A flagship retail store will "anchor the proposed expansion of the FedEx Great Hall at Heinz Field," according to Mark Belko of the PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE. The 12,000-square-foot space will be "located on the east side" of the stadium, while the Steelers' ticket office will be "moved to the south end of Heinz Field on the same side." The team "estimates the cost of the first phase" at $11-13M. That "includes the build-out of the retail store, warehouse space, restrooms and a new lobby area." As part of the project, the Steelers will "include a second-floor shell space on top of the pro shop, but it has not decided what that area will be used for at this time." The cost to build out the second floor would be in "addition to that being spent on the first phase." Relocation is "expected to start in November," and the project "should be completed next July" before the '20 season. Steelers Project Coordinator Heidi Edwards said that the team also will be "seeking a variance from the city to add illuminated signage to identify the retail store." The store is "expected to be open every day." There will be an "entrance inside the Great Hall, as well as the one on the outside." Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority approved $1.9M in reimbursements to the Pirates from the PNC Park capital reserve fund to "pay for new seat bottoms, backs and hinges in the venue's lower bowl" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 9/13).
TAKE A SEAT: Branded Seats just completed replacing 60,000 cupholders at Heinz Field. The cupholders incorporate the following features:
- Adjustable tilt to hold the cupholder/beverage more vertical
- Larger size
- Two branding opportunities: SnapGraphic insert + Heinz Field dimensional logo (Branded Seats).
