| Acrisure Stadium | Quick Guide |
|---|---|
| Home Teams | Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pitt Panthers (NCAA – ACC) |
| Opened | 2001 (formerly Heinz Field) |
| Capacity | 68,400 |
| Best Value Seats | Upper Sideline (Sections 534–536 or 508–510) – Midfield view at a lower price |
| Premium Seating | North Club, UPMC Club, Luxury Suites |
| Top Stadium Foods | Primanti Bros. Sandwiches, Pierogis, Roethlisburger, Kielbasa |
| Nearby Bars | North Shore Area, Southern Tier Brewing, Tequila Cowboy, |
| Closest Hotels | Hyatt Place North Shore, Residence Inn by Marriott, SpringHill Suites |
| Transit Access | Pittsburgh Light Rail (T) to North Shore Station; walkable from downtown and nearby garages |
🔍 Want a custom Steelers or Panthers gameday guide? Use our Gameday Guides AI to get personalized tips on seating, parking, food, and hotel options near Acrisure Stadium.
Best Seats At Acrisure Stadium
Acrisure Stadium sits on Pittsburgh’s North Shore with the Allegheny River at its back and downtown skyline views that make even cold December games feel scenic. This is blue-collar football in a city that treats Sundays like a religion—70,000 fans waving Terrible Towels, three rivers converging nearby, and Primanti Brothers sandwiches available at concessions. The reality: parking is a nightmare, the weather can be brutal, and tickets cost more here than almost anywhere else in the NFL, but the gameday atmosphere is legitimately special.
Seating Guide
Acrisure Stadium holds roughly 68,000 for Steelers games and sits in a bowl configuration that keeps sightlines clean throughout. The field runs north-south, which matters for sun and weather planning.
Best Seats Overall: Sections 111-114 and 131-134 (Lower Bowl, 50-Yard Line): These are the gold standard—center field positioning on the home sideline (Steelers bench at 133-136) with rows 10-20 hitting the perfect elevation. You’re high enough to see plays develop across the entire field but close enough to hear hits and feel the energy. Don’t go below row 10—you’ll be too low to see over players and coaches on the sidelines, and your neck will hurt from looking up at the Jumbotron. I learned this the hard way sitting row 5 for a playoff game years ago—great for player interaction during warmups, terrible for actually watching football.
Sections 509-512 and 529-532 (Upper Deck, 50-Yard Line): If center-field lower bowl pricing scares you but you still want premium views, upper deck behind home plate delivers. Rows 1-15 keep you relatively close to the action with that elevated “see the whole chess board” perspective that’s perfect for appreciating offensive schemes and defensive rotations. The stadium bowl design means upper deck doesn’t feel as disconnected as older venues—you’re still in the game mentally even if you’re far physically.
Weather reality: you’re completely exposed up here. Rain, snow, wind—you’re getting all of it. Bring layers and waterproofs for any game after October. The tradeoff is tickets run $80-150 for most games, which is reasonable for NFL standards.
Sections 120-124 (Lower Bowl, North End Zone): Student sections for Pitt Panthers games, but for Steelers games these offer great value and surprisingly fun angles. You’re watching goal-line plays unfold right in front of you, and the energy in end zones during scoring drives is legitimately electric. Rows 15-25 give you enough height to see the full field when play moves away.
The downside? You’re watching most of the game from 50-80 yards away as plays develop on the opposite end. It’s not ideal for following every snap, but for casual fans or families on a budget, it works. Tickets often run $60-120 depending on matchup.
Budget/Best Value Option: Sections 529-535 (Upper Deck, End Zone): These are your cheapest entry point at $40-80 for regular season games against non-division opponents. You’re far and you’re angled, but you’re in Acrisure Stadium watching the Steelers with 68,000 screaming fans. The atmosphere alone justifies the price if you’re not picky about seat location. Just accept you’ll be watching the big screen for replays and using binoculars if you want to see player faces.
