Heinz Field Gets Potato Patch Fries, Wigle Whiskey, New Lights

PITTSBURGH, PA -Heinz Field this season will have expanded international food options, new lighting, high-tech entertainment options and an increased emphasis on mobile ticketing. But the one new item fans likely will be most excited about is the stadium will begin serving Kennywood Potato Patch fries.

The Potato Patch stand in the Heinz Field Great Hall is the latest development in the partnership between the Steelers and the West Mifflin amusement park. Last month, Kennywood debuted the Steel Curtain coaster, which will anchor the still under construction new Steelers Country section of the park.

"This is huge for us," stadium corporate communications manager Nick Sero said during a media tour of the facility. "We're real excited to have them."

““With the Steelers moving into Kennywood this summer, it made totalsense to bring our most popular product to Heinz Field for fans to enjoy this fall,” says Kennywood Food & Beverage Director Mike Henninger.

The Great Hall also will get a Wigle Whiskey, a local distillery that offers craft spirits and signature cocktails.

Heinz Field opened in 2001 and is poised to begin its 19th NFL and NCAA football season. In addition to being home to the Steelers, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers play there.

What else new food and drink additions can Steelers fans expect this season? Here's a rundown:

El Rios Borchas and Tacos in the Ford Fan Zone Section 151

• Pollo Bochas

Seasoned Chicken, Rice, Corn, Black Beans, Shredded Lettuce, Salsa Verdi, Shredded Cheddar, Queso Fresco, Black Olives, Jalapenos, Cilantro Sour Cream, Scallions

• Filete El Rio Bochas

Seasoned Sirloin, Rice, Corn, Black Beans, Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomato, Pico de Gallo, Shredded Cheddar, Queso Fresco, Black Olives, Jalapenos, Cilantro Sour Cream, Scallions

• Jardin Quinoa Bochas

Tri Color Quinoa, Corn, Black Beans, Garbanzo Bean, Shredded Lettuce, Pico De Gallo, Queso Fresco, Black Olives, Jalapenos, Cilantro Sour Cream, Scallions

• Pollo Taco (3each)

Seasoned Chicken, Shredded, Lettuce, Diced Tomato, Salsa Verde, cheddar cheese, Sriracha Mayo

• Filete Mucho Taco (three each).

Seasoned Sirloin, shredded lettuce, Pico De Gallo, red onion, Queso Fresco cilantro sour cream

• Fresca Quinoa Taco (three each).

Great Hall

In addition to the new Potato Patch stand and Wigle Whiskey, the Great Hall will serve the Smallman St. Sandwich, featuring Roasted Banana Peppers, Smith’s Shaved Hot Sausage, Fried Eggplant, Marinara, and Whole milk Mozzarella on a Toasted Kaiser Roll. Also new is Wigle Whiskey, a local distillery that offers craft spirits and signature cocktails.

• California Turkey Burger, wtih Guacamole, Mango Salsa, Garlic Aioli, Wheat Kaiser.

• Porchetta Sandwich - Prochetta, Provolone Cheese, Roasted Broccolini, Oil Poached Tomatoes, Fresh Roll, Pork Jus.

There also will be two $8 food specials for the first hour after gates open in the Great Hall and West Main Concourse: a hot dog, bag of chips and 16-ounce soda or nachos and soda.

The following e-ticket changes have occurred: No screenshots of barcodes accepted, no print outs of tickets on pieces of paper. Fans can access tickets through the Steelers mobile app and save to their phone wallets. Sero said the changes should essentially reduce instances of ticket fraud to zero.

Additionally, 404 new LED fixture replace the existing 608 metal halide fixtures and will consume half the power of the previous fixtures. Each of the new LED fixtures can be individual control and can instantly turn on/off to create a dynamic light shows at night games for pre-game introductions and half-time shows, Sero said.