Behind the scenes

Tailgating with WTAE on the Rivers: $10,751 for Project Hunger and a Monday Night Football Encore

By · · Updated · 2 min read

Steelers fans walking along the North Shore riverfront past two Gateway Clipper riverboats docked for game day

From the archive. These events took place in 2023 and 2024. For this season's Steelers shuttle times and fares, see Game Day Shuttles.

Quick answer

In 2023, Gateway Clipper Fleet and WTAE Channel 4 marked their shared 65th anniversaries with a Monday Night Football tailgate on the rivers. With 25% of shuttle proceeds and help from shuttle passengers, they raised $10,751 for the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank's Project Hunger campaign.

In celebration of our mutual 65th anniversaries, WTAE Channel 4 and the Gateway Clipper Fleet came together in a meaningful way. Combining our passion for Steelers football with a commitment to our community, our joint efforts, along with the support of our shuttle passengers, raised $10,751 for the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank's Project Hunger campaign.

Tailgating with WTAE

The highlight was our "Tailgating with WTAE" event during Monday Night Football on September 18, 2023, when the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Cleveland Browns.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet contributed 25% of the proceeds from that night's shuttle service to Project Hunger, and WTAE-4 gave fans a tailgate to remember.

Event highlights

  • Tailgate gathering: Starting at 5 p.m., fans enjoyed three hours of pre-game atmosphere, and WTAE broadcast a special edition of "Black & Gold Primetime" from the three rivers.
  • Live from the boats: WTAE personalities Andrew Stockey and Ryan Recker led live segments from the Countess, while Ashley Dougherty, Elena LaQuatra and Janelle Hall greeted fans aboard the Three Rivers Queen, lit up in blue for the night.
  • Drinks for a cause: A special "Blue 4 Yinz!" cocktail was available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going to the campaign.

See WTAE's coverage.

A 65th anniversary cake beside a ship's wheel, a captain's hat and a framed family photo
Celebrating 65 years: 1958 to 2023

A shared history since 1958

Terry Wirginis, President of the Gateway Clipper Fleet, thanked everyone who took part: "With a shared history since 1958, our 65th-anniversary celebration was the perfect opportunity to join forces with WTAE-4. Through the Project Hunger campaign, we aimed to make a significant impact, and we're grateful for the overwhelming support we received."

Read more about our family's story on the rivers.

2024: Monday Night Football with WTAE

WTAE joined us again in fall 2024 for a Steelers Monday Night Football home game, with WTAE cameras on deck while we sailed fans to and from the North Shore.

A WTAE camera crew and on-air host set up on the top deck of a Gateway Clipper riverboat, with a yellow arch bridge across the river
WTAE broadcasting from the top deck
Steelers fans in jerseys on a riverboat deck at dusk, looking across the water at Acrisure Stadium
Heading for Acrisure Stadium
Steelers fans waving Terrible Towels and We're Pittsburgh signs at the WTAE tailgate on the riverfront
Tailgating on the riverfront
Three people holding a WE'RE PITTSBURGH sign in front of the Gateway Clipper Fleet entrance at Station Square
At the Station Square dock entrance

2024 photos courtesy of WTAE.

Ride the shuttle to the game

Our Game Day Shuttles still carry fans from Station Square to the North Shore for every Steelers home game, plus Pitt games, Pirates games and select concerts. Fares are $8 one way or $15 round trip, kids 6 and under ride free, and tickets are sold at the Ticket Office on the Station Square Dock.

Ride the river to the game

Park at Station Square and take the shuttle to Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park. $8 one way, $15 round trip.

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