Pittsburgh Fans Not Happy About GR Co. Buying Naming Rights To Field

Steelers fans are dumping out their ketchup bottles after a Grand Rapids-based company purchases the naming rights to Heinz Field.

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Stadium Sponsorships

In the day and age of sponsorship names being the names of our sports stadiums and concert venues, as sponsorships come and go, so do the names of the venues, and some sports fans can take it personally.

Above is a great example of two Michigan stadiums that are sponsored by Ford Field and Comerica Park. With as much as it costs to run a major sports team, the stadium, pay the player's salaries, and all the other costs, selling naming rights to stadiums are a way to make it all work. The only problem with that is sometimes the fan base gets a little too attached to the name.

Steelers Un-Happy With Michigan-Based Company Buying Stadium Naming Rights

Heinz used to make their ketchup in Pittsburgh but the company was sold in 2013, its roots in the city go all the way back to the 1860s. In this case, it makes sense that fans are mad with Heinz being a part of Pittsburgh's history but the company did move. Some fans are blaming the Steelers, or Acrisure, the company that has purchased the naming rights.

Here's What Steelers Fans Are Saying

I have to admit, when the story broke, I had to look up how to pronounce Acrisure. Steelers fans are not happy at all that the name Heinz Field is going away but look at it this way, Big Ben is no longer quarterback so it's a new field and a new QB for the team and fans this season.

The fans are pissed that another Pittsburgh company didn't sponsor the field name but I have a feeling sports fans would have still been angry since there is so much heritage behind the Heinz name.

Unfortunately for fans, a professional football team is a business, and most businesses don't care where the money comes from only that the check clears. Plus, not every company can afford $10 million per year for 15 years, and obviously, Acrisure can.

Steelers Fans Boycotting Heinz Ketchup

Steelers fans are dumping out their bottles of Heinz ketchup and other products from the company in protest of not re-upping their sponsorship with the Pittsburgh Steelers stadium.

I suppose this would be a good time for Hunt's Ketchup and Frenches Ketchup to make their move to stores in Pittsburgh. Timing is everything.