Sports Vacations

There is no mistaking that Pittsburgh is an NFL town. When outsiders talk about Pittsburgh, they are most likely talking about Steelers football. The six-time Super Bowl champion Steelers rule the Steel City and Heinz Field is where those devoted fans come to watch them battle, filling Pittsburgh to its brim on game days. But the 65,000 seat stadium also hosts big named music acts and festivals. Situated in the vibrant North Shore neighborhood, Heinz Field is surrounded by bars, restaurants, waterfront parks, and museums.Heinz Field parkingAlmost all of the parking lots on near the stadium on the North Shore are pre-sold before the season starts, so finding parking here is next to impossible. Parking Downtown is your best option. Most garages are $5-$7 all day on game day, and it is a short walk or free subway ride to Heinz. Parking at Station Square on the South Side is also easy ($8-$10), and from there you can pay for a $2-$3 subway ride or you can ride the Gateway Clipper riverboat to the game for $5-$7.Hotels near Heinz FieldYou can't really go wrong with the two hotels closest to the stadium, Hyatt Place Pittsburgh-North Shore and Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore. Both are comparable in price to other nearby hotels, and offer free wifi and breakfast, not to mention a two block walk to Heinz. For a cheaper, and better last minute option, try the Hampton Inn on McKnight Road north of the city. It has free parking, and just a quick, five-mile drive to the stadium.Seating at Heinz FieldHeinz field was designed to give all fans a great view of the playing action, but by sitting in sections ending with 28-40 provide fans with great views of the Pittsburgh Skyline and Point State Park and the tip of Downtown. Heinz field does not have special sections for play areas that are catered to kids.Food at Heinz FieldHeinz Field has all the standard fare of football games: nachos, burgers, and hot dogs (with Heinz ketchup, of course). But the stadium also serves up Pittsburgh's favorite sandwiches, the french fry and coleslaw stuff monstrosities at Primati Bros and colossal deep fried fish sandwiches at Benkovitz Seafood.Beer at Heinz FieldUnlike the cheap beer at PNC Park right across the street, Heinz Field is about on par with high beer prices that exist throughout NFL stadiums. For $9-$12 you can enjoy a cold brew on a nice fall day. Short lines exists at the small beer kiosks (especially in the upper deck), but these generally only server two types of beer. The regular domestics are widely available, as is Pennsylvania brewed Yuengling. For craft beer geeks, head to Hero's Pub, behind section 128.Parking alternatives at Heinz FieldThe T subway stops right outside the stadium at Allegheny Station. If riding from downtown, the T is free, but $2-$4 if riding from farther out. The subway serves the South Hills to towns like Mount Lebanon, Castle Shannon, and Brookline.What to bring to Heinz FieldBring some food. Obviously feel free to treat yourself to some unique Pittsburgh treats at the game, but you are permitted to bring in snacks, sandwiches, etc., as long as they are kept in clear plastic bags. Also don't forget your bright yellow terrible towel to waive with the masses cheering on the Steelers.Insider tip for Heinz FieldIt is never a smart idea to root for opposing teams at any stadium, and that goes double for the crazed, passionate Steeler fan base at Heinz. But if there is one team to avoid gloating about or openly rooting for it is the Browns. The Cleveland team has been longtime rivals of the Steelers and there is no love lost between the two franchises. If you must root for an opposing team, do so quietly and respectfully or risk some terrible towels being slapped against your head all game.Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.