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Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall: 22
Title track: T6
Ownership: 6
Coaching: 33
Players: 24
Fan relations: 56
Affordability: 48
Stadium experience: 35
Bang for the buck: 29
Change from last year: +8
The Pittsburgh Steelers employed a balanced attack to jump eight spots in this year's Ultimate Standings, combining a successful on-field product with several improvements in the game-day experience. Heinz Field is one of the NFL's most unique venues, and the Steelers have championship aspirations every time they take it. The Steelers ranked in the top 40 in seven of nine categories gauging the health of professional sports franchises. Affordability and fan relations need slight improvements, but otherwise the Steelers get gold (and black) stars.
What's good
That the Steelers rank in the top 10 in both title track and ownership is no coincidence. Stability at the top breeds success, and the Rooney family is considered NFL royalty. Team chairman Dan Rooney and president Art Rooney II cultivate a family atmosphere at the team's football facility south of downtown Pittsburgh. The two are always around to interact with staff or shake hands with players. The confidence from winning six Super Bowls permeates the place. The organization, with back-to-back 11-win seasons, also has a realistic window for winning a seventh. If LeVeon Bell can shoulder more of a load while quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is out, the Steelers could keep playing top-shelf football.
What's bad
The drastic drop in fan relations, down 25 spots from last year's 31st ranking, is a bit surprising. The Steelers embrace the blue-collar approach of their city and go out of their way not to seem arrogant. They are active on social media, with one of the most-followed Twitter accounts among NFL teams, while several prominent players interact with fans on various social platforms. Fans gave the lowest ranking in this category to player accessibility -- and autographs for stars, particularly at training camp at St. Vincent College, can be a challenge. The team also tends to focus on the football product -- as opposed to inspirational messages or splashy fan outreach -- a plan that's not always considered exciting or relatable.
What's new
The Steelers made significant jumps in stadium experience and bang for the buck (up 34 spots). Ticket prices are fairly high because of the tradition, but they are reasonable -- and at least you're likely to see a win. Heinz Field offers plenty of flavor, from the bright gold seats to the riverfront setting to the scarcity of bad seats. Fans can see the Pittsburgh skyline from most areas of the stadium, and there are plenty of activities and food options outside Heinz. Famous entertainers and musicians visit on game days, including Ariana Grande for the Week 2 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals this season. Overall, a 41-spot jump in stadium experience is a promising sign.
Next: Baltimore Ravens | Full rankings