Yinz Witches

Although I was born in Western Pennsylvania, I had never visited the city of Pittsburgh until this September, when my husband and I got tickets for a Steelers game vs. the Chicago Bears. We had the best time tailgating and just hanging out in the city that weekend. The whole city was black and gold because there were three Pirates games and a preseason Penguins game also going on that weekend.

Now, the Carolina Hurricanes fans regularly tailgate, which I am led to believe is relatively uncommon among the NHL, seeing as how we have relatively good weather in the winter and a vast, open parking lot, unlike many NHL arenas. But the Steelers fans had some lavish set-ups, and everyone was having a good time. Drum corps, stereos blasting, superfans all geared up in face paint (or a Pope outfit). I saw Bears fans dancing with Steelers fans. And I saw a Steelers fan dancing with a roasted pig. (No, really, I've got video.)

Although I say I'm a Steelers fan, I don't really follow football. Still, being Sign Chick, I felt I had to make some sort of sign. This was only the second NFL game I'd ever attended. Not knowing much about the teams or players, I drew on two of my other fallback sources of sign inspiration: language and holidays.

The game was close to the autumnal equinox, and the phrase "Drink up, yinz bitches! The game's 'bout to start" is a common Pittsburghese saying at game time. Augmented with a $3 witch hat from a drugstore and considerably more expensive seats close to the field and the camera operator, and poof! this sign magically lands you on primetime television! A friend of my husband saw us on Sunday Night Football and texted us a photo of the TV while we were still at the game. Icing on the cake of a totally fun fan experience in the Steel City. I'd do it again any time. (But I won't root for the Penguins!)