Steelers fans tailgating Sunday evening outside Acrisure Stadium before the nationally televised game against the New York Jets didn’t seem to mind a little politics mixed into the evening.
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, was in the Steel City in a stadium suite the day after hosting a rally in at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Unity.
“Trump’s a bonus,” said Mike Mozingo, 45, of Charlottesville, Va.
The Republican from Old Dominion made the trek to Pittsburgh with several friends. Mozingo said Trump’s visit, much like it would be from Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, is to help garner votes.
“In both candidates’ aspect, they are out to get support and trying to get the votes,” Mozingo said. “Mostly your working- class people, middle-class people come to this. Pennsylvania is a swing state.”
Trump was shown behind the glass of one of the suites at Acrisure on the NBC broadcast with a little over two minutes left in the first quarter.
Mozingo’s crew included Pittsburgh native turned Virginian Stacey Rockacy, 43, and her best friend, Brittany Taylor, 33, of Charlottesville. They were celebrating Taylor’s birthday.
“It’s a tradition to go to a Steeler game,” Rockacy said. “Her whole family are Steeler fans. We’re best friends, and we bring people up every year from Virginia to a Steeler game. My heart is still here in Pittsburgh. I love coming home to this city. We know so many people.”
Rockacy, a Republican, grew up in the city’s Sheraden neighborhood. Her sister, Kari McClain, still lives in town and was part of the birthday celebration.
Taylor provided the crew with Steelers jerseys to help celebrate.
“They can’t come to the game and not be ready,” said Taylor, a Republican. “I think it’s nice to see (Trump) come out and do community events. I thought it was cool last time when (music legend) Snoop Dogg was here. I think it’s fun.”
Snoop, an avid Steeler fan, was a special guest at the Oct. 6 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
McClain, a Democrat, said she had no opinion about Trump’s visit.
“It doesn’t bother me one way or the other,” said McClain, 43. “I don’t see anything wrong with it. I don’t think it’s forcing something on people. I guess it’s all part of politics. Trying to find your crew or excitement into the race here. I guess it’s good for Trump fans.
“I’m basically a neutral party. I feel like everybody in politics has issues. I stay out of it because I think I can agree with both sides on so many things.”
President @realDonaldTrump arrives at Acrisure Stadium to chants of U-S-A! ???????? pic.twitter.com/TaVUjTDuT9
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) October 21, 2024
Anticipating QB change
Rockacy, Taylor and McClain said they were all more excited to see quarterback Russell Wilson than Trump because their football fandom beats all political considerations. Wilson made his season debut.
Mozingo said he was happy to attend his first pro football game in the Steel City. However, he hoped the Steelers would refrain from a quarterback change.
“I think they should leave (Justin) Fields in there because he’s been doing the job and he’s not hurt,” Mozingo said.
Joe Walsh, 58, of Moon stood by a “Steelers Country” sign for some pregame activities.
The Independent voter said he was more concerned about Wilson’s play than Trump’s attendance.
“I hope he doesn’t throw two or more (interceptions),” Walsh said. “He hasn’t played football in a long time. I could care less (about Trump). I see him every day with the (political) ads driving everybody nuts.”