Weather & Shade Reality
Acrisure Stadium is open-air with zero roof, and Pittsburgh weather from November-January can be legitimately miserable. The west side (home sideline, sections 100-140 lower bowl) gets afternoon sun but also catches wind off the river. The east side (visitor sideline, sections 101-123) stays shaded earlier but gets colder faster.
December and January night games? Temperatures drop into the 20s or lower with wind chill making it feel like single digits. I’ve been to a Christmas Eve game where my phone died from cold in the third quarter. Bring hand warmers, insulated boots, layered clothing, and a blanket (they’re allowed). South end zone upper deck (500s) has a small overhang providing minimal rain protection for back rows, but don’t count on staying dry.
What to Avoid
Rows A-10 in Lower Bowl Sideline Sections: Too low to see over the benches, coaches, and personnel standing on the sidelines. You’ll miss plays and spend the game standing up to see over people. The “close to the action” factor doesn’t compensate for obstructed views.
Sections 501-507 and 537-543 (Upper Deck, Corners): Extreme angles make following plays difficult, and you’re far from everything—field, scoreboards, and concessions. Only go here if every other option sells out or you’re getting tickets for under $30.
North end zone lower sections during Pitt games (116-130): Student sections get rowdy, loud, and occasionally aggressive toward visiting fans. If you’re wearing opposing team gear, skip these entirely.
Premium Seating
Acrisure Stadium has three main premium tiers plus suites, each offering different levels of access and comfort.
PNC Champions Club (Highest Tier)
Field-level club at sections 133-140 with outdoor ticketed seats and indoor lounge access featuring the “Chief’s Room” bar. The lounge sits at field level with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the players’ tunnel—you’re watching warmups and halftime from where players walk in and out.
Price range: $500-1,200 per seat depending on opponent and row. Division rivals and playoff implications push pricing higher.
What’s included: Access to PNC Champions Club lounge with à la carte concessions (Primanti Brothers, elevated food options), exclusive merchandise, private restrooms, and the fully-stocked Chief’s Room bar with booth seating and a fireplace. The outdoor seats are padded and spacious with more legroom than standard sections.
The lounge itself: This is legitimately nice—think upscale sports bar meets clubhouse. The Chief’s Room has booth seating, classic décor, and that tunnel-view window that makes you feel like you’re part of the team infrastructure. Food quality is a step above typical stadium fare, though you’re still paying stadium prices (just for better food). The vibe is corporate meets serious fans—you’ll see season ticket holders who’ve had these seats for decades mixed with expense account guests.
Who this is for: Corporate entertaining, once-in-a-lifetime Steelers experience seekers, or serious fans willing to splurge for premium comfort and proximity. If you’re taking a client or celebrating a major occasion, this delivers.
Reality check: You’re paying 3-5x the cost of upper deck tickets for the lounge access and field-level positioning. The seats themselves are great, but if you just care about watching football, you can get good views for way less. The value is in the experience—the lounge, the proximity, the feeling of being VIP. If that doesn’t matter to you, save your money.
North Club Lounge (Secondary Club Option)
Third-level club with rows A and B outdoors plus row C indoors—the only indoor seats at Acrisure Stadium. The lounge offers spectacular downtown Pittsburgh views from the third level, main bar, à la carte concessions, and private restrooms.
Price range: $300-700 per seat, generally cheaper than PNC Champions Club for comparable opponents.
What’s included: Access to the North Club Lounge with indoor seating option (row C), bar service, enhanced concessions, and private facilities. The outdoor rows (A and B) are standard club seats with lounge access.
The lounge: Smaller and more intimate than PNC Champions Club, which some people prefer. The third-level location gives you those downtown skyline views, and the indoor row C seating lets you watch through glass if weather gets unbearable. The atmosphere is less “corporate event” and more “serious season ticket holders who want comfort.” Food and drink options are solid but not quite as extensive as Champions Club.
