Pittsburgh Museum Named After Legendary Steelers Player

PITTSBURGH, PA — On the 53rd anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, which is widely regarded as the greatest play in NFL history, a Pittsburgh museum was named after the player who caught it.

The Smithsonian-affiliated Heinz History Center announced Tuesday that the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum will be renamed the Franco Harris Sports Museum in honor of the late Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back.

A longtime supporter of the History Center, Harris' leadership played a pivotal role in the development of the Sports Museum, which opened in 2004.

"Franco touched and inspired so many of us, not only with his achievements on the gridiron, but with his kindness, generosity and leadership," said Andy Masich, the history center's CEO. "His influence has gone well beyond Western Pennsylvania and will continue to inspire future generations. It is altogether fitting that the sports museum should bear Franco's name."

Harris died in 2022, just days before the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, which resulted in a touchdown and gave the Steelers a 1972 playoff victory over the Oakland Raiders.

The sports museum, a 20,000 square-foot facility featuring interpretive galleries and more than 50 interactive experiences, will implement the name change in 2026.

The Sports Museum is the “home of the Immaculate Reception,” featuring a lifelike figure of Harris making the catch, his cleats from the play, the Three Rivers Stadium field turf where it happened, and other 1970s Steelers artifacts.

The Sports Museum’s Super Steelers exhibition features a special section dedicated to Franco’s life and career including his championship rings from Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV, his 1976 Man of the Year Award (now named for Walter Payton), and his “Franco’s Italian Army” helmet.