Red 5 parking garage, searching for the Red 5 parking garage.
What I’ve learned so far on my first trip to Heinz Field is there’s a standard set of directions that all stadium staff are directed to give out.
“Just keep going that way and you’ll see it,” is basically the only thing I think they’re trained to say.
After a couple laps around Heinz Field in the Charger (hey, look at the car with nobody behind the wheel!), and hearing that magical phrase a few times, I finally saw it, the Red 5 parking garage
Then came the hike in.
I was told to go to Gate A. It wasn’t until I finally reached the stadium that I realized that I think there’s one gate at Heinz Field: Gate A. Gate A went on and on and on and on with no signs for a media entrance. Not surprisingly, every person I asked knew exactly where I was going.
“Excuse me, can you tell me where the press gate is?”
“Sure, just keep going that way and you’ll see it.”
Nice.
When I did finally find the press gate I was met with some of the most stringent security I’ve ever seen at an event. The pat down, the bag search and then I had to basically show that every single electronic device I was carrying was authentic. Turn on the computer, turn on the recorder, dial a number on your cell phone. I was waiting for them to walk me back out to the big Dodge Charger to make sure the keyless entry system truly worked.
And so I’m here. Gorgeous press box as most new NFL stadiums can attest to having.
Even though I’m a hardcore Patriots fan I do have a very tiny soft spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of my best friends growing up was a major, major Steelers fan and I always respected the fact that Steelers fans are some of the most diehard out there. After spending a day in this city I have to say I’m just absolutely amazed at just how much the team means to them. There hasn’t been a place I’ve been where there isn’t some visible Steelers presence.
Just got done making my debut on the WTIC 1080 pregame show. I only did it because I was told we were going to talk about the Chase for the Nextel Cup (just joking). Not really my cup of tea though. I have a face made for radio, but beyond that, it’s not something I enjoy doing.
Just partook in a little pregame vegetarian meal of mashed potatoes and a nice vegetable medley. I eyeballed the chicken and it just didn’t look that great to me and darn those legs looked a little small to be from chickens. Pairing that with the fact that I didn’t see any flying rats in the parking lot on my walk in to the stadium, I made the decision to avoid it.
I told Zak Boyer from Rivals.com my feelings about it and he still went for it. Good to hear when he said, “it’s bad.” Made the right call on that one.
So we’re about an hour removed from kickoff here. Pittsburgh players are dotting the field running through some relaxed warmups and fans are beginning to trickle in. The weather’s nice, let’s play some football.
Shawn Courchesne, 6:03 p.m.
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