Hundreds “freeze for a reason” at Acrisure Stadium to raise money for Special Olympics

PITTSBURGH — People from all across the Pittsburgh area came out to Acrisure Stadium Saturday morning to raise money for a good cause.

The Pittsburgh Polar Plunge took place at the stadium but the people who showed up were not there to support the Pittsburgh Steelers, instead, they were raising money that would benefit the Special Olympics.

PHOTOS: Hundreds “freeze for a reason” at Acrisure Stadium to raise money for Special Olympics

Polar Plunge festivities began on Friday at 9 a.m. and continued until Saturday at 11:30 a.m. when hundreds of participants began jumping into cold water.

Participants said they were excited to jump into the water, despite the brisk February temperatures.

“It was awesome. It was super cold but we did it for a great cause,” said one participant.

Event organizers set a goal of raising $550,000 from the Plunge. They had over $670,000 raised by Saturday evening.

People also had a chance to win a painting of T.J. Watt, done by speed painter Cody Sabol by entering a raffle.

Over 40 different businesses and organizations sponsored this year’s Polar Plunge.

All of the participants got a free t-shirt.

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