Where to stay, where to party, where to tailgate

Going to the Steelers/Rat Birds game on October 1st.

There's a big group of us going. Looking to stay in a reasonably priced hotel, but at the same time don't want to be in the ghetto. Preferably walking distance or short cab ride to some bars, pubs that will be busy. Not looking for fancy night clubs though. We're all in our 30's, so something a little more casual would be good. So any recommendations for which part of the city to stay in?

Also, this is Steelers related because we also want to do some tailgating before the game. What's the best spot to do that?

Thanks for the help

ps. If anyone on here is going to the game and wants to get together for a couple beers before or after the game, shoot me a message. I'll buy the first round

 

Meeting up would have been cool. There are some great places down river and then take the riverboat up to the stadium gives you a cool feeling, esp.when docking. And it's reasonably priced.