Who this is for: Fans who want club access and weather protection without paying top-tier prices. Families or groups who appreciate having an indoor option during December games. People who value the view of downtown Pittsburgh alongside the game.
Why this might be better: If you’re attending a late-season game with brutal weather forecasted, the indoor row C option is legitimately worth it. You’re watching football through glass in climate-controlled comfort while everyone else freezes. Also cheaper than Champions Club while delivering most of the same perks.
Suites & Group Options
Steelers suites run $12,000-$40,000 per game with most falling in the $13,000-$20,000 range for regular season matchups. Suites hold 12-20 people typically, and catering is additional (not included in base rental). Pitt Panthers games drop to $1,000-$3,000 per suite.
What you get: Private suite with indoor/outdoor seating, TVs, climate control, furniture, and full access to Club Level concourses with enhanced food options, private restrooms, and bars. Suite ticket holders can roam the club areas before, during, and after the game.
Book through official Steelers channels or brokers like Suite Experience Group. Most suites require season commitments, but single-game rentals appear for less popular matchups.
How to Get Access
Official channels: Steelers.com for club seats and suites, but availability is limited. Season ticket holders get first crack at everything.
Secondary market: StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats for individual game tickets. Club and premium seats appear regularly, especially for non-division games. Prices fluctuate based on team performance and opponent—a 2-5 Steelers team playing the Titans will see discounted premiums, whilst 8-2 Steelers hosting the Ravens sees prices skyrocket.
Timing: Buy as early as possible for division games and prime matchups. Wait until game week for less desirable opponents—prices often drop 20-40% as kickoff approaches and sellers panic.
Acrisure Stadium Seating Chart
The capacity of Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) in Pittsburgh varies depending on the event. For Steelers games, the stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 68,400. Here is a look at the official seating chart.
Remember to plan ahead and be mindful of ticket availability and prices, as Steelers games are often in high demand. It’s advisable to purchase tickets well in advance to secure the best seats and avoid any potential disappointments.
Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets
Steelers Tickets can be a tough get. Remember to plan ahead and be mindful of ticket availability and prices, as Steelers games are often in high demand. It’s advisable to purchase tickets well in advance to secure the best seats and avoid any potential disappointments. Here are some ways to get tickets
- Get your Pittsburgh Steelers Tickets Here! With our partnership with Vivid Seats you can get Steelers, Pirates, Pitt Panthers, or just about any event on the planet!
- Official Ticketing Website: The first and most reliable option is to visit the official ticketing website of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tickets for home games are typically available for purchase through their official website. This guarantees authenticity and allows you to choose from a range of seating options based on availability.
- Season Ticket Holders and Fan Forums: Engaging with the Steelers’ fan community can be a helpful way to find tickets. Connect with season ticket holders through fan forums, social media groups, or online communities. Season ticket holders sometimes sell or transfer their tickets for games they can’t attend. This approach allows you to interact directly with passionate fans who may be looking to sell their extra tickets at face value.
- Ticket Exchanges and Scalpers: While not always recommended due to potential risks and inflated prices, you may encounter ticket scalpers or exchanges near the stadium on game days. Exercise caution and ensure the legitimacy of the tickets before making any purchase from these sources.
Acrisure Stadium Bag Policy
Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ are allowed. Small non-clear bags (clutches, wallets) up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ are permitted. One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc-style) also work.
Food & Drink Hacks You can bring outside food as long as it fits in your clear bag and is in factory-sealed plastic containers (24 oz or less for beverages). This can save significant money since concessions are expensive ($8+ hot dogs, $10+ fries, $9+ beers)
Prohibited: Backpacks of any kind (even clear ones that meet size limits often get rejected), large purses, camera bags, anything over the size limits. No bag check facility exists—if your bag is rejected, you’re walking it back to your car or finding somewhere to stash it
What you can bring: Blankets, jackets, keys, phones, wallets in pockets. Cameras are fine but no detachable lenses or professional gear.
