History of Heinz Field

Groundbreaking

Jun 18, 1999

Heinz Field broke ground on the Pittsburgh's North Shore after the decision to build an all football facility, instead of the shared Three Rivers Stadium.

Heinz History

Period: Jun 18, 1999 to Oct 7, 2001

Foundation construction begins

Jul 1, 1999

The stadium was constructed by Hunt Construction Group and Mascaro Corporation

Steel construction begins

Jan 1, 2000

There were 1400 workers over the two year period of time. No construction accidents or lawsuits occured.

Steel frames finished

Oct 1, 2000

Reflecting Pittsburgh's steel legacy, steel is a primary building material in Heinz field. The majority of the steel is silvery grey in color, except for the large gold-painted 'quad pods' which support the upper deck
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Turf placed on field

May 1, 2001

The Steelers and Panthers don't have to contend with a frozen playing field either, since an automatic heating system, consisting of over 35 miles of tubing, lies just beneath the grass surface and maintains the field at a constant 62 degrees.
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Heinz gets naming rights

Jun 1, 2001

H.J. Heinz Co. has agreed to pay the Rooney family $57 million over 20 years for the right to name the new Steelers stadium.

Stadium Opens

Aug 18, 2001

The pop group N'Sync preformed at Heinz Field

First Pre-Season Game

Aug 25, 2001

The Steelers had their first pre-season game against the Detroit Lions

First Home Opener

Oct 7, 2001

The Steelers played the Cincinnati Bengals for their first home game in the new stadium. The Steelers won 16-7.