Steeler Hoopla Makes Perfect Sense (Pittsburgh, Jerome: new home, living, move to)

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by pburghfan

The Pirates were my first sports team love, I still follow them even though they've broken my heart

I feel the same way. It's been a dream come true for me to live down here and be able to go to opening day.

[WestLibertyAve]

It seems like on this board the main reason people don't like the Steelers fandom/coverage is simply because they are not sports fans. There's really nothing wrong with people complaining about seeing stuff all over the news that they have no interest in whatsoever, as long as they realize nothing is going to change. The majority of people in this city DO care about the Steelers (try to get a ticket to Sunday's game if you don't believe me) and want to see that coverage. Does it make us shallow yinzers who live and die by the black and gold? Probably. But I for one wouldn't have it any other way.

The non-sports fans just don't get it, and they never will. They don't understand why people could be jealous of Pittsburgh just based on a football team, yet go to Baltimore, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dallas, or Boston and ask random people on the street what they think of Pittsburgh. The hatred is there, and it's got nothing to do with demographics or socioeconomics...it's because Pittsburgh has 6 Super Bowl rings and has been to the AFC championship game (ticket to the super bowl) 5 out of the past 10 years and 15 times since 1970 (most of any team). You have your Yankees of baseball, and your Celtics and Lakers of the NBA...but in the sport with the largest fanbase and that which generates the most money, it's Pittsburgh head and shoulders above the rest.

Sports team success shouldn't be overlooked. Good teams sell tickets and merchandise, and that money gets pumped back into the local economy. Heinz Field is about to host its 3rd huge January event this year, and none of them would have happened if not for having winning sports teams. That's about 195,000 people, the majority of whom would not have spent a dime in Pittsburgh if not for the games.

[Bong477]

Living in Baltimore has given me a new perspective on the Steelers... whenever they play the Steelers you'd think it was the superbowl. So much trash talk even by the news anchors, it doesn't come across as an "all in good fun" type of thing either... just bitterness that the Ravens have continued to be an also ran team because despite a string of close games that COULD have gone either way, they just can't beat the Steelers when it really counts.

Also for a city that considers itself a football town, you certainly see a ton of Steelers fans here. I can't remember EVER seeing someone decked out in Ravens gear walking around Ross Park Mall or the like, however I see Steelers fans all the time at the malls, grocery stores, etc.

[raubre]

As a non-sports fan, I really don't get it. Some people act like there is nothing more important than the Steelers.

[ytown1425]

I think its annoying how some steeler fans talk about the team like its their family. I live in Youngstown and its hard to deal with steeler fans who also cheer for ohio state, cavs, and the indians.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by raubre

As a non-sports fan, I really don't get it. Some people act like there is nothing more important than the Steelers.

Sadly, to a few people, there IS nothing more important than the Steelers...

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by ytown1425

I think its annoying how some steeler fans talk about the team like its their family.

I always found that weird. When they refer to the Steelers, everyone always says "we" or "us" as if they were on the offensive line. Then there's the constant talk of "if we would have done this" or "if I made that call" as if they're team strategists as well.

Then there's talk about how great the Rooney family is (how many people even know members of the Rooney family personally?) and how Big Ben is innocent as if they were standing up for their own brother. I just don't get it.

[fleetiebelle]

and how Big Ben is innocent as if they were standing up for their own brother. I just don't get it.

I found the "who cares if he did anything or not, as long as he keeps winning games" mentality rather frightening, myself.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

I found the "who cares if he did anything or not, as long as he keeps winning games" mentality rather frightening, myself.

What I find really strange is the female fans that wear his jersey. Just think about that for a second.

[pburghfan]

Originally Posted by Aqua Teen Carl

I always found that weird. When they refer to the Steelers, everyone always says "we" or "us" as if they were on the offensive line. Then there's the constant talk of "if we would have done this" or "if I made that call" as if they're team strategists as well.

I'll admit I am guilty of this, mostly because of my affection for the team and it is an us vs them situation. Also, it is easier to say WE should have passed there instead of saying THE STEELERS should have passed there.

My husband and I went to the grocery store last night ( in SA) and I swear to God I saw one person wearing a Steeler hat and another guy (they weren't around each other so I am assuming they weren't friends or family) wearing a Pirates hat. My husband gets annoyed with me because I am constantly pointing out things like that