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Steelers sue for Heinz Field expansion

The Pittsburgh Steelers feel that language in their lease of Heinz Field states that the city is supposed to pay for the lion's share of a new stadium expansion, and are suing to get the money for the extra seats.

By Rodger Sherman
Justin K. Aller

The Pittsburgh Steelers are suing Pittsburgh's stadium authority to get more taxpayer dollars to add 3,000 seats in the south end zone of Heinz Field, arguing that the responsibility of paying for some of the expansion falls on the stadium's owner.

The team's agreement with the Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority necessitates that the city pay for two-thirds of some capital improvements, including a designated expansion of up to 10,000 seats in the south end zone. The team argues that the upcoming expansion constitutes such a capital improvement, which, by definition, means something for which funds have been provided for by government money in at least 25 percent of NFL stadiums. Pittsburgh argues their current stadium capacity is No. 25 out of 31 in the NFL.

The city and team had previously agreed on a $40 million deal that would have featured a $1 surcharge on Steelers tickets and parking.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.