Fans, fans and more fans — that is how it felt during the Rock Steelers Style fashion show Friday at Stage AE on the North Shore.

More than 500 black-and-gold diehards riotously cheered the players as they were introduced individually by KDKA’s Bob Pompeani, who emceed with DVE Morning Show’s Bill Crawford.  It was clear even those on hand were delighted with the team’s runway antics.

Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick and Zach Gentry were honorary co-captains for the show; Greta and Art Rooney II and Kiya and Mike Tomlin were event chairs.

“I have been doing this for 34 years,” said Mrs. Rooney. “It is very important to me because it is a tradition with the Steelers but more so because we are raising money for UPMC’s concussion program, Cancer Bridges and the Chuck Noll Foundation.”

Players and guests arrived on a green carpet and headed to the cocktail reception or to a dressing room.

“The Steeler fashion show is always a great night,” said coach Tomlin. “It’s fun to watch the guys let their hair down and have some fun and do it for a great cause.”

“[I’m] excited for a great night and a great cause,” said quarterback Kenny Pickett as he arrived with his fiancee, Amy Paternoster.

While the players were getting some last-minute coaching, guests sipped cocktails at the Steelers Style Lounge, which featured tents with food stations, cheerleaders with pompoms, Cody Sabol painting and music by DJ Steve Maffei Jr.  An extensive silent auction had fans perusing and bidding between bites and socializing.

“The proceeds from this event ... really supports our entire infrastructure, which helps us do research that benefits patients all over the world,” said Dr. Micky Collins, director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

The University of Pittsburgh Dance Team and the CLO provided entertainment between the fashions and punter Presley Harvin III showed off his piano skills, playing “Look What You’ve Done.”

In addition to Kiya Tomlin’s latest designs, three Steelers modeled their own clothing lines — running back Najee Harris, cornerback Arthur Maulet and linebacker Marcus Allen. 

Electrified by the Steelers’ style were special teams coach Danny Smith with Elaine, Cancer Bridges executive director Stephanie Ciranni with Preston, associate director Rebecca Whitlinger, Kraig Smith, Lisa Pompeani, Jimmie Sacco, Cayce Little Pastoor, Mary Ann Miller and Terry Mohr, event producer Mark Susany and fashion show creative director Demeatria Boccella.

First Published: October 18, 2022, 10:00 a.m.