Commemorative
Object number96.12.1
Date1995-1996
MediumCotton
Credit LineHeinz History Center Collection
DescriptionRectangular gold terry-knit cotton rally towel. Screen-printed text in black on front side at center. Dimensions15 x 21.5 in. (38.1 x 54.6 cm)InscriptionsMyron Cope's Official TM above The Terrible Towel TM in large letters with a bold outline.
Historical NotesThis Pittsburgh Steelers Terrible Towel was given away by Coldwell Banker at an open house January 21, 1996. The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Dallas Cowboys at Super Bowl XXX on January 28, 1996.Label TextSo much a part of the culture of Steeler football, it’s hard to remember that once, there was no Terrible Towel. Charged by station management to find a gimmick to galvanize fans and listeners and drive advertising sponsorship for his coverage of the Steelers on WTAE Radio, Myron Cope developed the towel. Originally Cope asked fans to bring any towel in gold or black to the stadium to wave in support of the Steelers. Fans responded by the thousand at the premiere of the towel in December 1975. Blending color and motion, and seemingly imbued with special powers, the towel has become a part of the fan experience at Steeler games. Now a trademarked, merchandise item, a portion of all sales of the Terrible Towel benefits Allegheny Valley School.
Related institution
Pittsburgh Steelers
Related person
Myron Cope
(1929 - 2008)
Related institution
Coldwell Banker
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