The "Magic" of Three Rivers

Hey Everyone. Being a Steelers’ fan since 1972, I find myself comparing the “Aura” of Three Rivers vs. Heinz Field. It could be a generational thing or just something made up in my mind. It just seems, to me now, that there was something “Magical” about Three Rivers that I have never really felt with Heinz Field up to this point.

There was something about Three Rivers that I could draw from that gave me an extra boost of confidence when we played at home. In part, the Pirates playing there, and the successes that they had back in the 70’s, may possibly also add to this. Does anyone else feel this way? STEELWINDS

 

I miss it. More noise, swirling winds, immaculate receptions, no big ketchup bottles, no tomlin or butler. What's not to love?

 

It sounded cooler.

Three Rivers Stadium


It's sickening how much advertising is shoved down our throats.

 

Selective memories perhaps? If the Steeler's Dynasty and the Lightning/Lumber had occurred at Forbes Field, people would likely be pining for that fortress instead. Personally never made it to 3 Rivers, attended Forbes Field, Pitt Stadium, the Igloo, Heinz Field and PNC Park but I can't relate to what the City of Champions' home field represents to many - filled with vivid wonderful memories and sports dreams fulfilled. Heck, I'm even nostalgic for it based on the teams who played there.

 

Not a fan of Heinz field. Loved Three Rivers better for football. Now when it comes to MLB, PNC is an amazing setting for a game even if the home team sucks balls.

 

I never got to visit Three Rivers, but I will always have great memories of watching games that were played there.

 

Not sure of the magic of Three Rivers. In the 70's but the 80's were nothing to write home about. No doubt Three Rivers had its share of moments but that is also due to the fact that the Steelers were the best team in football.

I liked Three Rivers and in fact was there for opening day against the Reds. Attended the 74 All Star game too. My dad actually got to throw out a first pitch in both Three Rivers and Veterans Stadium in Philly. He was the state president of the Elks at the time and got to throw out 2 first pitches. So, I have some good memories of BASEBALL at Three Rivers. Never did get to see a football game there since I had moved away and only really made it home in the summer when I could take in a game or two.

Forbes, now that brings back memories too. Saw Clemente throw out someone, maybe Bobby Bonds, at home plate against Philly only to have Milt May, the catcher I believe, drop the ball. Also saw the last ball hit over the right field roof by Stargell. Those were the days when you could get in early to watch batting practice which was a lot of fun. Probably the best though was the fact that my cousin got home plate from Forbes Field on the last day. Yep, you heard it here first. When thousands rushed onto the field people were tearing up the place and my cousin was running around on the field and came up to home plate. It was held in the ground by 3 long spikes. He said that the plate was like halfway out of the ground and he just pulled it the rest of the way out. Of course, just a day or so later, the Pirates and the press were up in arms wondering who 'stole' home plate? Little did they know, it was my cousin who has since passed away. Of course there was such an uproar, the Pirates just wanted it back and I guess he did not want any trouble so he returned it. A picture ran in our local paper with him holding the plate just before he returned it. I'm sure if someone looks at the archives of the Pittsburgh Press from that date and the surrounding week or so, they should find an article about it. I got to also see my brother play a HS baseball game there. It was the semi finals I believe of the WPIAL playoffs. Man, sitting next to the field was something else for a kid that was only 12 at the time.

Don't forget the traffic cop up there too that ended up on Candid Camera. My dad would take us down early just so we could stand on the corner and watch this guy direct traffic. He was a riot. This was when they actually had cops in intersections directing the 4 way traffic.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to make a game at Heinz. I've been to PNC a couple of times and it is really a nice place to watch a game. Almost as good as Fenway Park in Boston which I have some stories from too. There are many times I wished I still lived close by so I could go down to PNC and watch the Pirates. I know there are plenty of good seats too at somewhat reasonable prices. The Steelers, not so much but it would be nice to go and see a Steeler game at home. I've only seen them away in Charlotte and in Boston.

rutan

 

Man I've had some great times at TRS. Steelers, Pirates, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead. Been there probably 30 times or more. Lot's of memories forever etched in my noggin. Civic Arena was another Pittsburgh iconic staple.

 

I’ve always said there was just something about TRS that Heinz Field will NEVER be able to compare to

 

The Steelers had great teams in the '70s, stocked full of HOFers. They won lots of titles when they played at TRS. But if those guys had played in a parking lot in West Mifflin, that site would be thought as magical too.

What seems impossible today, not one, but two, Pirate World Series happened at TRS. That's seems miraculous, if not magical. Sprinkle all the fairy dust you want on PNC Park, another World Series ain't coming.

As an old coot myself, part of the 'magic' is fondly remembered lost youth.

