THE BLACK AND GOLD POST

I bet you didn't think you were going to see the Panthers play in Heinz Field this year, did you? Well, think again. However, this is not college football we're talking about (although some may argue differently) but this is the NFL's Carolina Panthers as they have been chosen as the opponent upon which the PSFCOB will descend at Heinz Field for this 12th annual extravaganza on December 15th.

Tickets for this year's trip are set at $125.00 a piece for lower level seats and $95.00 per ticket for upper level seats. All seats will be located in the closed end zone so a FANtastic view of the scoreboard and skyline is guaranteed. For those who attended last years's game against Minnesota, these seats were considered prime as a fair amount of action took place at this end of the field.

As with anything, one must pay the price for success and Steeler football is no different. With the year the Black 'n Gold had in 2001 and the lofty expectations for this season's squad, ticket prices and availability are at a premium. Original plans called for the PSFCOB to attend the contest against Kris Brown and the expansion Houston Texans but the price was just too steep. Your Fan Club tries every year to get as much bang for the buck as possible and this opportunity was seen as the one that was able to offer as much as possible for everyone's hard earned money.

As in year's past, the actual game itself is only a part of what has become an entire weekend of anything and everything the PSFCOB stands for. We will once again be staying en masse at The Sheraton at Station Square. The good folks at The Sheraton have treated us well in years past and there's no reason to think they can't pull it off again. Room rates for PSFCOB members are set at $105.00 per night for a minimum two night stay and $159.00 per night for a single night. A steady stream of Baltimore Black 'n Gold will begin Friday and continue throughout the day Saturday as we gear up for Sunday game day. Many folks use Friday and Saturday to take in the best of what Station Square and the city has to offer. Numerous changes have taken place near The Sheraton since our visit last December including the new Hard Rock Café and other exciting bars and restaurants.

Things become more game oriented on Saturday evening as we will hold our traditional Saturday Night party at The Sheraton. The party is tentatively scheduled to be held in the same room as it was last year (2nd floor, above the front desk lobby area) but this could change if one of the bigger ballrooms on the first floor opens up. This has always been a good way for everyone to get together and celebrate everything that is Steelers football. Further details of the Saturday Night party will be announced as we get closer to game time.

Sunday morning will likely awaken cold, crisp (and possibly a little bleary eyed for some of us) and we will make our way towards Heinz Field and shift into tailgate mode. The best damn Tailgate Party in Pittsburgh will once again be held behind Reinhold's Ice Cream Company at 800 Fulton Street on the corner of Ridge Avenue and Fontella Street.

This is a mere 10 minute walk to Heinz Field and is by far the best place to party given the continued ban on stadium lot tailgating. The Tailgate will start around 8:00 AM and will continue right up until game time and will gear up again after the game and will go on until the last beer has been drank and the last kolbasi has been eaten.

As always, the cost of the tailgate Party is $20.00 per person and entitles you to all you can eat and drink. The menu will consist of delectable treats from The Terrible Grill including hamburgers, hot dogs, kolbasi, pit beef, salads and anything else you would expect to find at a tailgate party (only more of it). The Terrible Bar will also be on hand to quench our building thirsts by pouring keg after keg after keg of beer. Pop and water will also be available.

Tickets for this once a year blowout are limited so don't wait too long to place your order. Complete the enclosed order form TODAY and be a part of what has become a landmark tradition for the PSFCOB.