>A fantastic week ahead for Steelers fans

>A fantastic week ahead for Steelers fans

As the excitement build for the 2006 Season and we transition from the end of training camp to the NFL regular season, Steelers fans can look forward to one of the most exciting and action packed football weeks of the year with hardcore fans being able to catch 4 great football games in 8 nights beginning next Thursday, August 31 with the Steelers final pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Kickoff and Rib Festival takes over Art Rooney Drive beginning Thursday, August 31, on the North Shore for a celebration of food, music and football leading up to the highly anticipated Thursday, September 7 season opening game vs. the Miami Dolphins. You can catch ESPN radio 1250's "Steel City Gameday" Live from "Clippers Landing," the docks of the Gateway Clipper Fleet. For more information on how to get the most out of your Steelers game day, visit HereWeGoInfo's Pittsburgh Fan Guide to Tickets, Travel and Tailgating in Pittsburgh.

Thursday, August 31. The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers at Heinz Field in the final pre-season game at Heinz Field. This one will be a preview of the December 17 matchup at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC between two pre-season favorites to go to Super Bowl XLI in Miami.

Get into town early for the game? Attend the 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers kickoff luncheon at the Pittsburgh Hilton Hotel. The luncheon kicks off at 11AM with a Steelers Alumni Autograph session and silent auction. Call 412.392.4555 for more information.

Steeler Fans, click here to find out about a great dining discount.

Friday, September 1. Head down to the North Shore for a free concert by Pittsburgh’s house band The Clarks at 7:30. Or, get your football fix with the kickoff of the high school football season. Important week 1 matchups include Woodland Hills at Mt. Lebanon.

Saturday, September 2. The Pitt Panthers kickoff their 2006 season with a game against the ACC’s University of Virginia Cavaliers. Festival grounds are open from noon to midnight.

Sunday, September 3. Get into regular season shape by running the annual Gatorade/Steelers 5k, which leaves the Heinz Field starting line at 9:30 AM. The Iron City Pro Boxing Exhibition by the Gate D pylon from Three Rivers Stadium at Noon and 3. Comic book fans can see the Marvel Super Heroes Spiderman Stage Show entertains fans of all ages at 2PM and 5PM in the Coca-Cola Great Hall at Heinz Field. Grand Funk Railroad wraps up the day by bringing their “Locomotion” to the stage.

Monday, September 4. Labor Day. See the Outlaws in concert for free at 4PM.

Tuesday, September 5. You may want to rest and get ready for the game with a low-key activity like the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, where you can reflect on the Steelers teams that have come before.

For dinner, head out Route 30 to the Rivertowne Pub in North Huntington for the ESPN Radio 1250 Pro Football Show hosted by Mark Madden and featuring Pittsburgh Steelers Verron Haynes and Bryant McFadden.

Wednesday, September 6. The NFL comes to town. Catch a glimpse of the Steelers at the Pittsburgh Hilton where they stay before most home games. Want to bump into NFL officials and broadcasters around town? Try dinner at Morton’s or Ruth’s Chris Steak House. (If you’ve never been to the Pittsburgh Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse for a lunch time cheeseburger, stop reading and go immediately.)

Thursday, September 7. Game 1. Steelers Dolphins, 8:30 PM Heinz Field. Expect the tailgating to kick-off after 3PM. If you’re in the Gold Lots, watch for the teams to arrive by bus 3-4 hours before the game. Don’t miss the pre-game concert by Rascal Flatts at Heinz Field.

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