Getting To Acrisure Stadium
The T (Light Rail) is free from downtown to North Shore and drops you a 5-minute walk from the stadium gates—this is the obvious winner unless you’re tailgating. Parking near Acrisure Stadium is genuinely limited because the North Shore is hemmed in by rivers and highways, so most fans either take the T, park downtown and walk across Roberto Clemente Bridge, or use the Gateway Clipper ferry from Station Square. As we mentioned the stadium and most of the garages and such are cashless, so bring your credit card.
Public Transit (The T)
Pittsburgh’s Light Rail runs every 10 minutes from downtown stations (Steel Plaza, Wood Street, Gateway) to North Shore stations—Allegheny and Northside are both walkable to the stadium in under 10 minutes. The entire downtown-to-North Shore stretch operates as a “Free Fare Zone,” meaning you literally just walk on the train without paying or scanning anything.
Post-game, expect packed trains but they run frequently and you’re still getting out faster than sitting in parking lot gridlock. I’ve taken the T to Steelers games, and the worst part is standing for 15 minutes on a crowded train—not exactly a dealbreaker when you’re saving $30 on parking and an hour sitting in traffic.
Bus routes 52L, 53L, 54, 69, and others also serve the North Shore if you’re coming from neighborhoods outside downtown. Check Port Authority schedules on game days for frequency.
Parking Options
Gold Lots (1, 2, and 4) are on-site surface lots directly adjacent to the stadium, reserved mostly for season ticket holders and pre-sold passes. These allow tailgating and are as close as you can get, but availability for single-game buyers is essentially zero—they sell out months ahead.
Champions Garage (West General Robinson Street between Acrisure and PNC Park) holds 400+ spaces with mobile-only parking passes scanned at entry. No tailgating allowed inside, and it costs around $40-60 for NFL games. Pre-book through official channels or it fills up.
Red and Blue Lots scatter around the North Shore area, running $20-40 depending on proximity to the stadium. Red 5 Garage at West General Robinson Street is a solid option at $20-25 if you can snag a spot.
The reality: on-site parking for Steelers games is expensive, limited, and mostly pre-sold to season ticket holders. If you’re driving, plan to park elsewhere.
The Smarter Parking Play
Downtown garages (Riverfront Center at 625 Stanwix, Sixth and Penn Garage, Rivers Casino parking) run $8-20 and connect you to the T or a 20-minute walk across Roberto Clemente Bridge. This saves money and lets you avoid the North Shore parking chaos entirely. Post-game, you walk back downtown at your own pace instead of sitting in a parking lot waiting for traffic to clear.
Rivers Casino parking is particularly solid—cheap, easy highway access afterward, and you’re a 15-minute walk or quick T ride to the stadium.
Station Square on the South Side offers another alternative: park for $10-15, then take the Gateway Clipper ferry shuttle across the river to North Shore. The ferry runs continuously on game days at $15 per person round trip, and you completely bypass North Shore traffic. The downside? Post-game wait times can stretch past an hour as everyone tries to board at once. If you’ve got patience and don’t mind standing in line with fellow fans rehashing the game, it’s genuinely enjoyable. If you’re in a rush, skip it.
Free street parking exists farther from the stadium but requires 20-30 minute walks and most spots near North Shore are permit-only. Not worth the hassle unless you’re arriving 5 hours early.
Tailgating Rules
Surface lots (Gold Lots mainly) allow tailgating with “moderate, responsible gatherings”—meaning grills are fine, open flames and tents are not. Garages ban grills entirely. Every parking space must have a vehicle in it, so you can’t buy multiple spots to expand your tailgate zone.
