Steelers: Heinz field to change sponsor
By Justin Roem
It was announced today that the Steelers would change sponsors of their iconic North Shore stadium. Heinz Field–of The Dark Knight Rises fame–will now be known as Hunt’s Field.
The stadium, which seats over 65,000, was constructed from 1999 to 2001 and has been the Steelers’ home turf since its opening.
Sean Connolly, president and CEO of ConAgra Foods, felt that it was a matter of time before his company’s brand nabbed the opportunity to dress the Steelers’ game day facility.
“The kitchen table is our gridiron,” Connolly said, “and we want to see a bottle of Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup on every single one in America. Now, we’ll get to see Hunt’s on the hot dogs of thousands of Steelers fans on Sundays this fall.”
“We’ll probably see some of it on their vintage ‘Mean Joe’ jerseys too,” Connolly joked, referencing the notorious inconsistency of ketchup packet splatter.
Steelers’ head coach, Mike Tomlin, was excited about the change too when he commented Friday morning:
"We know the standard that Hunt’s brings to the condiment game. We’ve watched the tape. In the restaurant booth, on the dinner table, or at the concessions, their performance is above the line. Obviously, their priority is putting together a winning product. We want to be a part of that."
Tomlin did not comment when asked if the sponsorship change would involve a renovation of the stadium’s current South End Zone ketchup bottle.
During a brief press conference, Steelers’ president Art Rooney II seemed pleased with the deal:
"We’re excited for the opportunity to enhance the quality of our fans’ experience. They’re the greatest fans in the world and they deserve the greatest line of condiments in the world. Whether it’s a half-time hotdog or fourth quarter fries, you’d better believe it will be improved by those tasty little packets. That’s what we want at Hunt’s Field."
NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport says that a source indicated Connolly and ConAgra might have thrown in a few truckloads of their Snack Pack brand chocolate pudding to sweeten the deal for Pittsburgh’s most beloved franchise.
Steelers fans don’t forget to stop by your local Giant Eagle for a bottle of thick and rich Hunt’s tomato ketchup. Oh, and happy April Fools!