Pittsburgh Tailgate Traditions

DISCLAIMER: PARTICIPATING IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES MAY RESULT IN LEAVING WITH FRIENDS, WHETHER YOU ARRIVED WITH THEM OR NOT.

Fall foliage, football and food—what could be better? Join Steelers Nation at Acrisure Stadium for a one-of-a-kind experience cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and marvel in some of the city’s most treasured tailgate traditions.

Hop on The Burgh Bus

Hitch a ride to the game on The Burgh Bus! Hop on this unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s fall foliage and learn about the city with a humorous spin. Pittsburgh's four-time Best Comedian (and ultimate yinzer) Matt Light will guide you on an unforgettable journey all through the 'tahn.

The Terrible Tour runs during football season with games, dancing, lots of towel twirling and plenty of jokes about Cleveland—plus, it’s BYOB! Beyond the Terrible Tour, The Burgh Bus offers a variety of other tours year-round, and you can even rent it for private parties.

Eat Like a Pittsburgher

Pittsburgh sports are best paired with good people, great beer and authentic Pittsburgh fare.

Did you even really visit Pittsburgh if you didn’t have an iconic Almost Famous Sandwich from Primanti Bros.? Piled high with your choice of meat, cheese, french fries, coleslaw and tomatoes stacked between two thick slices of bread, trust us, you need it. It’s the perfect way to avoid a post-game day slump.

In search of something a little more balanced? You’ll find Pittsburgh Salads on menus across the city. While many restaurants might put their own personal spin on the staple, the common denominator is topping it with french fries in place of croutons.

Pictured |
French fries in their native habitat - atop my salad
Credit |
@foodwise47 on Instagram
Pictured |
French fries in their native habitat - atop my salad
Credit |
@foodwise47 on Instagram

Some surrounding states will try to claim pepperoni rolls as their creation, but they’ve been a Pittsburgh staple since the 1900s when they became popular as a means to feed hungry coal miners. Now, they’re a great way to add a ton of flavor to your game day gathering. You can find the classic at numerous bakeries across our 90 neighborhoods, but Sunseri's Atomic Pepperoni Rolls takes the gold every time in our book. Don’t forget to ask for their homemade marinara for dipping!

Wet Your Whistle

I.C. Light embodies all things black and gold. Pittsburgh Brewing Co. brews a variety of other options as well from flavorful spins on a classic like I.C. Mango and the full-bodied original Iron City Beer to innovative new craft offerings. Pittsburgh’s oldest brewery is also one of its newest, with a new state-of-the-art brewing facility just 20 miles north of where the three rivers meet.

Every seasoned Steelers tailgater knows that the perfect game day cooler isn’t complete without Turner’s Iced Tea. Celebrating 50 years, one sip of a Turner's product is enough to turn anyone into a lifelong fan.

Bypass the parking lot to pregame from the comfort of a stool at Mike’s Beer Bar or North Shore Tavern, with more than 500 beers and 80 local taps and famously known for Steak on a Stone. Whether you choose to sit in the restaurant or the bar, you’ll find a great atmosphere perfect for before, during and after the game!

Gear Up

Secure your Terrible Towel in hand and sport your best black & gold

Yinzers in the Burgh offers the largest selection of Steelers, Pirates and Penguins licensed apparel, hats, novelties, memorabilia and other local souvenirs, all in one convenient location in the heart of the Strip District.

Rally House not only has Steelers, Pirates and Penguins merch, but also Pitt Panthers gear as well as exclusive apparel from Primanti Bros., Isalys and more.

Both PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium have stores (links here for the Pirates Clubhouse Store and Steelers Pro Shop) that the general public can shop at for everything from jerseys and tees to caps, drinkware, kids and more.

Credit |
Yinzers in the Burgh
Credit |
Yinzers in the Burgh

Sports Lover Paradise

Beyond the games, there are plenty of opportunities to get your fill of Pittsburgh football history.

Relive 90 years of Steelers history with interactive exhibits at the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum. The new installation features nearly 50 Hall of Honor inductees across 10,000 square feet of Acrisure Stadium.

Continue down Art Rooney Avenue and turn right onto West General Robinson Street for maybe the most iconic sports memorial anywhere. The Immaculate Reception Monument remembers the greatest NFL play of all time, signifying the exact spot of this miraculous catch with a bronze plate featuring the footprint of Franco Harris, who made the astounding play.

Pictured |
Immaculate Reception monument - a holy pilgrimage for any non-Raiders football fan
Pictured |
Immaculate Reception monument - a holy pilgrimage for any non-Raiders football fan

Or, tackle your way through Pittsburgh football history at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum in the Heinz History Center. Relive iconic Pittsburgh moments, try on a Super Bowl ring, learn more about Myron Cope's Official Terrible Towel and take a picture with the Terrible Fan. Featuring more than 70 interactive exhibits, this is the ultimate museum for any sports lover.

Pictured |
Western PA Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center
Credit |
Jody Mader
Pictured |
Western PA Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center
Credit |
Jody Mader

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