Honestly, tailgating at Acrisure Stadium isn’t the cultural centerpiece it is at college football stadiums. Most fans hit North Shore bars instead since they’re walkable, have bathrooms, and offer better food than you’re grilling in a parking lot.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft drop-off sits at Reedsdale Street and Art Rooney Avenue, a short walk from stadium entrances. Post-game surge pricing is brutal—expect $40-60+ rides that normally cost $15-20. The hack: walk 10 minutes away from the stadium toward downtown or North Shore bars before requesting your ride, and surge pricing drops significantly.
Arrival Timing
Lots open 4-5 hours before kickoff depending on which one you’re in. Champions Garage and most official lots open 4 hours prior, some surface lots open 5 hours early. Traffic on North Shore gets heavy 2-3 hours before kickoff, so arrive early or accept you’re sitting in directed parking queues.
Acrisure Stadium Insider Tips
Here are some Steelers Gameday tips to help you navigate one of the NFLs legendary atmospheres:
Gate Entry & Level Segregation
Acrisure Stadium operates gate restrictions based on your ticket—lower bowl enters through specific gates, upper deck through others. Check your ticket for assigned gate and arrive at that entrance. Once inside, you can move between levels on club concourses if you have club access, but general admission fans stay within their ticketed level.
Arrive 90 minutes before kickoff minimum for big games. Security lines back up significantly, especially on giveaway days or rivalry matchups. Gates open 2 hours before kickoff.
Food & Drink Strategy
Primanti Brothers (sections 110, 132): The iconic Pittsburgh sandwich with coleslaw and fries on the sandwich itself. It’s touristy but legitimately good, and you’re getting the real thing. Lines get long, so hit this spot early or during a TV timeout when most people stay seated.
Pierogi House (section 119): Polish pierogies are a Pittsburgh staple, and these are solid ballpark versions. Cheaper than Primanti’s, more filling, and lines move faster.
Potato Patch Fries (section 106): Kennywood Park’s famous fries available inside the stadium. These are genuinely excellent—crispy, thick-cut, and you can load them with cheese, bacon, or other toppings. Best pure snack item in the building.
Burgatory (section 147): Gourmet burgers and milkshakes if you want something beyond typical stadium fare. Pricey but quality is there.
Chickie’s & Pete’s (section 136): Crabfries are the move here—Old Bay seasoned fries with cheese sauce.
The venue is fully cashless—bring cards or use mobile payment. No exceptions.
Alcohol cutoff is typically end of third quarter. If you want a beer for the fourth quarter, buy it midway through the third.
Weather Hack
Blankets are explicitly allowed under the bag policy. Bring a heavy stadium blanket for any game after October—it makes a massive difference for leg warmth when you’re sitting for 3+ hours in 30-degree weather. Hand warmers tucked into gloves and boots also help significantly.
Stadium Atmosphere & Traditions
“Renegade” in the Fourth Quarter: Sometime during the fourth quarter (usually before a critical defensive stand), Acrisure Stadium blasts Styx’s “Renegade” while the video board shows a highlight package. This tradition started in 2002 during a comeback win against the Browns and has become one of the NFL’s most iconic gameday moments. The entire stadium—all 70,000 fans—waves Terrible Towels in unison while the song plays, and the noise level is legitimately deafening. If you’re attending your first game, this is the moment. Don’t stay in the concourse grabbing a beer when you hear those opening guitar riffs—get to your seat and wave your towel.
Terrible Towel Culture: Created by legendary Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope in 1975, the Terrible Towel is the most recognizable fan symbol in the NFL. You don’t just buy one for decoration—you wave it constantly during big plays, third downs, and especially during “Renegade.” The atmosphere during Terrible Towel moments is electric, with the entire stadium turning into a sea of gold. Towels are available everywhere—stadium shops, North Shore stores, airport gift shops—and run about $10-15 for a basic one.
New this season: A massive Terrible Towel wall (400 square feet) sits in the FedEx Great Hall celebrating the towel’s 50th anniversary, complete with its history and cultural impact. This is a must-see photo op on your way into the stadium—it’s legitimately impressive and perfect for Instagram.
