The Pittsburgh Steelers have filed an intent to sue the stadium authority over funding for additional seats in Heinz Field.
A stalled plan to add 3,000 end zone seats and a new scoreboard would cost up to $39 million. The Steelers want the city-county Sports Exhibition Authority to pitch in about two-thirds of that – which the team says is required under a lease agreement. SEA officials want to contribute less.
In a written statement, Steelers President Art Rooney said the Authority, which owns the stadium, is not living up to promises and obligations as landlord. The team said the authority could raise its share through a $1 ticket surcharge and an extra $2-$3 parking fee — but Alco Parking Co., which operates the stadium lots — opposes that idea and contends the Steelers can foot the bill for the expansion.
Rooney said the team has already advanced more than $6 million to keep current projects moving and more than double that for repairs and maintenance. SEA spokeswoman Mary Conturo said the agency continues to negotiate with the Steelers. But the team filed a notice of intent to sue this week, saying it could take court action to enforce the lease.
