Steelers to unveil Immaculate Reception monument at exact site of catch

PITTSBURGH — In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the most memorable play in NFL history, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Sen. John Heinz History Center will be unveiling an Immaculate Reception monument near Heinz Field.

The monument will be unveiled at a special ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 22, the day prior to the 40th anniversary of the play and the Steelers game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field.

The unveiling will take place at the actual site of the "Immaculate Reception," which is located between Heinz Field and Stage AE.

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception and it will forever have a place in all of our memories," Steelers President Art Rooney II said. "Over the years I have had many fans tell me we should do something to commemorate the exact location of Franco Harris' catch. I am glad we are finally able to get this done with the help of the Heinz History Center and Allegheny Technologies Incorporated."

"Forty years ago, the greatest play in the annals of the NFL helped to shape the Steelers franchise," said Andy Masich, president and CEO of the Heinz History Center. "The 'Immaculate Reception' made history, and now the Steelers Nation can help commemorate the moment-and the exact location-by donating to the special Immaculate Reception monument fund."

In conjunction with the Steelers' 80th season celebration and the "Year of the Fan," the team will host an event at Stage AE on Saturday, December 22, following the unveiling of the monument.

The event, to be sponsored by ATI, will be open to the public and free of charge.

Also, on Sunday, Dec. 23, which is the actual anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, the Steelers will salute Harris and his teammates at halftime of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

WPXI