We went down a little early and met Rick's aunts for dinner. I could go on and on about the wonderful place we ate -- the Reuben Sandwich which was a wide as my outspread hand, but I won't.

Since we drove separately, his aunts arrived at the stadium before us. They waited in the line to have their pictures taken with the SIX, count them, SIX Superbowl Trophies!

Just as we found them, they were standing in front of the trophies and I yelled for them to turn my way for me to take a picture. Later we saw on the jumbo-tron (I have NO clue how to spell that), that you could go online and order the picture that was taken -- for a nominal fee, I'm sure!

After they moved past the trophies, I snapped a few more pics before the next guests were moved into place for their picture.

It was the coolest thing to see!

In the Great Hall were six towers representing each of the six superbowls the Steelers have won. This was the 2008 tower. There were displays on two sides -- this one where the trophy will reside and the other side contained memorabilia.

At the top of each was a big football and a ring with the superbowl number . . .

. . . and the year. (I recently watched a tv program that highlighted the company that constructed these footballs. I didn't realize this is where they were going to be displayed.)

We didn't want to wait in the long line to have our picture taken with the trophies, so Rick's aunt took a picture of us with the trophies from the side view.

Just another cool pic of the trophies!

Behind the trophy display these boxes and Brinks bags were stacked up -- that's some serious security!!

I laugh when I see this picture. Not for those pictured but for the memory of how it was taken. We decided we wanted a picture of the four of us. The only problem -- we can't take it ourselves. Thus we decided to ask some poor soul to take a picture for us. I was never so thankful to have a picture turn out on the first take. The unfortunate, mature man that took our picture was rather tech-challenged when it came to cameras. After a few repeated instructions on how to snap a photo, we ended up with this (with a little editing to center us all -- but hey, we at least all have our heads)!

Rick was showing his aunt where our seats were (see yellow marking).

This WAS a really cool photo opportunity, but I missed it because of yet again technical difficulties. By the time I got the camera ready, they players had started to lay down and stretch out. When they were all standing, it looked like a real life Foosball table.

Ok, excuse the photo, but I had to share one of my favorite parts of having club seats . . . the CLEAN bathrooms. You don't know the half of it unless you have attended a game on the "non-club" levels. Words can't describe . . .

Just a little bit of the skyline from inside the stadium.

A closer view of The Point, Mt. Washington . . .

Here come the players!

I'll have to try taking a video next time. The ocean of Terrible Towels waving is indescribable. A still shot does it no justice!

Making their way to the sidelines to start the game.

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Some of my favorite players (in no particular order)

#14 - Limas Sweed (2 yr player - did really well during the game - only one dropped ball I think=D

I think Kurt Warner is a great guy from what I know if his testimony. Didn't realize I took his picture until I saw the photo bigger on my computer screen.

#43 - Troy Polamolu (the best defense in the country)

The view as the sun when down.

I always seem to miss getting a picture of the Heinz Red Zone. Well, I finally got it this time!

After a slow start, we finally scored in the 4th quarter.

On our way out, we saw the 2008 trophy in it's case. It was being mobbed by the crowd.

I was having trouble getting a good picture because I had to stand back so far, the lighting, etc.

So I turned on my flash . . . and look at the hand prints! HA!

This helmet is in the middle of the Great Hall. You can see a couple of the superbowl towers in the background. I thought it was neat how the helmet looks like it's breaking through the ceiling.

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It was an awesome game. WE WON! Even if not, we had a wonderful date and enjoyed the time together!