On May 22, the Pittsburgh Steelers, along with the UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, hosted the first ever Pittsburgh SteelHERS Social. The event sold out quickly to 1,000 lucky female fans. The atmosphere was electric as fans from all over the country flocked to celebrate their love for the black and gold.
While browsing through a local Pittsburgh sports shop, I ran into Tia Salbaugh and her family, who had just driven in from Cleveland to attend the event. Tia and her dad had purchased the tickets as a Mother’s Day gift for Tia’s mother, Andao Salbaugh. The family was accompanied by Carla Reynolds and Francy Ahlin, and their excitement was palpable as they searched for the perfect apparel for the evening’s festivities. The Salbaughs have been attending Steelers training camps and other events for years, showcasing their unwavering dedication.
But they weren’t the only ones who traveled long distances for this special night. Carla Burgess, 61, born in South Carolina and a Steelers fan since the age of 16, flew in from North Carolina specifically for the event.
Lisa Ward and Sandy Rayburn, huge fans of the late great Franco Harris, traveled from Steubenville, Ohio.
Mary McGill and Emily Nystrom, childhood friends and Pittsburgh natives, have shared their Steelers passion for years. Emily’s devotion runs so deep that she named her daughter Rooney, after the team’s owner, Art Rooney.
Among the enthusiastic attendees were Susan Banaszak and Kelly Pollard. Kelly, a recent cancer survivor, was beaming with joy throughout the event. Navigating the festive frenzy while maintaining a fervent allegiance to the Steelers is a nuanced balancing act for Susan, especially during the busy holiday season. With her son Jack graduating this year, December becomes a juggling act between attending games and preserving cherished family traditions. This year, the calendar is particularly demanding, with five games scheduled between December and January. Despite this, Susan chooses moments to celebrate with her family, illustrating her dedication not only to her favorite team but also to creating memorable holiday experiences.
Susan’s involvement with the Steelers extends beyond mere fandom; it is a vital part of her family and social life. Holding season tickets is more than a pastime—it’s a tradition that strengthens her ties with friends and family, weaving into the fabric of her relationships. These game day outings at Heinz Field have become a cornerstone of her social calendar, reinforcing the communal spirit that typifies the Steelers’ fanbase. Her stories reflect not just a commitment to sports, but a deeper connection to a community that celebrates together, both in victory and defeat.
I had the chance to catch up with Susan after the event, and her pride was evident as she shared her extensive collection of Steelers memorabilia. Susan, a season ticket holder for 25 years and a relative of former Steelers player and three-time Super Bowl champion John Banaszak, reminisced about past events, including the memorable 202 events where fans learned how they made decisions on the field and could explore the Steelers’ locker rooms while players’ personal effects were still in the lockers. She fondly recalled seeing a photo of Big Ben’s wife in his locker.
Susan has served on the Advisory Committee and regularly attends Women of Steel events, cherishing the camaraderie and support among the female fans. “There’s no cattiness,” she shared, “just a sisterhood where everyone is super supportive.”
The SteelHERS Social event not only showcased the passion of Pittsburgh’s female fans, but also highlighted the city’s standing as one of the top 10 female fan bases in the country. It was a night filled with laughter, memories, and a shared love for the Steelers.
