Steelers fans spend Christmas tailgating for game against Chiefs

PITTSBURGH — Thousands of Steelers faithful flocked to the North Shore Christmas morning for a rare, Wednesday afternoon Steelers game.

“Oh, ain’t no change. It’s a Steelers game, I’m gonna be here,” said Michelle Kitchens.

On a normal Christmas, Kitchens said she’d be busy with her kids and grandkids opening gifts. But this year, “They’re gonna get their presents tomorrow!”

She wasn’t alone. Many fans changed their Christmas Day plans and included the game as part of their day.

“I am away from my parents today and everything but they’re cheering back at home and I was the one to brave the cold to come out here today,” said Joe Verbosky of Chippewa.

People made the most of it, from incorporating Christmas into their tailgates with inflatable Santas — to putting a “Yinzer” twist on some popular Christmas character costumes.

“I am Yukon Muthnelious!” said one man, dressed as “Yukon Cornelius” from “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.”

Channel 11′s Andrew Havranek even found Santa after a long night of delivering gifts.

“Oh I love it on Christmas. We were here in 2016 for the win against Baltimore. It’s like a tradition for us,” said Sam Nace, who was dressed as Santa Clause for the game.

Some fans even made the drive down from Toronto, Canada.

Jessica Nyland, and her husband Damien, have a house divided being Steelers and Chiefs fans, so getting to the game was important despite the busy holiday.

“So, this was my escape from spending it with family and I get to spend it with him watching our favorite teams,” Jessica said.

And even though many people say their Christmas traditions were changed this year, those same people said they’d still like to see the Steelers play — at home on Christmas Day again next year.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW