Following the release of the NFL schedule, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fanbase reacted with mixed emotions, many of which were not favorable. Notably, the team doesn’t face any divisional opponents until November 17th, and they start the season with three out of their first four games on the road. This aspect of the schedule has left fans feeling disadvantaged from the outset.
“It’s almost like the Cleveland Browns’ coaches made this schedule for the Steelers,” remarked 46-year-old Hess from McKeesport, highlighting the frustration among the fanbase.
Adding to the intrigue, the Steelers are set for a Christmas Day home game against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. This Wednesday matchup has generated significant buzz among schedule-watchers and fans alike.
However, this holiday game does not faze Hess. He plans to watch the game on TV and insists it won’t interfere with his holiday plans. “I’m a Yinzer through and through,” he declared. “Once the Steelers’ season is over, my interest in football wanes until the next season.”
This sentiment underscores the deep-rooted loyalty and passion Steelers fans have for their team, regardless of the challenges posed by the schedule.
Zach Juliano, a devoted Steelers fan, echoed the enthusiasm for the Christmas Day matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite having a 1-year-old son at home, which makes attending games challenging, Juliano is committed to watching the game. “For Pittsburghers in my family, we watch every game together anyway, so it’s not going to be any different,” said Juliano, 31, from Delmont.
The highly anticipated Christmas Day game will be streamed live on Netflix, a first for NFL games, adding to the uniqueness of this matchup. Additionally, fans residing in the Pittsburgh television market will have the convenience of watching the game on a local network.
Hess, another ardent Steelers supporter, sees the Christmas game as an opportunity to enhance holiday celebrations. “Being that it’s on Christmas Day, I think it’s going to be a pretty high-volume game,” Hess commented. “You don’t get anything like that in Pittsburgh on Christmas — usually … the whole town’s shut down.”
This sentiment reflects the broader excitement among Steelers fans for the rare holiday game. The incorporation of football into Christmas festivities offers a unique blend of tradition and passion for the sport, making the event more than just a game. For Pittsburgh fans, this matchup represents a convergence of their love for the Steelers and their holiday traditions, promising a memorable experience.
The schedule, which has the Steelers not facing any divisional opponents until November 17th and beginning the season with three out of their first four games on the road, has been a source of mixed reactions. However, the Christmas Day game is a bright spot, providing fans with a special occasion to rally around their team amidst the holiday season.
The matchup against the Chiefs will likely draw another crowd out on the holiday, he said: the Swifties.
Hess said he believes Taylor Swift will show up to Acrisure Stadium to watch her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, play. She attended a bunch of his games last season.
“I think the Swifties will be in Pittsburgh in full force, unfortunately,” he said.
Juliano said he doesn’t think Pittsburgh fans really care much about the Swift-Kelce relationship.
“They’re there to see the Black and Gold, not Taylor Swift,” he said.
Lucy Vallana, a Steelers fan and Swiftie, is excited for the Christmas Day matchup.
“I’ve been a Steelers fan since before birth,” she said. “I would’ve gone regardless of Taylor Swift — that’s just an extra bonus for me.”
Vallana, 37, of Ross, said she will attend the game in person. She’s held season tickets for a few years, passed down through her family for decades, initially gifted to her as a wedding present.
She said the game falling on Christmas might deter some from attending. Her cousins have the seats next to her, and they usually host Christmas.
Swift’s attendance at the game would assume she and Kelce are still dating in December and she has no other prior engagements.
Since her Eras Tour will be over by Christmas, Vallana said she believes there’s no reason she shouldn’t show up.
“I’m hoping she does because who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas in Pittsburgh?” Vallana said. “I need to see Taylor Swift.”
She’s been debating whether to make Steelers- and Taylor Swift-themed friendship bracelets to hand out at the Christmas Day game.
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