Stage AE Debut Delayed

The long-awaited opening of the new amphitheatre near Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field is going to be a little bit longer-awaited.

The NFL’s Steelers, along with developers, hoped it would be ready in time for the season opener but are now shooting for the second week in November.

“We’re shooting for an opening in mid-November, with an opening act to be announced very shortly,” Mark Hart, director of business for the Steelers, told the Post-Gazette. “Right now, we’re focused on construction.”

While Stage AE’s official debut date is in doubt, so is a grand opening event – although the rumor mill is focused on a Black Crowes date Nov. 12 at what’s now being listed at PNC Park at North Shore.

Kelley Denny, a spokeswoman for the Steelers and Continental Real Estate Companies, threw cold water on that theory, telling the paper it would be “inaccurate at this time to confirm that the Black Crowes are the opening act at Stage AE.”

The $12 million indoor-outdoor venue, which has been in at least the discussion stage since 2001, began construction in March and is expected to host about 100 events annually.

As an indoor venue, Stage AE would hold up to 2,400. The outdoor shed will sport a 5,000 capacity. There is also to be an indoor rock club for 350-400 fans.

Promo West Productions of Columbus, Ohio, will operate the facility, which is partially public-funded. American Eagle Outfitters paid an undisclosed sum to secure the naming rights.