A media screening for “The Football Town,” a new immersive documentary produced by NFL Films in partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, VisitPITTSBURGH, and U.S. Steel, took place Monday at the Kamin Science Center. The film, which explores Pittsburgh’s football heritage, will debut to the public on Saturday, February 28, and run exclusively at the Kamin Science Center for two months leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Dan Rooney, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for the Steelers, explained the significance of the film: “One of the reasons the NFL selected Pittsburgh to host the 2026 NFL Draft was the region’s deep roots in football. From the outset, a priority for the Pittsburgh organizing committee has been to shine a light on Western Pennsylvania’s impact on the game.
“As conversations began about how to highlight this legacy, we knew the story deserved to be told in a deeper, more expansive way. The concept for this film was born and given to NFL Films, and they were the perfect partner to bring this project to life. The release of ‘The Football Town’ marks the beginning of our celebration and sets the tone for everything to come as we build towards the Draft.”
The 52-minute documentary features visuals highlighting both local landmarks and football icons such as Bill Cowher and Jerome Bettis. In one scene by the Allegheny River, Bettis asks Cowher what produces so many great players from Western Pennsylvania. Cowher replies: “It’s the convergence of the three rivers, J.B. We have the greatest mixture of everything. The Allegheny, the Monongahela, it forms the Ohio.
“The Ohio will take you right into Canton, Ohio.”
Jim Britt, Vice President of Sports Events at SportsPITTSBURGH for VisitPITTSBURGH commented on football’s cultural role: “We believe that football is a pure part of the culture of Western Pennsylvania. We’re excited to use the NFL Draft to showcase that importance in our culture, the fabric of who we are, and we’re excited for this to be the first real stepping out moment for the NFL Draft.”
While Hall-of-Famers like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene have been honored by the Steelers, “The Football Town” also documents high school traditions such as Friday Night Lights and community experiences like Sunday mass at Saint Mary of Mount Washington where parishioners gather in Steelers attire.
Rooney reflected on his own memories: “Watching that film, as a young football player growing up in Pittsburgh, I was thinking about how fond the memories were playing youth football in various communities and how fun that was playing with your buddies. There’s really nothing like Friday night lights… That’s what makes football special. It’s teamwork and bond that you build with your coaches and players.
“We have that in a big way in Pittsburgh on every level… Football is special here… it’s really in fabric of community.”
Neil Zender from NFL Films described their approach: “This was a great thrill and adventure for us to make and we were so grateful for opportunity to show people that Pittsburgh isn’t just a football town; it’s ‘The Football Town.’ Football is different here. It means more… Part of reason Draft’s coming here is because football means something different in Pittsburgh.
“A lot times you can’t put feelings into words but you can put it on screen… We wanted try capture that… Also… we want them see it… see what Pittsburgh is about.”
NFL Films has not previously used an immersive format like this one before; preparing archival footage such as famous Super Bowl moments presented challenges due to unique technical requirements at Kamin’s Rangos Giant Cinema—a venue located near Acrisure Stadium on North Shore where the Hall of Honor Museum displays team artifacts.
Leo McCafferty from Lion’s Tale Media noted audience experience: “When you’re sitting in that theater you’ll hear something in your left ear as if you’re sitting in stadium… Or train may pass you on screen… visuals are such that you could watch this film four different times… notice four different things.”
The Steelers’ legacy includes six Super Bowl championships (official website) and significant community engagement through historical celebrations (official website). As an established member franchise within the National Football League, these honors are recognized both locally and nationally.
