Heyward, Batch and Manganiello to attend Pittsburgh Airport gala

Even more Pittsburgh-connected celebrity guests have been added to an Oct. 3 gala celebrating the highly anticipated opening of Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal.

Current Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch and Mt. Lebanon native actor Joe Manganiello will all be speaking at the Transformed PIT Gala, according to airport newsletter Blue Sky News.

The new guests were added two weeks after it was announced that West Homestead native Jeff Goldblum will be performing at the event with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and his own Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.

Heyward is another Pittsburgh native with 15 years of NFL experience with the Steelers. He also founded the Cameron Heyward Foundation, which works to “empower, enlighten, and engage youth through innovative programs, partnerships, and community outreach.”

Charlie Batch is a former Steelers quarterback whose Best of the Batch Foundation also provides support to kids in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Originally from Homestead, Batch is now a football analyst, entrepreneur and speaker.

Manganiello, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, has enjoyed a successful career as an actor, director, producer, author and host. He has starred in HBO series “True Blood,” the “Magic Mike” films and as host of NBC reality competition series “Deal or No Deal Island.” Manganiello also serves on the board of trustees for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

The new airport terminal is set to open later this fall. The first public trial of the terminal took place last weekend, with more than 300 people in attendance. Registration for a public open house on Oct. 11 is now full.