Tomorrow morning, at 6:30 a.m., from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, we’ll be watching the Steelers play the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game at Heinz Field. And though I’m not a morning person, and it won’t be nearly the same as watching the game at home, it will be awesome.
I realize not all of my readers may not be Steelers fans. To outsiders, it may be hard to understand the fanatical reverence Pittsburgh has for its Steelers. It may be hard to understand why being away for the entire season was a serious concern we had about taking this trip. It may be hard to understand why I just won’t shut up about it.
There’s many reasons why Pittsburghers love their Steelers. Because they are blue-collar work ethic, personified. Because they’re in contention, almost every year. Because they’ve won more Super Bowls than any other team in the NFL (6, to be exact). Because it’s tradition. Because it’s contagious. Because they get you through the winter, without fail.* Because it’s fun.
*The Facebook status of almost all of my Pittsburgh friends for the last few weeks has mentioned something or other about the game. People are pumped and in cold, dreary January, what else is there to be pumped about? At kickoff during Sunday’s AFC championship game, the temperature is supposed to be 13 degrees. We met an American guy from San Diego in Thailand and the topic of sports came up. I don’t really follow sports, he said. We’re usually outside doing things instead of watching t.v. Well, in Pittsburgh, there’s nothing to do in 13 degrees. Except sit in the cold at Heinz Field, of course.
To give anyone who wonders what is like to be at Heinz Field during the playoffs a taste of the excitement, check out this video:
I’d tell you to put watching a Steelers game at Heinz Field on your travel bucket list, but be prepared to pay a scalper top dollar because every.single.game is sold out.
All together now ~ loud and clear from here to Cambodia and back, let’s hear it ~ GO STEELERS!!!
So glad you guys got to see this game! Wasn’t it awesome? I almost felt bad for the Jets in the 1st half, but not quite. Did you meet any fellow Steelers fans throughout your journey? Will you be able to watch the Super Bowl? Hope so…I’m so excited!!! Tom’s been performing Renegade at his shows. 🙂