Imagine watching your favorite NFL players slip and fall on a field that looks more like a backyard mess than a professional stadium. That’s exactly what happened at Acrisure Stadium recently, and it’s sparking a heated debate about who should—or shouldn’t—be playing there. Since its opening in 2001 (formerly Heinz Field), the stadium has been shared by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh’s football team. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this arrangement doing more harm than good?
During a recent Steelers home game, the turf was in such poor condition that kicker Chris Boswell slipped during a field goal attempt, and even Aaron Rodgers called the surface “borderline unplayable.” And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about player safety. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger weighed in on his Footbahlin podcast, stating bluntly, “You can’t have professional athletes playing on a surface like that. They’re paid millions, and injuries are unacceptable.”
Roethlisberger’s solution? He believes Pitt should no longer play at Acrisure Stadium. Instead, he suggests Pitt build a smaller, 35,000-seat stadium in Oakland, closer to campus. “Imagine a packed house, buzzing with energy, students walking to the game, and a field that’s exclusively maintained for the Steelers,” he said. “It’s a win-win. Pitt gets a vibrant home-field advantage, and the Steelers get a field that’s actually playable.”
But here’s the catch: moving Pitt isn’t simple. The stadium was built with taxpayer money, and untangling that deal would be no small feat. Still, Roethlisberger insists, “They’ve got to figure out how to separate these teams and improve the field. You can’t put players—especially the best in the game—on a surface that’s subpar.”
Let’s address the elephant in the room: grass fields are superior to turf, but even grass fields can be poorly maintained. Every NFL team deserves to play on high-quality grass, yet many stadiums fall short. It’s baffling, especially when player performance and safety are on the line.
So, here’s the question: Is Ben Roethlisberger onto something, or is sharing a stadium the best use of resources? Should Pitt build its own stadium, or is the current arrangement worth preserving? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
