Commemorative

Object number2001.106.10

MediumCotton

Credit LineGift of Thomas Averell

Description Rectangle yellow terry cloth rally towel. Screen printed text in black and team logo in color.Dimensions15.5 x 24 in. (39.4 x 61 cm)
Inscriptionsthe Steelers/Terrible/Towel/Super Bowl/Champions/Steel logo on the right
Historical NotesPittsburgh Steelers Terrible TowelLabel 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

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