The Steelers female fanbase is stronger than ever, and that was on display Wednesday night at Acrisure Stadium when the team hosted the first-ever SteelHERS Social, presented by UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.
The event is part of the team's Women of Steel platform, which was created to celebrate, connect, develop and empower the team's female fanbase.
"This sounded like such a fun time to be out with your girlfriends, thinking about the season, getting ready for the fall," said Kristen Hudak, from Johnstown, Pa. "It's fun to be a part of something special. There is a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
"I have been a fan as long as I can remember, as a little kid. You are born into it in this part of the country. It's always been part of my life."
Almost 1,000 women of all ages, even the tiniest of fans, from the Pittsburgh area and all over the country took part in a night filled with fun and friendship.
"I was very excited when I saw this event come out," said Lisa Perry, from Pittsburgh, Pa. "My son is a huge Steelers fan, and I am always excited about the games, but I don't know a lot about football. I wanted to come and get the experience to make sure this season I am ready to go. I am here to learn about football and be around women who are so passionate about the game. I want to get the energy of the other women and try to create some camaraderie with them.
"This is amazing. I walked in here with awe. It's very exciting. There are women here who are so passionate about the Steelers. I am just soaking it all in."
And yes, there was plenty of black and gold attire everywhere you looked.
The FedEx Great Hall served as the main point for activities, which included a Black & Gold bouquet bar, a paint & sip stadium, and tailgate-like attractions.
Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu and his wife, Theodora, took part in a fun and lively Q & A, which brought smiles and laughs to the couple and the attendees as well.
"What is nice is it's the evolution of the game in the sense that they're not players anymore, they're human beings," said Polamalu about part of the female fanbase's connection of the game. "You get to see their stories. The women are able to connect to the stories. What connects me with this is to see my wonderful wife and how she has been the backbone of my life, career and success. It's terrible sometimes because people say this is our life. In reality this is four percent of our life and the other 96% my wife is the star always doing everything. It's really cool I am able to celebrate my wife, show people the truth behind how things work in our family."
The current players conducted offensive and defensive drills on-field, coaching the ladies, encouraging them, and truly having a good time. There were also flag football drills as the Steelers have hopped on board full force with helping to grow the sport.
"I wanted to do this to celebrate our women fans," said receiver Calvin Austin III. "To be able to celebrate, talk with them, and have a day that is special for them means a lot. I went on the Steelers cruise, and nothing doubts me about this fanbase. They know all the details. They show us so much love and support."
The players also interacted with the guests in the Great Hall, playing games of cornhole and other fun games, and of course, posing for pictures to the delight of all.
"It's unbelievable to see what our community has put together here," said long snapper Christian Kuntz. "I have been a part of girl's high school flag football as well. This is great. This is special. It's an unbelievable turnout.
"And you know I am big on cornhole in the locker room, so I had to challenge some of the women out here today."
The ladies all had the opportunity to win an array of prizes, including one lucky winner leaving with a painting of Polamalu that was done live during the event.
"This is real big," said linebacker Elandon Roberts. "It's not just a male fanbase. You want to show the women we appreciate you. There are a lot of things in this sport women are a part of, with women's flag football really coming along too. I am also a pilar of getting out in the community, put my jersey on and put a face to it. I have fun at these types of events.
"One thing about this fanbase, the men and women are on the same page. I went to a restaurant here and there were two women sitting at the bar and they were going back and forth about football. I was amazed. But just being around the community, it's a blue-collar city and the fanbase is strong and emotionally embedded in our organization."