“Here We Go Steelers” Chant: Throughout the game, you’ll hear fans chanting “Here We Go, Steelers! Here We Go!” in unison. It originated from a 1994 fight song by Rodger Wood and has become the standard crowd chant during offensive drives and big moments. Learn it before you arrive so you can participate—it’s call-and-response with the entire stadium, and joining in makes you feel like part of Steelers Nation even if you’re not a local.
Instagram & Photo Spots
Roberto Clemente Bridge: The yellow suspension bridge connecting downtown to North Shore is the iconic Pittsburgh shot everyone wants. Walk across it pre-game (it’s pedestrian-only on game days) and snap photos with Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, and the downtown skyline all in frame. The best angle is from the middle of the bridge looking back toward downtown with the stadiums on either side—golden hour lighting (late afternoon) makes this spectacular.
For night games, the bridge is lit up in gold, and the stadium lights create this incredible urban sports landscape that’s genuinely beautiful. Post-game photos on the bridge with thousands of fans streaming back downtown also capture the energy well.
Terrible Towel Wall (FedEx Great Hall): The new 400-square-foot Terrible Towel installation is perfect for pre-game photos. It’s bright gold, covers an entire wall, and documents the towel’s 50-year history. Get there when gates open before crowds pack the area.
Steelers Hall of Honor Museum: Located inside the stadium with a new exhibit commemorating the Super Bowl XL 20th anniversary (running through summer 2026). Over 10,000 square feet of Steelers history, including 50+ Hall of Honor inductees, championship trophies, and memorabilia. Tours can be booked at acrisurestadium.com, and this is legitimately worth the time if you’re a football history nerd.
The museum includes the actual Terrible Towel that Myron Cope held when he created it, plus game-worn jerseys from Franco Harris, Terry Bradshaw, and other legends.
Three Rivers Stadium Display (West Main Concourse): Historic display featuring actual Three Rivers Stadium lockers from Joe Greene, Franco Harris, and Bill Dudley. It’s a throwback to Pittsburgh’s football roots and makes for solid nostalgia content if you remember the old stadium. The lockers are authentic and well-preserved with player nameplates still attached.
Field-Level Views During Warmups: If you’ve got lower bowl tickets, arrive 90 minutes early for player warmups. You can get close to the field, watch players running drills, and potentially snag photos or autographs. Steelers players are generally accommodating with fans during warmups, especially for kids.
Gameday Experience Details
The North Shore transforms on game days—streets around the stadium close to vehicle traffic, creating a massive pedestrian zone where fans tailgate, bars spill onto sidewalks, and street vendors sell Steelers gear. This starts about 4 hours before kickoff and the energy builds steadily until game time.
Tailgating happens but it’s parking lot-based, not the elaborate setup you see at college football stadiums. Most casual fans skip tailgating and hit North Shore bars instead since the pre-game scene there is so accessible.
The crowd skews older and blue-collar—this is a working-class city’s team, and the fanbase reflects that. You’ll see multi-generational families, construction workers in work boots, and retirees who’ve held season tickets since Three Rivers Stadium. It’s a real football crowd, not a corporate luxury box crowd (though those exist too in club sections).
Opposing fans get heckled but it’s mostly verbal and good-natured unless you’re wearing Ravens or Bengals gear, which invites more aggressive ribbing. Don’t be obnoxious in opposing colors and you’ll be fine.
Hotels Near Acrisure Stadium
The area around Acrisure Stadium offers distinct accommodation zones, each with unique advantages for visitors. The North Shore, where the stadium sits along the Ohio River, provides the closest proximity to both Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park, with several excellent hotels within easy walking distance. Downtown Pittsburgh, just across the river via the iconic bridges, offers a broader selection of upscale hotels with easy access via the free T light rail or a scenic 15-20 minute walk. The North Shore area has transformed dramatically in recent years, featuring modern hotels, waterfront dining, and entertainment venues, while downtown provides the full urban Pittsburgh experience with historic architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife.
