Steelers players appreciate 1st opportunity to play in front of fans this season

The announced attendance of 4,708 numbered about 60,000 fewer than customary at Heinz Field, but it was also 4,708 more than were at any of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ previous three games this season.

After two home games played last month in front of no fans, by order of Gov. Tom Wolf, the Steelers were permitted to allow a sparse crowd to view Sunday’s 38-29 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“It helped tremendously,” Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson said of the fans. “That energy our fanbase brings, it does something to us players. So we definitely appreciate that support from our fans.”

Max got his birthday wish. https://t.co/pT4OJui95v

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) October 11, 2020

The Steelers last week announced a maximum of 5,500 ticketed fans for the game after Wolf gave his blessing for a gathering of up to 7,500 people at 19-year-old Heinz Field and other large outdoor venues across the state.

Sunday’s game was the first professional sporting event in Pennsylvania to have fans in attendance since March 11, when an announced crowd of 20,172 watched the Philadelphia 76ers beat the visiting Detroit Pistons. Later that evening, the NBA postponed the remainder of its season when Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. The NHL followed suit.

The most recent professional sporting event in Pittsburgh to have fans was a Penguins loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on March 8.

Welcome to 2020 pic.twitter.com/oXSUrIDImM

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) October 11, 2020

The crowd was small in number but at points during the game made noise befitting a gathering much larger. At times, it was noticeable when individual fans started “Here we go, Steelers” chants, but the public-address and video scoreboard graphics and effects brought a sense of normalcy to a game being played amidst a worldwide pandemic.

“Oh man, it was amazing,” linebacker Vince Williams said. “It felt like there were 62,000 people there. I can’t even describe the difference it made today. Just the little bit of a number of 5,000 Steelers Nation that showed up and showed out. I am extremely proud to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, man. That’s the way you come back on the first day to have fans in and make an impact.”

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