Steelers Nation, some Eagles fans turn out for 1st in-person game at Heinz Field

Max Haughn was ecstatic when his mother surprised him with tickets to Sunday’s Steelers game.

They weren’t just tickets to Max’s very first Steelers game. They were tickets to the very first in-person game of the season at Heinz Field.

“I’m really happy about it,” said Max, 11, of Akron, Ohio.

Max said he asked his mom, Milly, if they could go to the game after he saw on social media that the team would be allowing a reduced number of fans into Heinz Field for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the first time fans were allowed in the stadium since statewide coronavirus related restrictions were eased. Priority was given to season-ticket holders who did not opt-out this season.

Oh man... this is going to feel good to tweet...

THE GATES ARE NOW OPEN STEELERS FANS! COME ON IN!#HereWeGo

— Heinz Field (@heinzfield) October 11, 2020

The Haughns are not season ticket holders, but were able to buy tickets online.

Max cried when his mom told him she was able to get tickets — a present for his upcoming birthday. Milly’s other son, Crosby, jumped up and down and yelled.

“It’s a big deal for them,” Milly Haughn said. “Their dad died from brain cancer four years ago. It was always one of (his) big things; he wanted to bring his boys. He never got to do that. I’m just happy I get to do that now for him.”

The Haughns weren’t the only ones excited about Sunday’s game, which was open to 5,500 fans.

People were milling around the stadium and in and by the surrounding parking lots well before the 1 p.m. kickoff. Many wore Steelers and Eagles themed masks and were of course decked in black, gold and green.

Steelers face mask show down. Comment on your favorites. pic.twitter.com/yIS5oa1CQp

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) October 11, 2020

Round 2 of Steelers (and Eagles) mask mania pic.twitter.com/nrdtBfFrv2

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) October 11, 2020

Mother and son liked the fact the game was less crowded than usual. Max said it might be easier to see the field. Milly said it was easier to find a parking space. Mom also figured people who really wanted to go would comply with the rules.

“They’re going to wear masks; they’re going to do the right thing. What a great atmosphere. How could you say no to that?” Milly Haughn said.

Steelers fans Mark Doman and Joe Gasperoni had no issue with the stadium rules, which required fans wear masks and maintain social distance while inside. They said they’d do whatever it takes to get in. They even brought their own “Terrible Social Distance Barrier” — a sign designed like a Terrible Towel to keep others at a safe distance.

“It’s totally fine with us. We just want to go,” Gasperoni said.

“Put your mask on. Don’t be a jagoff,” Doman added.

Less than 30 mins to go ... pic.twitter.com/82YOfG78cC

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) October 11, 2020

Patrick and Beverly Hohn of Butler County have been season ticket holders for four years. They brought their new Steelers bus to the game: a minibus that has been spray-painted in Steelers black and gold, with accents of the team’s blue, yellow, red and white logo. There’s a Terrible Towel on the hood and the words “Super Bowl Champions” on the back.

The couple got the minibus from a scrap yard and fixed it up. They’ve been waiting to use it since the pandemic hit.

Steelers Bus ? ‼️ pic.twitter.com/PeDQYCdJyc

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) October 11, 2020

Hohn said he’s happy to be allowed back in the games. Watching them at home is great, but it’s not the same, he said.

“There’s nothing like it, just seeing the guys, hearing the hits and kind of rallying around each other,” Hohn said.

Evan Rust and his fiancé Carla King came from Harrisburg to watch the game.

She’s a Steelers fan; he roots for the Eagles. Both wore face masks and outfits supporting their favorite team.

Rust said attending a football game in the midst of the pandemic will be a “unique experience.” But wearing a mask is fine because his has the Eagles logo on it.

“I bleed green,” Rust said.

Of course I unknowingly stop the family of Quez Watkins of @Eagles. Of COURSE! ? They’re excited because it’s his first game! pic.twitter.com/M6EBFggsUa

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) October 11, 2020

Jerry Tamilia and Barry McGlumphy of Washington County arrived in Steelers jerseys and large black helmets. Not traditional football helmets. Theirs were modeled after Dark Helmet from the comedy movie “Spaceballs” and The Great Gazoo from the animated television series “The Flintstones.” McGlumphy also wore a mask reading, “Spaceballs The Face Mask.”

Both are season ticket holders. They have been coming to the games for years.

“We couldn’t miss out on today. We said if we were going to get tickets, we were going to make sure we were here,” McGlumphy said.

They said the game will likely be more subdued than previous ones. Neither had issues with wearing masks.

“I feel like the Steelers have done what they need to do to make sure it’s safe,” McGlumphy said. “I’m going to wear at least one mask during the whole game, maybe two, depending on how close we are to other people.”

“It is what it is,” Tamilia said.