NFL Bars
Lucky black and gold has Athens home
By William Strome, Staff Writer
September 13, 2007 | 7:02 p.m.
Steeler fans may be far from East Carson Street, but from the inside of the bar, it’s hard to tell. With Terrible Towels soaring and I.C. Lights pouring, Lucky's brings the Pittsburgh atmosphere on Steeler game day to Ohio University’s campus.
Lucky’s Sports Tavern, conveniently located on 11 North Court St., has been a Sunday Steeler haven for 15 years. Fans can watch the game on multiple televisions while enjoying free hot dogs, chili and $2.00 Iron City Lights, a Pittsburgh Brewing Company original.
"It's a Pittsburgh bar who's main attraction is Steelers games," said senior Mark McMahon, a graduate from Mt. Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh. "I've seen plenty of Penguin games here but the atmosphere isn't nearly the same as a Steeler game."
Without question, the most energized and ecstatic atmosphere was the night of Super Bowl XL where the Steelers downed the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 to be crowned world champions.
"It was crazy, we had to limit the number of people in here," said owner Shawn Ritchie. "We had a pre-game party that you had to buy a ticket for, that way we could guarantee all the regulars get a place in the bar. It was a great time and afterward everyone really celebrated since we hadn't won a championship in quite some time."
Prior to becoming the lone Steeler bar in Athens, Lucky’s was a Browns bar, the Pittsburgh Steelers bitter rival.
“It switched over just before the Browns left [Cleveland], that’s when we took over,” Ritchie said. “There just wasn’t a place for Steelers fans to watch the game so I saw the need for a place like this. We started out with the old, giant satellite on the roof and have been airing each game ever since.”
Ritchie, who's family was from Pittsburgh, grew up in the panhandle of the Ohio Valley as a Steeler fan.
"When we first opened the bar, we were honored by Iron City as one of the many nonlocal Steelers bars nationwide," Ritchie said. To prove it, behind the bar for all eyes to see is a commemorative can that acknowledges "Lucky's Sports Tavern" as a proud host of the Steeler nation.
Lucky's serves Iron City and Rolling Rock year round, two beverages very familiar to those from Western PA. Food wise, Pittsburgh cuisine like Mineos Pizza or Primanti Brothers can only be found back in the 'Burgh.
Among the disposable drink specials and beer company posters, the wall adjacent to where the prized commemorative can lies is lined with vintage Steeler memorabilia. An autographed Terry Bradshaw jersey and plaque is nestled between an Iron Mike [Webster] and Jack Lambert poster. All three were Steelers during their 1970s Super Bowl dynasty and have each been elected into the Professional Football Hall of Fame.The front window welcomes Steeler fans appropriately with an oversized inflatable helmet, Terrible Towel and a schedule that can be seen from The Red Brick directly across the street.
With neighboring bars that pay tribute to other conference foes, it's to no ones surprise that Court Street has played host to a few football fan quarrels.
"A few years ago, the last time the Browns beat us, Steeler Nation was filming here much like they do with other bars in opposing cities," Ritchie said. "After the game the fans stormed across the street and fought Brownie fans in the middle of the road. The police had to close off Court Street until they broke up the fight."
But that's still not the most impressive thing Ritchie has seen in his time in Athens. "I have seen some creative use of Terrible Towels as wardrobes by girls which I'd have to say is pretty nice."
It may not be Heinz Field or Three Rivers Stadium, but Lucky's Sports Tavern on Sunday's is home to those willing and committed about cheering for the black and gold.