Business & Tech

'The Bus' Stops in Upper St. Clair

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis attracted a large crowd at the new Dick's Sporting Goods store.

Hundreds of fans wearing their black and gold best were on hand as "The Bus" rolled into town Saturday afternoon.

Former Pittsburgh Steeler Jerome Bettis signed autographs at the new Dick's Sporting Goods store at South Hills Village.

Some fans camped out in front of the store overnight to ensure an autograph wristband.

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Rick DeBenedetto, a self-proclaimed "big Bettis fan," said he showed up at the store at about 5 a.m. after driving into town on Friday from Rochester, NY.

"I just always liked the way he played," he said.

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Heather Yee, of Dormont, brought her son and nephew to meet Bettis. Dick's employees allowed them to stand in the front of the line because her son, Brandon, lives with autism.

"Things are very challenging for him, so this just means so much to me that they were able to do this for him," Yee said. "It touches my heart."

More celebrities will be giving out autographs Sunday. Pittsburgh Penguins radio announcers Mike Lange and Phil Bourque will appear in the store from 2 to 4 p.m. Fans must get a wristband for an autograph. Only 350 wristbands will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m.

Additional appearances on Sunday include Pittsburgh Penguins mascot “Iceburgh” from 1 to 3:00 p.m. and professional bass angler Skeet Reese from 12 to 5 p.m.

Dick's now occupies the former Boscov's building attached to South Hills Village. Its doors opened on Wednesday and a grand opening was celebrated on Friday.

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