Premier North Shore Options
The Landing Hotel Pittsburgh stands out as one of the newest and most unique properties, offering spectacular skyline views from every room and positioned just steps from Acrisure Stadium. This boutique hotel features expansive windows showcasing either the stadium or the Ohio River, along with a cozy lobby bar and outdoor seating along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore delivers excellent value for extended stays with spacious suites featuring full kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and consistently high guest ratings. The location provides an easy walk to both stadiums while offering the comfort of apartment-style accommodations.
SpringHill Suites Pittsburgh North Shore offers contemporary all-suite accommodations with separate living areas, making it ideal for families or groups. The hotel features a fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and a stylish lobby bar, all within walking distance of the action.
Downtown Luxury & Mid-Tier
Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel represents the pinnacle of downtown accommodations, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Located in the heart of downtown, it features a rooftop bar with stunning city views, excellent dining options, and stylish rooms. While requiring a short walk or T ride to the stadium, the downtown location provides access to Pittsburgh’s best restaurants and nightlife.
Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown offers solid mid-tier accommodations near Point State Park with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options. The central downtown location provides excellent access to the T light rail system and other Pittsburgh attractions.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh brings boutique luxury to downtown with highly-rated romantic accommodations and personalized service, perfect for special occasions or couples’ getaways.
Smart Mid-Tier Choices
Hyatt Place Pittsburgh North Shore provides the reliable Hyatt standard with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool. The contemporary design and North Shore location make it a dependable choice for sports fans.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pittsburgh North Shore delivers excellent value with comfortable accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and the convenience of walking to games while maintaining modest pricing.
The North Shore hotels offer the ultimate convenience for stadium events, allowing you to walk back to your room easily after games without dealing with traffic or transportation. Downtown options provide a richer Pittsburgh experience with more dining and entertainment choices, plus the fun of crossing the Roberto Clemente Bridge or taking the T to games. For pure convenience and modern amenities, the North Shore properties are hard to beat, while downtown hotels offer more character and urban exploration opportunities.
Restaurants/Bars Near Acrisure Stadium
The area surrounding Acrisure Stadium is known as the North Shore, a vibrant entertainment district that has transformed dramatically since the stadium opened in 2001. This waterfront neighborhood sits along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, connected to downtown Pittsburgh by the iconic Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson bridges. The North Shore has evolved from an industrial area into Pittsburgh’s premier sports and entertainment destination, featuring a concentrated cluster of bars, restaurants, and attractions within easy walking distance of both Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park.
Best Pregame Bars & Restaurants
Tom’s Watch Bar stands out as the newest addition to the North Shore dining scene, opening in August 2023 between PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. This massive sports bar features hundreds of screens providing perfect views from every angle, personalized audio at each table, and coverage of everything from major events to obscure sports.
Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 offers a true Pittsburgh sports experience with gastropub fare in a Steelers-themed atmosphere. Named after the legendary running back, this spot captures the essence of Pittsburgh football culture with quality food and an authentic gameday atmosphere.
Burgatory provides an unexpectedly excellent option for those seeking quality food without the typical sports bar chaos. Their famous boozy shakes serve as perfect celebratory drinks after a Steelers victory or consolation treats after a tough loss. The spacious venue ensures you can actually get a seat with your group.
North Shore Tavern delivers classic sports bar vibes directly across from PNC Park on Federal Street. Their signature “Steak on a Stone” has become a North Shore sensation, offering a unique dining experience that brings people back repeatedly.
McFadden’s opens four hours before kickoff, making it an ideal pregame destination. This chain location provides reliable sports bar fare with the energy and atmosphere you’d expect from a venue steps away from the stadium.
Tequila Cowboy brings something different to the North Shore with its “revved up nightlife” spread across four venues under one roof. The 17,000-square-foot facility includes Little Red Corvette for ’80s and ’90s music plus karaoke, making it perfect for groups with diverse tastes.
