By: Jessica Costello
SteelerNation.com
Pittsburgh Steelers games have always been about getting together and celebrating - or yelling at the opponent - together. It's a bond like no other. But one that will come with some differences this year.
It already looks a little different as fans are sharing their pictures online individually or with their families to show their support for the black and gold.
On Sunday, fans posted online with their memorabilia in the background and their jerseys well-seen. Support for the team as the Steelers prepare for the regular season this week against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
This idea isn't actually new. It started in 2014 as a way for fans in Mexico to show their support by posting their pictures online. It has grown every year but especially this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Large gatherings have been discouraged, that's why most of the pictures you'll see online are individual pictures or gatherings with family.
Some others include fans wearing masks together and of course, socially distanced.
"We have been analyzing several options and we came to the conclusion that we want to demonstrate our support and passion for the team by having Steelers nation all over social media with photos and messages focused on this 2020 season, but we want to act responsibly without putting people's safety and their well-being at risk," said Sergio Carrasco, who started the tradition, in an interview with the team's website.
The #SteelersFanPhoto it’s one of our main traditions and the 7’s photo is how all started! We are here @_BigBen7 ! We are ready to support you and our @steelers ! We are excited to see you again on the field. #SteelersWorldWide #HereWeGo #SomosRegiosDeAcero #SNUproud pic.twitter.com/Yiyn00pkZf
— Regios de Acero (@RegiosdAcero) September 6, 2020
"Instead of getting everyone together at the same place and time, the idea is for all of us to show our presence on social media at the same time from different places," said Carrasco. "We are sharing photos with fans wearing black and gold, waving their Terrible Towels and supporting the Steelers from all over the world."
Let us know how you're celebrating the start of the season in the comments section below!
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