Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season following 18 years, two championship titles, and 64,088 passing yards with Pittsburgh Football. His departure closed a generational chapter for one of pro football’s most loyal fanbases, but Pittsburgh remains one of the best football road trips in the league thanks to its stadium, city, and unmatched fan culture.
For nearly two decades, Big Ben was the face of Pittsburgh Football. His retirement changed the quarterback position in Pittsburgh, but it didn’t change the reasons fans travel to see this team play. Here’s a look at what Roethlisberger’s career meant and why Pittsburgh belongs on every Pro Football fan’s travel list.
The Career: 18 Seasons in Black and Gold
According to Pro Football Reference, Roethlisberger finished his career with 64,088 passing yards, 418 touchdowns, and a 165-81-1 regular-season record. He was drafted 11th overall in 2004 and became the youngest quarterback to win a championship game at age 23 — a record that stood for nearly two decades.
By the Numbers
The Transition Era
Pittsburgh Football cycled through Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and eventually Russell Wilson in the post-Roethlisberger era. The uncertainty at quarterback created a different kind of energy around game days in Pittsburgh, but the fanbase showed up just the same. Terrible Towels wave regardless of who’s behind center — that’s what makes this franchise different.
Why Pittsburgh Is Still a Top Pro Football Road Trip
Acrisure Stadium sits on the North Shore of the Allegheny River, with the downtown Pittsburgh skyline as a backdrop. The walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge on game day — closed to traffic and packed with fans in black and gold — is one of the best pregame traditions in pro football. According to a survey by The Athletic, Pittsburgh consistently ranks in the top five game-day experiences across the league.
Beyond the Stadium
Pittsburgh has evolved into an outstanding food and culture city. The Strip District has some of the best restaurants and markets in the region, the Andy Warhol Museum is a short walk from the stadium, and the craft beer scene rivals any city in the country. A Pittsburgh Football road trip is worth it for the city alone, and game day just elevates everything. For fans looking to pair football with other sports, Pittsburgh also offers NHL hockey with the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena — check out our NHL travel packages for doubleheader weekends.
Pittsburgh Football Nation on the Road
One thing Roethlisberger’s era proved beyond question: Pittsburgh Football fans travel. According to SeatGeek data, Pittsburgh consistently has one of the largest away-game presences in pro football. Steeler Bars exist in every major city, and road games in places like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Arizona often look and sound like Pittsburgh Football home games.
Joining the Traveling Wave
If you’re a Pittsburgh fan, joining that away-game wave is an experience every die-hard should have at least once. The camaraderie of traveling with thousands of fellow fans, waving Terrible Towels in an opposing stadium, and taking over a city for the weekend is something unique to this fanbase. Major League Vacations builds custom Pro Football travel packages that handle tickets, hotels, and transportation for groups of any size. You can also browse our best Pro Football cities to visit for ideas on which road games offer the most beyond the stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ben Roethlisberger retire?
Roethlisberger announced his retirement on January 27, 2022, after Pittsburgh Football’ 2021 season ended with a Wild Card loss to Kansas City Football. He finished with 18 seasons, all with Pittsburgh.
Is Pittsburgh still a good Pro Football road trip destination after Roethlisberger?
Absolutely. The stadium, the Roberto Clemente Bridge walk, the tailgating culture, and the city itself make Pittsburgh one of the top game-day experiences in the league regardless of the team’s record or roster.
How passionate are Pittsburgh Football fans compared to other Pro Football fanbases?
Pittsburgh consistently ranks among the top three most passionate and well-traveled Pro Football fanbases. The Terrible Towel tradition, Steeler Bars nationwide, and the sheer number of fans at away games set them apart from most franchises.
What is the best way to get to Acrisure Stadium?
Walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from downtown is the signature approach and avoids parking hassles. The T light rail also connects downtown to the North Shore. Driving means paying for lot or garage parking and dealing with post-game congestion.
Want to see Pittsburgh Football play? Browse Pro Football travel packages or build a custom Pittsburgh Football trip with Major League Vacations. For more on what makes Pittsburgh’s fanbase special, read our ranking of the most passionate Pro Football fanbases.