Mike’s Beer Bar serves as the premier craft beer destination, located directly across from PNC Park. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive selection and knowledgeable staff.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Shorty’s Pins & Pints combines dining with duckpin bowling, offering a unique pregame experience that’s become a North Shore staple. The venue provides excellent food alongside entertainment, making it perfect for groups looking for something beyond traditional bar fare.
Southern Tier and Bar Louie round out the North Shore options with their own distinct atmospheres and quality offerings, both within easy walking distance of the stadium.
Quick Bites & Street Food
The North Shore features several street vendors selling affordable bottled water and snacks. Peppi’s subs has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike, offering quality sandwiches at reasonable prices.
Stage AE often hosts free tailgate parties starting three hours before games, providing indoor and outdoor space with entertainment and food options.
Pittsburgh’s Famous Dining Destinations
When you want to experience Pittsburgh’s most iconic culinary traditions, these legendary establishments define the city’s food culture:
Primanti Brothers represents Pittsburgh dining at its most essential. Founded in 1933 in the Strip District, Primanti’s created the city’s signature sandwich featuring grilled meat, melted provolone, vinegar-based coleslaw, sliced tomatoes, and french fries all piled between thick slices of Italian bread. While there’s a location in Acrisure Stadium’s FedEx Great Hall, the original Strip District location at 46 18th Street offers the authentic experience that made this sandwich famous nationwide. The tradition began when truckers needed meals they could eat with one hand, leading to the ingenious decision to put the sides directly on the sandwich.
Gaucho Parilla Argentina brings authentic Argentine steakhouse excellence to Pittsburgh’s Strip District. This upscale establishment specializes in perfectly grilled steaks and traditional Argentine cuisine, offering a sophisticated dining experience that showcases Pittsburgh’s evolving culinary scene beyond its working-class roots.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood provides fine dining luxury in downtown Pittsburgh, featuring premium seafood, steaks, and an extensive wine program. This upscale chain restaurant delivers the kind of sophisticated atmosphere perfect for special occasions or impressing out-of-town guests with Pittsburgh’s refined dining options.
The North Shore’s dining scene perfectly captures Pittsburgh’s character – unpretentious, hearty, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before the game or settling in for a full pregame experience, the area offers everything from casual street food to quality restaurant dining, all within a short walk of Acrisure Stadium
Fun Things To Do in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a vibrant city with a rich history and a cool cultural scene. It is an easily walkable city with loads to see and do, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway if you’re in town for a game. Fall is a great time to visit Pittsburgh, as the city is filled with colorful foliage and seasonal events. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Pittsburgh.
- Explore the Strip District: This bustling neighborhood is known for its lively markets, specialty food shops, and unique boutiques. Stroll through the streets, taste local treats, and pick up some Steelers merchandise.
- Take a Riverboat Cruise: Enjoy picturesque views of Pittsburgh’s skyline while cruising along the three rivers—Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. Fall foliage adds an extra touch of beauty during this season.
- Explore the Andy Warhol Museum: Discover the life and works of the renowned pop artist Andy Warhol. This museum houses an extensive collection of his art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and films.
- Take a Duquesne Incline Ride: Ride one of Pittsburgh’s inclines, such as the Duquesne Incline, to ascend Mount Washington. Reach the observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
- Explore the Carnegie Museums: The Carnegie Museums complex consists of the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Carnegie Science Center. Each museum offers unique exhibits and enriching experiences.
We hope you have a great time in the Steel City and enjoyed our guide to Acrisure Stadium. Truly one of the great NFL cities to spend a weekend in. Please leave a comment below if there is anything we missed or anything you would like to add.
If you’re looking for some other gameday guides, here are a list of some of our football guides as well as the hometown PNC Park, one of the absolute gems of baseball.
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.