On August 13, 2001, this office filed a class action complaint with four named plaintiffs listing the Steelers Pittsburgh Football Club and the Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County as defendants. The complaint alleged breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation and fraud, unfair trade practices in the marketing and selling of Stadium Builder Licenses and Season Tickets for Heinz Field on the north shore in the City of Pittsburgh. The Allegheny County Sheriff served the Complaint on August 21, 2001.

     The Complaint was transmitted electronically to the Prothonotary of Allegheny County, and included a digital image of the brochure issued by the Defendants. The Allegheny County Prothonotary accepted the electronic filing, and issued Case No. GD-01-016041. The Complaint, exhibits, and all pleadings filed by this office may be viewed at the Allegheny County Prothonotary web site- http://prothonotary.county.allegheny.pa.us/allegheny/.

      The Pittsburgh Steelers filed Preliminary Objections to the Complaint and An Amended Complaint was filed with the court. The Steelers filed a second set of Preliminary Objections. The Steelers objections are primarily based upon the insertion of an “integration clause” and “binding agreement” clause in the Stadium Builders License Agreements that were executed by the SBL Holders. The Sports and Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County also filed Preliminary Objections that essentially mirrored the Objections of the Steelers.

      The Objections were brief and argued before the Honorable Robert P. Horgos, Judge, on November 20, 2001. On December 28, 2001, Judge Horgos ruled in favor of the Steelers and the Authority. An Appeal was promptly filed with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. The SBL Holders brief is due shortly and the matter will be argued before the court in the summer. This office is confident that the lower court will be reversed and that the matter will be remanded to the lower court for the matter to proceed.

     If you wish to be advised of the progress of this lawsuit, please check this website periodically. This site will be regularly updated as the case moves forward. If you would like to be added to our mailing or e-mail list, you may complete the stadium litigation questionnaire posted on this site or may download the same. You may contact the office regarding the stadium litigation at 412-469-1992. E-mails may be transmitted to wjhlaw@helzlsouer.com. Please include your name, address, and telephone number in all e-mails sent. Response to this request does not create a client attorney relationship.

Response to this request does not create a client attorney relationship.

Stadium Litigation Questionnaire