Acrisure Stadium Rib Festival 2024
4 Stars
The Acrisure Stadium Rib Festival, held annually along Art Rooney Avenue and newly expanded to W. General Robinson Street, is always a much-anticipated event in Pittsburgh, marking the official kickoff to the Steelers football season. Having attended the festival for many years, this year's event on September 2, 2024, was no exception in delivering a fantastic experience, albeit with a few hiccups.
The weather on the final day of the festival was absolutely perfect—an ideal end-of-summer day that set the stage for a great time with friends and family. The event featured a variety of national rib vendors from across the country, each bringing their unique style and flavors to the table. It's fascinating to see the diversity in BBQ techniques, especially when it comes to the proteins—ribs, brisket, chicken, and turkey—that take center stage at this festival.
Our group, seasoned veterans of the Rib Fest, decided to split into teams to maximize our food-tasting opportunities. This strategy allowed us to sample a wide array of offerings from different vendors, which was a smart move given the long wait times. The only downside to the event was the lengthy queues. We spent over an hour in line just to place our orders, which dampened the experience slightly. However, the quality of the food largely made up for the inconvenience.
The live music added a fantastic vibe to the event, providing an enjoyable backdrop as we indulged in our BBQ feasts. The festival truly embodies hometown pride, bringing together Steelers fans and BBQ lovers alike in a celebration that’s both delicious and spirited.
As reflected in the attached photos, the festival was vibrant and well-attended, with vendors showcasing regional BBQ styles and the community coming together for a shared love of great food and football. Despite the long wait times, the overall experience was positive, and I would definitely recommend the Rib Fest to anyone looking to kick off the Steelers season with a bang.
Rating: 4 Stars
This rating reflects the excellent quality of the BBQ, the lively atmosphere, and the hometown pride the event inspires, with a slight deduction due to the long wait times.