CHAPTER 3:

More shopping Sunday morning and checking out the Ipods, particularly as Pete was going to buy one and I was also being tempted. I listen to a lot music via the internet at work and home, so I guess buying a media player was a good idea. Especially as you can now download NFL highlights to play.

Sunday evening was the Steelers 75th Anniversary dinner. It was a unique event to celebrate seventy-five years of a great Pittsburgh sports team.

How do you describe being part of such a special event as this? Your editor will probably not be around to see the centenary celebrations, so it was indeed an exceptional and unique celebration for me and my words won't adequately describe the experience.

We arrived early to ensure there was no remaining hassle with the tickets and fortunately there wasn’t. Our early arrival gave us the chance to relax as we enjoyed the occasion. We walked slowly through the gathering guests against a background of the Patriots against the Colts game being relayed on a giant screen in the foyer. Yes, football is that important in Pittsburgh!

Many beautiful Steelers mementos were on display inviting bids with the proceeds going to charity. I did bid on a couple of superb items, but without success. Just as well I guess, as I was concerned about how I was going to get the trophies onto the plane.

We savoured the moment, and a Coors light, as Steely McBeam moved around providing the guests with a photo opportunity that I declined. Plenty of people did accept, even though I don’t think I knew anyone who had a good word to say about the new Steelers’ mascot, Mr. Mcbeam. Please see photo right.

I guess the idea about having cheerleaders as mascots would have fallen on more fertile soil, but Mr. McBeam doesn’t quite capture the image we all have about a steel worker or the Steelers. Good idea, shame about the result!

Our late purchase of tickets meant that our table was towards the rear, away from the stage, but fortunately was positioned right next to where all the guest players made their entry. We were also next to the red carpet, which gave us a reasonable chance to take photos without obscuring anyone's view.

As the stars from the 75th Anniversary team emerged, the assembled diners rose as one and applauded the Steelers stars from the past.

The evening began with a tribute to the team, with one speaker accurately explaining what the Steelers mean in just a few words, “There are 31 football teams. Then there’s the Pittsburgh Steelers.” What an apt description of the team.

I also liked the contribution from the lady who quoted one of the greatest of British sports managers, Bill Shankly, “Some people think football is a matter of life and death; but it’s more important than that.” Shankly was the manager of Liverpool and took them from the obscurity of the second division to the division one championship.

To use that fitting quote from one of the great soccer managers from the past was indeed a magical moment for me and very appropriate.

Each player from the anniversary team was introduced to the audience and given his spot on the wide screen behind the podium. Some of the greatest players the NFL has seen. Players that made the franchise the success it is.

The evening finished with an auction for an autographed Franco Harris shirt that went for loads of money. It was then time to join the swarm of guests heading down the front to take their photos of the five Super Bowl trophies, surrounded by security. I can't think why?

CHAPTER 4>>>