Steelers Planning New Entertainment Complex Near Heinz Field

The Steelers are “putting together plans for a year-round $10[M] entertainment complex” next to Heinz Field after “abandoning the idea of an amphitheater” at the location last fall, according to Mark Belko of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. The team is “seeking to partner with [AEG] on the proposed venue, which would be built in a parking lot" adjacent to the stadium. The complex would feature a “club-like indoor venue and the ability to hold events outside in open space near Heinz Field.” Steelers Dir of Business Mark Hart said that the project “would have indoor seating for about 2,000,” and that it would host “concerts, special performances and festivals.” Belko notes the team originally had plans for a 5,600-seat amphitheater but “had trouble negotiating a deal with a promoter and finalizing the economics of the project” (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 1/15). In Pittsburgh, Sam Spatter notes the Steelers in October withdrew an application for $10M in state funding after Baltimore-based Cordish Co. pulled out of the proposed North Shore Live project. In November, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said that the team “may have to look elsewhere for the funding if they don’t act soon to reapply for the funding.” Continental President of Development Barry Ford, whose company is working with the Steelers on the proposal, said that neither the team nor Continental "has submitted a new application for those funds” (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 1/15).