What’s the first thing you notice on a Steelers Sunday — the smell of grills, the sea of black and gold, or the low roar building hours before kickoff? Seattle comes to Pittsburgh for the 2025 home opener on Sunday, September 14 at 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX, and Acrisure Stadium — still “Heinz Field” to plenty of locals — will be packed. Heading to the game?
Here’s your smart fan guide — with safety notes from a Pittsburgh slip and fall lawyer. We’ll cover the basics, the players to watch, the matchups that matter, and where to be before the whistle. Plus, how to get there, get in, and enjoy it all without a hitch.
Game Basics: Date, Time, Broadcast & Stadium
Week 2. Sunday afternoon. A national FOX broadcast. The Steelers’ home opener kicks off at 1:00 p.m. ET, and the North Shore will be buzzing well before that. Officially, it’s Acrisure Stadium now — the name change came in 2022 — but you’ll still hear “Heinz Field” in plenty of conversations.
Tickets are easiest to secure through the team’s hub or Ticketmaster’s verified listings. Mobile entry is the norm, so load your passes before you leave home. Whether you’re in the stands or watching from a couch, this one has the feel of an early-season measuring stick for both teams.
Steelers Preview: What to Watch
Aaron Rodgers makes his first regular-season home start in Pittsburgh, and all eyes will be on his connection with new WR1 DK Metcalf. Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson bring speed to stretch the field, while Pat Freiermuth remains a steady third-down option. Up front, rookies Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu are part of a young line tasked with keeping Rodgers upright.
On defense, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will test Seattle’s tackles all afternoon. The revamped secondary — Darius Slay, Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr. — should make for fascinating battles against Seattle’s top receivers. Rodgers’ timing with Metcalf could set the tone.
Seahawks Preview: Opponent Keys
Year two under Mike Macdonald has Seattle leaning into a defense-first identity. Sam Darnold starts at quarterback, with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet sharing backfield duties. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp headline the receiving corps.
On defense, Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen form a young, aggressive cornerback duo, while DeMarcus Lawrence adds veteran pass-rush presence. The front seven has been retooled to generate more heat on opposing quarterbacks — exactly what they’ll need to disrupt Rodgers. With Metcalf and Geno Smith gone, this is a different Seahawks offense, still finding its rhythm but capable of striking if given space.
Marquee Matchups & Storylines
Metcalf against his old team is the headline. Expect Seattle to mix coverages, using Witherspoon’s physicality and Woolen’s length to keep him in check. In the trenches, Watt and Highsmith against Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas could decide how much time Darnold gets.
Then there’s Rodgers versus Macdonald’s defensive mind games — quick throws, play-action, and the chess match of disguised coverages. If Rodgers finds his rhythm early, Pittsburgh’s offense could control the pace. If not, Seattle’s pass rush might tilt the field.
Fan Activities & Where to Be Before Kickoff
Three hours before kickoff, Art Rooney Avenue turns into the Steelers Experience — photo ops, interactive games, giveaways, and a steady stream of fans. Stage AE’s tailgate is free, with live music and plenty to eat and drink. Inside the stadium, the Hall of Honor Museum and the Great Hall are worth a walk-through, especially if you like seeing the history up close.
The smell of grilled sausages drifts over from tailgates, and you can hear chants starting long before the teams take the field. It’s all part of the build-up that makes a home game feel bigger than just football.
Tickets, Entry & Policies
Buy from official sources — the Steelers’ ticket hub or Ticketmaster — to avoid surprises. Add your mobile tickets to your phone wallet before you arrive. Acrisure Stadium’s Clear Bag Policy is enforced at every gate, and all fans pass through metal detectors. Security checks are quick if you’re prepared.
ADA seating and platforms are available on multiple levels, but it’s best to arrange accommodations ahead of time through the stadium’s Disability Services. Knowing the rules before you go means less time in line and more time soaking in the atmosphere.
Getting There: Parking, Transit & Timing
North Shore garages like Champions fill early, so plan ahead. ParkPGH can give you real-time availability, and SpotHero or ParkMobile let you reserve certain lots in advance. Public transit is a solid option — light rail and buses drop you close to the action.
However you get there, give yourself extra time. Security lines can back up, and you’ll want a few minutes to wander Art Rooney Avenue before heading to your seat. That’s where the pregame energy really hits.
Quick Safety Tips for a Smooth Gameday
Supportive shoes make a difference when you’re on your feet for hours. Watch for slick spots, cords, and curb edges, especially near tailgates and entrances. Keep your tickets, phone, and ID ready at the gates. If you see a hazard, use the Guest Services text line or tell an usher so it’s handled quickly. A little awareness keeps the focus on the game, not an avoidable mishap.
Conclusion
A fresh season. A high-profile opponent. A home crowd that’s been waiting since last winter to fill the stands. Steelers vs. Seahawks has all the ingredients for a memorable Sunday on the North Shore. From the first tailgate cheer to the last snap, it’s a day built for football fans.
If an accident interrupts your day at the stadium or nearby venues, Pittsburgh Injury Lawyers, P.C. can connect you with an experienced Pittsburgh slip and fall lawyer. Until then, plan your route, know your entry points, and get ready to make some noise. September football in Pittsburgh is more than a game — it’s a tradition.