Going to my first ever Steeler Game, Help!

Wanted to know from the fans in Pittsburgh where are the places to visit, I know I got Duquesne Incline, Primonti Bros, etc. What attractions do I gotta see before leaving?! I plan on going to the game against the New England Patriots. Im traveling from Texas and the game is December 17th and its a late afternoon game so I know its going to be cold! Im from the desert so 40-60 degree weather is cold to me haha.

What about gameday? Since this is my first time to Heinz field, and my first time to an NFL game period (i've been a steelers fan since I was born 1980), is there anything I should know? What's the best way to get to the game, looks like I may be staying in between Dormont and Green Tree area, is that a safe area? And on gameday I noticed they allow parking 5 hours early but if I go early im going to go around the time they open up the stadium? do they have road closures around the stadium? what if I took an uber to the stadium, do they drop off close to the stadium?

Any and all information is welcome, looking forward to visiting and enjoying my first ever steelers game! Here we go!!

 

http://thesteelersfans.com/forums/threads/need-your-advice-please-help.17392/

 

My advice. Dress very warm! If you are not used to the cold it can win every time if you are not prepared enough.

Other than that jeh's link probably covers the rest.

 

TICKETS
If you can handle it
The week of the game the steelers release lower level tickets
They are tickets that the family members don't use
That's what I do
One trip we were in section 141 or something and sat next to lagarrette blounts gf and kids and Chris johnsons family
Kinda cool and much cheaper if you can handle waiting that long for tickets
You can also buy the 500 level section tix when they go on sale in June. You need to go for the less desirables game, but at least they are face value before Ticketmaster fees.
Ticketmaster Ticketexchange and StubHub and probably most reliable and safest way to get tickets. Although u usually pay a little more for them there.

HOTELS

I stay at Wyndham downtown and walk through a nice park and then the bridge over to the stadium

Another excellent option is to STAY AT SHERATON STATION SQUARE AND TAKE THE FERRY OVER TO THE GAME! The ferry is an awesome experience for a first-timer going to a game. The Incline is awesome too, which is also at Station Square.
Closer to the stadium Theres the Hyatt Place which is a very short walk from the Stadium, but typically more expensive However you won't have to worry parking or getting around and can walk to the game. The Casino is al$o very close by.
Further from the stadium is the airport hotels. They are cheaper but around 12-15 miles from downtown.

SHOPPING

As an out of towner I was amazed at the store hometown sports they have any and everything steeler that u may want
They also have steelers sign autographs sometimes on Saturday.
The Strip- Go on a Saturday for the full experience. Tons of Street vendors . Expect a big crowd and bring a bag to carry purchases. Parking can be tough but well worth it. You can shop for a variety of items, from hand crafted metal to crafted Native American items, not to mention the ton of Pittsburgh sports items.
Outlet Malls- about 20 miles away in Washington PA.

Ross Park Mall- Your typical mall with all the typical stores and places to eat. Keep the wife away from the COACH store or your trip will be much more expensive


RESTAURANTS

I love eating at Peppis
You have to get u a Rothlisberger there
(If your heart can handle it)

Grille 36 and primanti brothers are a must too

The Strip- There are great places to eat (Kaya, Pamela's for breakfast, Primanti's)

Station Square- Hard Rock Cafe Joes Crab Shack and Texas de Brazil just to name a few.

Members here think the best burgers and craft beer restaurant is Fatheads. Brew Gentlemen has really good craft beer/juice bombs if you like those.

Maybe the best place to eat in Pittsburgh is Gaucho Parilla Argentina
It's on Penn Ave.

TAILGATING

I've never done it but
you probably need to get to the stadium 2-3 hours before game time. Stage AE Tailgate is fun.They have many different kinds of activities; band,cornhole, etc. You can leave the Stage AE Tailgate and get right into the parking lot and go on the other side and probably find a tailgate to join. Usually 20-25 bucks will get all U want to eat and drink.

THINGS TO DO

The Duquesne Incline- If you are visiting Pittsburgh, this is a must! Take the incline up to the top and walk Grandview Avenue. You will see breathtaking views of the city. Make sure you are there when the city is lit up at night.

Zoo&Aquarium- Fun place to spend a day looking
at interesting animals. They have a great penguin exhibit and the polar bears are entertaining. It is one of largest Zoo's and has a huge Aquarium with exotic animals. There are some rides for the children and a fenced in area with small animals that you can pet and feed.

Rivers Casino- Great place for tables games and slots machine. Buffet isn't too shabby

Sports Venues- If you go in September check out the Pirates and PNC Park it may be the most beautiful park in America. Oct-Jan is hockey season go see the Penguins at the Consol Energy Center.