Perched on the North Shore where Pittsburgh’s three rivers meet, Acrisure Stadium is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers. It’s open-air, unapologetically loud, and pure Pittsburgh, right down to the Primanti Bros. sandwiches at the concession stands.

But football isn’t the only draw. Acrisure hosts major concerts as well as special events, such as Monster Jam and the annual Kickoff and Rib Festival. No matter what event you’re coming to Acrisure Stadium to see, this guide runs down the venue’s bag policy, parking information, in-stadium concessions, insider tips, and so much more. By the end, you’ll be navigating Acrisure Stadium like a pro.

Acrisure Stadium Venue Guide

Where Are the Best Seats in the House?

Depending on whether you’re heading to a Steelers game or a concert, there are a couple of different options to get the best seat in the house.

• The lower bowl along the sidelines is the gold standard. Sections 108-136 offer some of the best views, with sections near midfield giving you the clearest look at the action.
• If you want to be close to the Steelers bench, sections 133-136 are on the home sideline.
• For a different perspective, end-zone seats put you close to the action without the price tag of midfield seats.
• Don’t overlook the club and suite levels. They offer more comfortable seating, climate-controlled spaces, and access to premium food and beverage options, although the experience comes at a premium.
• One thing to remember for cold-weather events: Metal seats can get very cold, so consider bringing a seat cushion (but note seat cushions with backs are not allowed).

Bag Policy

Acrisure follows the NFL’s clear-bag policy that you’ll find at all other stadiums.

• Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches are permitted, as are one-gallon, clear freezer bags and small, non-clear bags up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches.
• Each person, including children, can carry one permitted clear bag plus one small clutch.
• Medically necessary items are permitted after inspection at the gate.
• Outside food is permitted if it is carried in a clear plastic bag, but glass bottles are prohibited.

Getting to Acrisure Stadium

• If you’re driving from north of the stadium, take I-279 South toward Pittsburgh and follow signs for the North Shore and stadium exits.
• Coming from the west, south or east? One option is to park Downtown and walk across the river. The Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street Bridge) and Andy Warhol Bridge (Seventh Street Bridge) both lead directly to the North Shore. On Steelers game days, the Clemente Bridge closes to vehicles and becomes pedestrian-only.
• The North Shore can get extremely congested before and after major events, so give yourself plenty of extra time.

Alternate Transportation

Public transportation is actually one of the easiest ways to get to Acrisure Stadium but you can always take rideshares or The Gateway Clipper too.

• Pittsburgh’s light rail system “The T” is free for rides between Downtown and the North Shore, and the station is just steps from the stadium.
• The Gateway Clipper also operates game-day shuttle service from Station Square for Steelers games. Service typically begins three hours before kickoff, with return trips beginning during the fourth quarter.
• You can also bike to the North Shore. Riverfront trails run alongside the stadium, and bike racks are available nearby.
• Buses and rideshares are additional options. On event days, follow posted signs for designated rideshare drop-off and pickup areas.

Where to Park

• Gold Lots are among the closest surface lots to Acrisure Stadium and allow tailgating.
• Champions Garage is located at West General Robinson Street and Tony Dorsett Drive, behind the Hyatt. Parking can be purchased in advance.
• Rivers Casino and the area around the Kamin Science Center offer additional parking within walking distance.
• For Steelers games, parking lots typically open several hours before kickoff. Prices vary by lot and event, so check current rates before you go. Tailgating is permitted in surface lots but not garages.
• Parking farther from the stadium is generally cheaper, and walking a few blocks can save considerable time getting out.
• When in doubt, check out Acrisure’s parking guide if you find yourself completely lost.

Pro tip: Pre-purchasing parking can save time (and money) on event day. Check availability through the stadium’s parking partners.

Where to Eat and Drink Inside the Stadium

Acrisure has plenty of standard stadium fare, but there are also some distinctly Pittsburgh options.

• Primanti Bros.: The Pittsburgh classic, with sandwiches piled high with fries and coleslaw.
• Franco’s Pizzeria: Located on the 100 level, the stand is named for Steelers legend Franco Harris and serves Steelers-themed pizzas, including the Immaculate Pie.
• Potato Patch Fries: Kennywood-style fries are available at Section 106.
• Pierogi House: A Pittsburgh staple at Section 119.

Pro tip: For something decidedly less traditional, the stadium also rotates limited-time specialty concessions. Check the event-specific food lineup before you go.

Insider Tips and Tricks

• Acrisure is cashless, so bring a credit or debit card or use a mobile payment option.
• Acrisure is mobile-ticket only. Download your tickets and save them to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before you arrive rather than relying on a cell signal at the gate.
• Guest Services desks are located at sections 104, 123, 504, and 528 and can assist with lost-and-found and other visitor needs.
• The Steelers Hall of Honor Museum is inside Acrisure Stadium and showcases more than 50 inductees and more than 10,000 square feet of Steelers history. It is open to the public, although hours vary by season and around stadium events, so check the museum’s current schedule before visiting.
• If you’re attending a Steelers game, tailgating is part of the experience. Most surface lots allow grills and open flames.
• Know that a stadium event affects the entire North Shore. Even if you’re not attending the game or concert, parking and traffic around the stadium can be significantly heavier than usual.

Where to Eat Around Acrisure Stadium

The North Shore has plenty of options for a pre-event meal, but you’ll want to allow extra time on busy game and concert days.

• Fig & Ash: An upscale option for a sit-down meal before an evening event. Reservations are recommended.
• ShadoBeni: A small Trinidadian restaurant with a vegan menu — a good choice for something different before heading to the stadium.
• Allegheny City Brewing: A neighborhood brewery with rotating food trucks, making it an easy option for a beer and a bite before walking to the stadium.
• Burgatory: Pittsburgh burgers, fries and thick milkshakes, including boozy versions for those who want to make a night of it.
• Federal Galley: A food hall with multiple restaurant concepts, making it a good choice for groups with different tastes.
• Mike’s Beer Bar: A huge beer selection and a substantial menu, including its popular Steak on a Stone.
• Wise County Cafe: A good choice for an early event or afternoon game, particularly if biscuits are calling your name.

Where to Drink After the Event

If you’re looking for a post-event drink or even bite, the North Shore has plenty of options, although getting out of the area can take time.

• Tequila Cowboy: A lively late-night option on North Shore Drive.
• Mike’s Beer Bar: Open late with a full kitchen, making it an easy post-event stop for a meal and a drink, including its popular Steak on a Stone.
• Tom’s Watch Bar: A sports bar near the stadium with wall-to-wall screens, a broad menu and plenty of beer.
• Bar Louie: A more conventional sports-bar option with a full food and drink menu.
• Southern Tier Brewing: A brewery and restaurant that gets particularly lively on game nights.

Story by Kenny Gould
Photo by Kylie Thomas

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