Beth Gray wore black and gold as she answered the question on the minds of many–who’s going to win this year’s Super Bowl?
‘Steelers of course? she says confidently without hesitation.
Of course, Gray, a kitchen designer and owner of Cabinet Design Studio, may be a tad biased. The Atlas Township resident is a native of Center Township, Penn., which is none-too-far from Pittsburgh, home of the Steelers.
Gray was just one of thousands of area residents gearing up for the Super Bowl, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Sea Hawks, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Ford Field in Detroit.
She recalled her feelings as the final seconds fell from the game clock in the AFC championship game in Denver, and the Steelers emerged as victors’thus ensuring their spot in the big game.
‘Excited, obviously. I was really excited because ‘The Bus? (nickname of Detroit-born Steelers running back Jerome Bettis) was coming home,? Gray said.
Though Gray left Pennsylvania approximately 19 years ago, her loyalty has remained firmly rooted.
‘Steelers fans are fans when they’re winning and when they’re not. When people move away from Pittsburgh they remain fans,? Gray said.
Even if they never make it back to Pittsburgh to attend a game at Heinz Field in reality, in spirit ‘they’re going to be there for that game,? she said.
Gray, 55, was lucky enough to score season tickets for the Steelers before making the move to Michigan in 1987.
‘I got season tickets but it was after the Terry Bradshaw years,? said Gray. ‘It wasn’t a very good season, but when you’re a Steelers fan’that doesn’t matter.?
Celebrating big plays with fellow fans is a family affair for Gray.
‘Every time they get a touchdown I call my sister,? who lives in Pennsylvania, Gray said.
This year marks the Steelers first Super Bowl game since 1996, when they lost to the Dallas Cowboys.
And while she isn’t going to be at Ford Field on Feb. 5, she is excited to watch the game.
‘We’re going to have a Super Bowl party,? Gray said. ‘We’ll have good stuff to eat and lots of phone calls to Pittsburgh.?
Though in her mind, the Pittsburgh Steelers will walk away as the Super Bowl champions, Gray admits this year’s big game will probably be an exciting one to watch.
‘It’s going to be close,? said Gray. ‘It’s going to be great.?
While Gray cheers on the Steelers, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Tim McIsaac, along with Detective Arnie Terrell and deputies Charlie Liggett, Scott Howden, Gary Spalo, and Mike Garrison (with K-9 partner Bodi) have volunteered to assist other area law enforcement in security at the hotel where the Pittsburgh Steelers will be lodged prior to Super Bowl XL.
‘Like the Steelers really need any security,? laughed McIsaac. ‘We’ll be on duty during non-working hours’the NFL will reimburse Oakland County for the costs.?
McIsaac added that the location of the Steelers? hotel will remain confidential.
Other area Super Bowl fans will be dinning at area establishments.
Joe Frances, general manager of Bullfrog’s, 2000 Ortonville Road, Ortonville has pulled in an 18 foot smoker for the Super Bowl party.
‘We’ll have bratwarst, chicken wings, pulled pork, and Italian sausage at the bash. There are 17 televisions, not to mention Detroit Piston and Red Wing tickets to give away and a grand prize of a trip to Vegas.
‘We are the Super Bowl headquarters for Ortonville,? he said.
Joe D’Anna owner of Papa Bellas Pizza 425 Mill St. says Super Bowl Sunday along with the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and Halloween are the busiest pizza days of the years.
‘About 300 pizzas are typical during Super Bowl Sunday.?