North Shore in Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Immaculate Reception
The game, at Three Rivers Stadium, was a defensive struggle between the Steelers and the Oakland Raiders, and its outcome spawned a bitter rivalry between the teams that endured through the 1970s.
With 22 seconds remaining and the outcome of the game on the line, what happened next instantly became the most significant play in Steelers' history, and it subsequently was named the greatest play in NFL history.
The stage was set. Fourth-and-10 at the Steelers' 40-yard line. Oakland 7, Pittsburgh 6, Terry Bradshaw scrambled out of the grasp of a pass-rusher and fired a pass toward Frenchy Fuqua, and the ball arrived at the same time as Raiders Safety Jack Tatum. There was a fierce collision and the ball was caught out of the air by Franco Harris, who was hustling downfield on the play. Harris ran away from one tackler and stiff-armed another on the way to the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. There was a mass celebration on the field because the Pittsburgh Steelers had won their first playoff game in francise history.
On this site on December 23, 1972, the Immaculate Reception thrilled a city, charted a course to multiple Super Bowl championships for the franchise, and gave birth a nation of fans that grows larger each year.
Erected by ATI and the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is December 23, 1972.
Location. 40° 26.801′ N, 80° 0.769′ W. Marker is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is in North Shore. Marker is on West General Robinson Street, 0.1 miles west of Chuck Noll Way, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsburgh PA 15212, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Professional Football Game (about 500 feet away); Three Rivers Stadium (about 600 feet away); County of Allegheny Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (about 600 feet away); First World Series (about 600 feet away); Vietnam Veterans Monument (about 800 feet away); The Pittsburgh Point (approx. 0.2 miles away); Langley Observatory Clock (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsburgh.
Also see . . . Steelers unveil Immaculate Reception monument. Sports Illustrated article from December 22, 2012 by Associated Press (Submitted on April 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,619 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 24, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.