Alby Oxenreiter talks one-on-one with Steelers president Art Rooney II

PITTSBURGH — By all accounts, Saturday night's outdoor Penguins-Flyers game at Heinz Field was a smashing success, but according to Steelers president Art Rooney II, events like the Stadium Series may never happen again.

“I thought NBC did a great job of highlighting our city and Heinz Field,” Rooney said. “With working with the Penguins and the city, I think all that, really worked well, and it showed what that kind of event can do for our city. Unfortunately it might be the last time we host one of those games for the future."

But Rooney is offering a reality check, taking aim at the Sports and Exhibition Authority, which owns and operates Pittsburgh’s three professional sports venues, including Heinz Field.

RAW VIDEO: One-on-one with Steelers president Art Rooney II (Part I)

RAW VIDEO: One-on-one with Steelers president Art Rooney II (Part 2)

"We just don't have the kind of cooperation from the landlord, the SEA, and the authorities that mange things over there,” he said.

Rooney's frustration centers on what he perceives as a lack of cooperation and commitment from the SEA. In 2014, after lengthy litigation, the Steelers agreed to pay for $35 million in improvements to Heinz Field's South End Zone.

The Steelers think the SEA should foot the bill for stadium improvements, ones that Rooney feels are paramount to Heinz Field hosting future events such as outdoor hockey games, the NFL draft and even the 2023 Super Bowl.

"We still would love to do it someday, although we put the planning for that on hold. It's difficult to plan for the future in the environment we're in. Right now, we have a long way to go to feel like we have that kind of commitment,” Rooney said.

Rooney's not ready to slam the door on hosting future events, but he said it won't be possible without the investment of the SEA.

"I think these things can be resolved. It's a question of will. It's a question of wanting to work together, and uh, have a functioning relationship, and right now we really don't."

In response to Rooney’s statements, Morgan Hanson, solicitor for the Sports and Exhibition Authority, issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the SEA, I am puzzled by Mr. Rooney’s statements today. In the past six weeks, I personally have participated in at least three meetings with the Steelers organization in which the Steelers and SEA discussed the Steelers’ request for funding for Heinz Field. In all instances, the parties have worked together diligently and professionally in order that the stadium be maintained. Obviously, SEA is the steward of the public’s monies. Accordingly, SEA must ensure that the Steelers’ requests fall within the public’s responsibility under the Lease before approving them, a principle that both SEA and the Steelers have recognized from the beginning of their relationship. SEA intends to continue this long standing practice of protecting the tax payer while ensuring that our stadiums remain viable.

"As for the Penguins game last Saturday, SEA applauds the Penguins and the Steelers organizations for showcasing our city and stadium and supports future events of this type.”

Cox Media Group