New Play Field Lights Up Hazelwood Community
A fresh sports arena has opened in Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green, promising to keep kids active for years to come. The ribbon‑cutting ceremony drew high‑profile guests, including:
- Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
- Art Rooney II, Steelers President
- Mike McCarthy, Head Coach
- Future draft prospects
During the event, they played on the field alongside local youth and Special Olympics athletes, demonstrating its inclusive purpose.
Community‑Driven Vision
The project began when residents demanded a welcoming space for all. Hazelwood Initiative chief Sonya Tilghman explained:
“The community’s ideas guided every step, making the field feel truly like it has community at its heart.”
Tilghman joined officials in cutting a ribbon beneath black and gold balloons while Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” played.
Transforming a Brownfield
Rooney noted the transformation of an unused brownfield into an active hub. He highlighted that the field will support:
- Football
- Soccer
- Other sports
- Neighborhood events
Funding and Partnerships
The arena—named the U. S. Steel Community Field at Hazelwood Green—was made possible through a $10.8 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and partners:
- Tishman Speyer
- Hazelwood Green Youth Sports Charities
- Steelers Charities
Hazelwood Green’s Context
Hazelwood Green spans 178 acres along the Monongahela River and already hosts:
- Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Innovation Center
- University of Pittsburgh’s BioForge
- New mixed‑income homes
U. S. Steel CEO David Burritt described the project as a “new chapter” for Pittsburgh’s rebuilding spirit.
Local Impact
- Central Catholic Vikings
- Hazelwood Cobras
These teams will use the field.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato emphasized its role in youth development and community gathering.
Mayor Corey O’Connor called the field “an exciting week” for everyone.
Connections to NFL
Goodell linked the opening to the upcoming NFL Draft at Point State Park and North Shore, stressing that sports teach valuable lessons and celebrate all ages.
Future Outlook
Richard King Mellon Foundation director Sam Reiman highlighted the field’s benefits for mental and physical health, resilience training, and joked that a future Steelers player might emerge from this very field in ten years.