To you youngsters, ignore the nostalgia. TRS was a cookie cutter multi purpose abomination of a building that was all the rage in 1970 nationwide stadium building boom. Cincy, Philly, St Louis and Pitt and others tore down classic decrepit, dumpy ball parks for urban renewals projects. They traded grass for AstroTurf. And traded back as soon as they could.

How many Yinzers does it take to change a light bulb? 3, one to change the bulb and two to reminisce about how great the old one was.

 

I’ve only been to Heinz Field.

I often complained about the open end, but now that it is closed up I kind of miss it.

3 rivers seemed louder on tv than Heinz does, but that field looked like hell to play on. I’m sure the players much prefer the grass at Heinz.

 

I am a Three Rivers Stadium guy. I have been to more games than I can remember at both Heinz and Three Rivers. Noise wise Heinz doesnt compare.

 

For me, 3 Rivers was Mecca! I always wanted to see a game there, but could never afford it. My wife and I finally made it to Heinz about 6 years ago! Footballwise, the only comparison I have is SanDiegoJackMurphyQuaalcomSDCCU stadium. Heinz is better!

 

Part of the difference is time.

Three Rivers opened not one but two generations ago. Everything is different, football, TV, entertainment, cars, but especially the fans. I used to sit in peanut heaven surrounded by die hard fans who were pickle packers and mill hunks drinking beer. Now it’s banking reps and pilates instructors drink things I can’t pronounce. For tv we now have aerial cameras and movies with CGI then we had a camera and I love Lucy. Nothing beats the thrill of my 66 GTO. Even Christmas was better then. The world and football are just just different. In some ways better. In some ways not.

Signed Grumpy old Guy.

 

Heinz can rock when it needs to. But, by design cookie cutter stadiums were built to rock.

 

Hey AFan.

Yeah most of it probably comes along with aging and the yearning of the "Good Old Days". Nothing wrong with that. If me, or anyone else, connects Three Rivers with magic then let us enjoy our fantasies. We all have memories in life that in one way or another can be triggered off by... whatever. That is okay. For me, and the sports aspect of my life, Three Rivers brings back great memories. I just remember the 70's and the Pirates and the Steelers and what they accomplished at Three Rivers.

Heinz Field has its shares of memories thanks to Cowher, yes Tomlin, and the many players over the years. Baseball is a different story as I have never been to PNC but enjoyed the playoffs that we did make under Hurdle. Never been to a Penguins game either but they have also made me proud. STEELERWINDS

Hey Trivia question for all. Which one of our five senses is most strongly tied to memory? Answer: Smell.

 

My first Steeler game I saw in person was in 1965 against the St.Louis Cardinals at old Pitt Stadium. Our QB was Bill Nelson who later had a good career with the Browns.
My favorite memory from Forbes Field was seeing Willie Mays hit a Bob Veale fastball far into the night over the left center field wall. No one saw it land, it still might be circling the earth in outer space 55 years later.

 

BTO, Styx, Dave Mason, Johnny Winter, Fog Hat and Kansas. All on the same day.

 

Hey Boss.

Yeah, we all dabble in the "Good Old Days" syndrome every now and then, especially as we age. Nothing wrong with reflecting. I find myself seeking out old friends through social media which for the most part I detest but it is a good tool for reconnecting. Given that, as the saying goes: "You can't go Back" or something like that. Once I retired from teaching, I found myself obsessing more and more about friends and moments of the past. Sometimes it just isn't worth it and better off just remembering things the way that they were instead of trying to re-hash the past.

Sometimes it is worth it and a lot of fun. Nevertheless, none of us have a time machine and must accept things for the way they are and how they turned out. If we are lucky, sometimes we do get a second chance at things no matter how much time has passed. Now that is special. What we do with those seldom opportunities when they present themselves can make a world of difference. However, be careful and tread lightly. Sorry, if I got a little too philosophical Jeh1856. You take care my friend. STEELWINDS

 

I am down with all of those groups too but I have to say that Led Zeppelin are Jethro Tull are probably my all-time favorite. STEELWINDS

 

Trust me, I love life and live well, just a little slower. A couple of weeks ago my wife said we hadn’t done much lately, so we jumped out of an airplane from 13,500 feet. I do miss my GTO.

 

Pink Floyd, and Beethoven.

I think I saw them both live.

 

I saw Foghat, Thin Lizzy and Nazareth at the Stanley Theatre. (Now the Benedum).
I saw Heart when they were just starting out in 1977 at the Civic Arena and for all of you youngsters I saw a guy named Frank Sinatra at the Civic Arena. It was so long ago I couldn't even guess the year.

 

July 2, 1967

 

Freakin' Awesome! I came close to doing that on vacation last week but ran out of time. Definitely on my Bucket List. Nice! STEELWINDS