Still Heinz Field To Me - Learn Stuff

Twenty years ago the Pittsburgh Steelers got a new stadium which was very appropriately named Heinz Field. It still is as far as I am concerned.

Just a few days ago, Heinz Field was re-named...  hold on tight...  Acrisure Stadium. This is not a new stadium, the team didn`t relocate, but this is very common these days.

Heinz was founded in Pittsburgh back in 1869, so the namesake had some hometown significance.  The condiment conglomerate paid $57 million ( for their 57 varieties  😉 ) in return for 20 years of naming rights.  That`s almost $3 million per year and a hefty sum in its own right.

When it came time to renew the contract, Acrisure  (yeah I never heard of them either) offered over $10 million per season. Heinz was like \"that number is insane, have at it\".

Apparently Acrisure was founded in Michigan back in 2005 for the sole purpose of buying up (mostly) insurance companies. I guess they didn`t set aside any money for a better name.

Fast-forward to today, and Acrisure has made billions and is slapping their moniker on buildings all over the country.

The company is obviously successful, and the city of Pittsburgh is making out on the deal, but people are still going to call it Heinz Field.

Heck, I still call that building in Toronto The SkyDome.