Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger spent his entire career playing at Heinz Field. Heinz Field and Pittsburgh simply went together. However, it was recently announced that the Steelers' home stadium would be receiving a name change. Beginning in 2022, the stadium will be called Acrisure Stadium.
And Big Ben doesn't love the new name. He took to Twitter to vent his frustration.
I can't believe it, it doesn't seem right or real! Home will always be Heinz Field! I will never forget the last game, and all the amazing fans at FOREVER HEINZ!
Ben Roethlisberger was not the only person to question the name change. However, his stance makes sense. He began his NFL career as a 22-year old playing for the Steelers. Heinz Field and Big Ben go hand in hand. Up until 2000, the team had played at Three Rivers Stadium. Pittsburgh moved to Heinz Field in 2001, and Roethlisberger made his debut a few years later in 2004.
Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement following this past season. But he will go down as a Steelers legend. His loyalty to the team was unwavering.
Here are a few other reactions to the name change.
Listen, I know we're all still gonna call it Heinz Field. But I just can't imagine that the stadium will look at the same without the iconic Heinz logo on the front. Now it goes the way of the Civic Arena & CONSOL Energy Center, as a former first name in our sports history books. pic.twitter.com/VMzcdOK7UW
— Dave DiCello (@DaveDiCello) July 11, 2022
“I’m going to keep calling it Heinz Field anyway,” is exactly why Heinz decided, hey, maybe we don’t need to spend $57 mil to get people to eat ketchup.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 11, 2022
Most reactions have been negative.
Ben Roethlisberger also is the last Steelers quarterback to play at Heinz Field. That's just another accomplishment Pittsburgh fans will remember about the former QB.
The Steelers will prepare to play their first game under the new name next year. Steelers fan or not, calling Pittsburgh's home “Acrisure Stadium” will take some getting used to.