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County Wants Stadium Payback if Steelers Are Sold

Controller sends team a warning

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 16, 2008 12:29 PM CDT
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(Newser) – If the Pittsburgh Steelers are sold, someone will have to pay for the $281 million in taxpayer money used to build Heinz Field, Allegheny County’s controller told the owners in a letter today. He said even engaging in sales talk may violate the 2000 lease, and demanded the team remain in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

The controller’s argument is that since “generous lease provisions” have increased the franchise’s value, the county should get a cut of any sale. But one team shareholder said he doubted the contract could force such a public reimbursement. But the controller needn’t worry about a move, he noted, because the lease will keep the team at Heinz until 2029.

A smooth hand-off might not be in store for Pittsburgh's owners.
A smooth hand-off might not be in store for Pittsburgh's owners.   (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Heinz Field grounds crew paint the goal line before the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007.
Heinz Field grounds crew paint the goal line before the NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins in Pittsburgh, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007.   (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
In this March 3, 2008, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney announces the signing of Ben Roethlisberger to an eight year contract extension in Pittsburgh.
In this March 3, 2008, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney announces the signing of Ben Roethlisberger to an eight year contract extension in Pittsburgh.   (AP Photo/Don Wright, File)
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NFL • football • Pittsburgh Steelers • stadium • Heinz Field • stadium financing

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