A Cross‑Atlantic Fan: 31‑Year‑Old From Wolverhampton Makes Five Trips to Pittsburgh

Katie Stewart, a 31‑year‑old teacher from Wolverhampton, England, has turned yearly travel into a passion for Pittsburgh sports. Her first trip in 2022 began when she watched the Penguins win an NHL game that sparked a new love for the team. From that moment, she has visited every season except winter, gathering friends and memories along the way.

The Journey
The trip across 3,000 miles takes a full day. She leaves her home at 2 a.m., catches a flight from London to Boston, then hops on another plane to Pittsburgh. Once there, she stays in the South Side and rides the local transit system—something that locals may find ordinary but she enjoys for its convenience.

The Spark

Her fandom started with hockey, inspired by Sidney Crosby’s 2010 Olympic goal. The Penguins’ black‑and‑gold colors reminded her of her hometown team, Wolverhampton Wanderers. When the pandemic cut off live sports, she joined a Twitter community called @KatieTalksPens to keep her connection alive. That online support encouraged her to travel in 2022 for two games, solidifying her commitment.

Expanding Horizons

After Pittsburgh, she discovered the Pirates and later the Steelers. Each sport added a new layer to her experience:

• Baseball – The relaxed atmosphere felt like English cricket.
• Football – Steelers games offered a different energy.

Over five visits, she has seen all three teams play and enjoys the city’s museums, parks, and iconic food spots like Primanti Bros.

Community & Culture

She’s built a tight network of friends in Pittsburgh—many from social media—and often shares meals with locals, including a security guard she met at the Heinz History Center. Her visits are packed: she attends multiple games, explores museums, rides the historic incline, and samples local cuisine. Despite her long‑distance travel, she’s become a familiar face at every game, proudly boasting a winning record for all Pittsburgh teams she’s watched.