Trump attends Steelers-Jets ‘Sunday Night Football’ game as part of daylong trek around Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former President Donald Trump arrived at Acrisure Stadium in the first quarter of the Steelers-Jets game on “Sunday Night Football,” bookending a whirlwind day that took him all across Pennsylvania after having been in Westmoreland County the night before.
Trump arrived in Pittsburgh about 8 p.m. after hosting a town hall in Lancaster, Pa., and working the drive-thru at a McDonald’s in suburban Philadelphia earlier in the day.
The former president was “a guest of an individual suite holder”, Steelers spokesperson Burt Lauten tweeted on Saturday.
President @realDonaldTrump arrives at Acrisure Stadium to chants of U-S-A! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TaVUjTDuT9
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) October 21, 2024
The “Sunday Night Football” crew on NBC showed video footage of Trump in his suite at 8:53 p.m. during the game’s broadcast as he gave a thumbs-up to fans below in the stands.
Trump sat in a 300-level booth in the north end of Acrisure Stadium, surrounded by members of the Secret Service.
As fans in nearby sections turned around, shouted and did whatever they could to get his attention, Trump occasionally stood and waved.
Charleroi native Emily Costantino was with her friend, Uniontown native Peyton McIntyre, and they brought a yellow Trump Towel to show the former president.
“Trump being in Pittsburgh is just an immaculate experience,” Ms. Costantino said. “The voters in Pittsburgh are crazy about Trump. We’re extremely excited to have him here at the Steelers game.
“I showed him my Trump towel. He looked at it. Him knowing about Charleroi and everything happening there is extremely important to the town and city as well.”
Acrisure Stadium security did its best to keep the scene under control.
During breaks in action, they allowed fans to walk up and down around sections 229 and 230, instructing them to snap a quick picture and move along.
But when play resumed, they were quick to clear the area, allowing those in their seats to see.
Nicole Barone, who said she comes from a law enforcement family, walked up the concrete steps holding a White Claw during a stoppage, trying to snap a picture of Trump.
“I think it’s awesome,” said Barone, of the West End. “I would love to meet him. I think he’s serving the law enforcement families, the country. He just really has the American values.”
At least a couple times on Sunday, especially when Trump stood up to acknowledge the crowd buzzing out in front of him, Steelers and Jets fans alike broke into chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!”
Late in the third quarter, a woman supporting Trump ran onto the field holding a sign. She was intercepted by several members of security and was swiftly escorted underneath the stadium.
Former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell was in the booth next to Trump and occasionally heard cheers of his own.
Former Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown posted a video on X showing Trump walking down the stairs from his jet at Pittsburgh International airport and saying he was going to the game with the former president.
Here We Go Steelers
— AB (@AB84) October 21, 2024
On the Way 🫱🏼🫲🏾 @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/iRDeQNYdL4
Mr. Brown and Mr. Bell also attended Trump’s campaign rally on Saturday at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe.
Photos and videos on social media also showed them with fans in the parking lot before Sunday night’s game.
They were shown apparently helping people register to vote at a tent labeled Turning Point Action, a group that the Anti-Defamation League says has been linked to a variety of extremists, according to the Associated Press, and has been aiming to get more Republicans to vote.
Welcome to Voting Country!!
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 20, 2024
Antonio Brown and LeVeon Bell Last are rallying the Steelers faithful while our @TPAction_ team gets them registered!!
The last day to register to vote in PA is tomorrow, Oct 21.
Let’s go!! @AB84 @LeVeonBell pic.twitter.com/wzvPTI06VY
Trump’s stop at the game came after a whirlwind day traveling Pennsylvania from end to end. He first made an appearance at a McDonald’s in suburban Philadelphia early Sunday afternoon. He then hosted a town hall Sunday evening in Lancaster, Pa., before flying to Pittsburgh International and landing about 8 p.m.
The arrival of the third-time presidential candidate meant increased security at the stadium and surrounding area, with the U.S. Secret Service working with local agencies to coordinate.
“Today, former President Trump is receiving the highest levels of protection the Secret Service can provide and the agency adjusts and enhances our protective posture as needed to mitigate evolving threats,” a Secret Service spokesperson said in an email.
“We are working closely with our local law enforcement partners in Pittsburgh to minimize disruptions while ensuring the highest level of safety and security for the former President.”
Trump’s plane departed Pittsburgh International about 11:20 p.m.
As Trump was traveling to the stadium, a Carnegie Mellon University motorcycle officer who was part of the motorcade was injured, Pittsburgh Public Safety said.
The officer was traveling on Carson Street when he hit a curb in the West End Circle and was thrown from the motorcycle. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition, authorities said.