Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) speaks out about the name change for former Heinz Field stadium. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Roethlisberger says Heinz Field name change 'doesn't seem right or real'

By Adam Stites | Last updated 7/12/22

Ben Roethlisberger played his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and played all of his home games at Heinz Field. In the first season after the quarterback's retirement, the Steelers are now set to play in the newly renamed Acrisure Stadium.

That name change is a little jarring, Roethlisberger said in a tweet Monday.

I can't believe it, it doesn't seem right or real! Home will always be Heinz Field! I will never forget the last game, and all the amazing fans at FOREVER HEINZ! -- Ben.#ForeverHeinz

(Thanks to @ThompsonFoto12 & @YinzerSzn for the great photos!) pic.twitter.com/BnYTDp9zEp
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) July 11, 2022

The stadium opened in 2001 with the name Heinz Field after the Steelers' previous home, Three Rivers Stadium, was closed and eventually imploded. Roethlisberger was drafted just a few years later with the 11th pick in the 2004 NFL Draft.

In 18 seasons with the Steelers, Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards with 418 touchdown passes. Those numbers rank fifth and eighth most all-time, respectively. More than half of those passing statistics (32,619 yards and 236 touchdowns) were racked up at home games in Pittsburgh.

While the team's former quarterback doesn't feel good about the name change, it's here to stay. The Steelers announced Acrisure has a 15-year naming rights deal beginning with the 2022 season.

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