Steelers President Art Rooney II on Wednesday "ripped" the agency that owns and operates Heinz Field, noting the bad relationship between the two parties "could affect the team’s ability to attract big events like the Super Bowl and more outdoor hockey games," according to Mackey & Belko of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. Rooney said that the Steelers and Pittsburgh-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) do not have a "functioning relationship." Rooney: "I don’t know that there’s a real commitment here from our landlord to do what’s necessary and work with us in a way that’s cooperative." Mackey & Belko noted at issue appears to be a "series of improvements that the team has made or is seeking," including "new sound and Wi-Fi systems that already have been installed, plans for a new main scoreboard in the south end zone, and the eastward expansion of the Great Hall that’s to include a new flagship pro shop, museum, Hall of Honor and associated support space." SEA counsel Morgan Hanson said he was "puzzled" by Rooney’s remarks. Hanson: "In the past six weeks, I personally have participated in at least three meetings with the Steelers organization in which the Steelers and SEA discussed the Steelers’ request for funding for Heinz Field. In all instances, the parties have worked together diligently and professionally." Mackey & Belko note the Steelers "aren’t the only team complaining" about the SEA’s "handling of requests for upgrades." The Pirates in December "threatened to sue the agency over its refusal to pay for improvements to PNC Park" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 3/2).
WHO KILLED THE MUSIC? In addition to hosting a minimum of 10 Steelers games, six to seven Pitt football games and the four WPIAL high school football championship games each year, 68,400-seat Heinz Field "often is a site for concerts and, on occasion, soccer games or other events." But according to the stadium's website, the "only concert scheduled" for '17 is U2 on June 7 (TRIBLIVE.com, 3/1).
