For about 20 years, Heinz Field was the home of one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. But just last year, the Steelers traded that name for Acrisure Stadium.
Now, about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Heinz Field lives again. This time, it’s as the home of another iconic football team in southwestern Pennsylvania: Aliquippa.
Aliquippa is accustomed to championships. But, for too long, they didn't have the home turf to match
“The stands were falling apart, the field was inadequate, and we didn’t have adequate storage,” says Dr. Phillip Woods, Aliquippa’s superintendent.
Now they have a place to hang all of their banners, and compete for more.
“We’ve been playing on grass for the past couple of years,” says senior Quentin Goode. “Having turf feels good, especially when everybody else is playing on turf.”
“It means a lot for us, and for the whole Aliquippa community,” says senior Brandon Banks.
Much like any state title in football, the new and improved ‘Pit’ was a team effort, funded by local businesses and a couple of grants, including one from the NFL.
And the ketchup on top? A donation from Kraft Heinz to resurrect Heinz Field.
It’s a fitting home for the team that established much of its winning tradition at the stadium that first held the name.
“It’s been a process, a lot of work ,a lot of conversations,” says Woods. “The student-athletes and coaches have been getting used to the facility, comfortable with the facility. We’re just excited to have a place to call home again.”
Heinz's donation will also go toward a new academic and athletic center, a place to prepare current Quips for the future and honor quips of the past.
“When we make the academic and athletic center, we probably want to have an area in there where we recognize some of our past champions and events at Heinz Field, as well as some of our athletes who have done well,” says Woods. “And not just Ty (Law), not just Darrelle (Revis), but all of the Quip greats that have went on.”
The upgrades are welcomed and well-earned. But, in the midst of game week, they're far from a distraction.
“When it first happened, I was thrilled about it, very excited for the kids and the community,” says Aliquippa coach Mike Warfield. “But now, we still have to win football games.”
Adds Goode: “I mean, around all the hype and stuff, you still have to put the work in, so that’s what we’ve been doing. We just let the hype come to us.”
The first action at the new Heinz Field will be Friday, as Aliquippa hosts Armstrong in their week one matchup.
Catch that game on our KDKA Radio AHN Sports Medicine High School Football Game of the Week.