Steelers Players May Finally Get Their Exciting Wish Sooner Rather Than Later

The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to erase a bunch of narratives that have come out about them in recent years. Many fans, analysts, insiders, and even players, have accused Owner Art Rooney II and the organization of things like being cheap, being content with mediocrity, being out of touch, and caring more about the bottom line than being great. The best way to shut all of these people up is to win in the postseason consistently. The longer this drought goes on for, the louder these accusations and narratives will get. 

However, Rooney has the chance to change one of those narratives and prove that he truly cares about getting the best possible amenities for his team. During his weekly Q&A chat, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the new coaching staff requesting new practice facilities. It sounds like they won't have to ask after all.

"I think that's in the plans regardless," Fittipaldo said. "The lease at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex is up in 2030 and they know they need a bigger and more updated facility."

The Steelers received very low grades on several categories on the NFLPA report card, with the team being ranked in the bottom eight in the league in seven of the 11 different categories. That includes training facilities. Many people have spoken about how the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex is too small, especially since they have to share everything with the Pittsburgh Panthers to save money and space. 

Even though the Steelers are four years away from having the lease expire, planning out and building a major facility like this takes a very long time. Conversations about building a new facility should be brought up sooner rather than later to make sure there is enough time to build a quality space for the players to work out and practice. It doesn't have to be some massive state-of-the-art facility; just one that isn't cramped and outdated.

If Rooney opts to just re-up their lease at the current UPMC Rooney Center for the long-term future as opposed to helping to get a new facility built, it will only confirm what all the angry fans have been saying about ownership being cheap. There is no reason for a proud NFL organization like the Steelers to not have facilities that meet the needs of the players and coaches. They should be able to have whatever they need.

Steelers' New Facility Should Come With 1 Added Bonus

If/when the Steelers design their new practice facility, they should make it exclusive to them. They shouldn't have to settle on an uncomfortable, rough facility just because the Panthers need a home. They should be able to have everything to themselves and not have to worry about different conflicts that could be caused by having another team at another level of football sharing it. 

With all the money coming in from the growth of the NCAA, the Panthers can definitely afford a practice facility for themselves. Like with the Steelers, it doesn't have to be the best in the world; it just has to fit the needs of their players and staff, which are somewhat different to the needs of the NFL team. It would be better for both teams to just have their own place to work out and do what they need to do.

Rooney has fought with the NFLPA over these poor grades that he has received, but trying to sue them won't stop players and outsiders alike from complaining about how bad the facilities are. Getting some quality amenities will definitely help quiet them down on that front. Until then, the NFLPA will keep complaining about the state of the organization.

What do you think about the Steelers likely getting new facilities soon? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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