Terrible Towel
The original rally towel that unites Steelers fans worldwide.
The Terrible Towel is a rally towel associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers, an American football team in the National Football League (NFL). The Terrible Towel has spread in popularity; for example, fans take their Towel to famous sites while on vacation. The Towel has been taken to the peak of Mount Everest, and even into space on the International Space Station. It is widely recognized as a symbol of the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh.
- Creator
- Myron Cope
- Year Introduced
- 1975
- Primary Color
- gold or yellow
- Beneficiary
- Allegheny Valley School
- Status
- Active Tradition (40+ years)
- Cultural Impact
- Global Recognition
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Proceeds from sales of the Towel have helped raise more than $6 million for Allegheny Valley School, which cares for people with mental disabilities and physical disabilities. The Terrible Towel is credited with being the first 'rally towel' and its success has given rise to similar products promoting other teams. Numerous versions have been produced; almost all are black and gold in color with the words 'Myron Cope's Official The Terrible Towel' printed on the front. In October 2009, a pink Terrible Towel was introduced to promote breast cancer awareness.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Acrisure Stadium is thick with cold steel and anticipation. On third down, the quarterback calls an audible, and a low rumble begins in the lower bowl. Suddenly, thousands of golden rectangles snap into the air at once. The sound is not just fabric flapping; it is a collective roar of history and hope. As the play develops, the sea of gold sways in unison, a rhythmic pulse that seems to shake the very foundations of the stadium. The opposing quarterback glances up, eyes wide at the blinding wall of yellow, before the snap is made and the noise reaches a deafening crescendo.
Reader's Guide
The Towel made its debut on December 27, 1975, in a playoff game against the Baltimore Colts. It was invented by Myron Cope after brainstorming with WTAE executives. The original towels were gold or yellow with black writing, and black towels were also allowed. The current version, introduced in 1998, adds the words 'Myron Cope's Official' on the top and 'A Pittsburgh Original' at the bottom. Special editions include a Super Bowl XL Champions towel and a 75th anniversary towel. A giant Terrible Towel measuring 54' x 90' was introduced at the 2014 home opener at Heinz Field.
Did You Know?
- The Terrible Towel was inspired by a suggestion from WTAE executive Bob Garrett to use towels as a lightweight, portable gimmick.
- During its debut game, linebacker Andy Russell returned a fumble 93 yards for a touchdown.
- Fans have taken the Terrible Towel to the Great Wall of China, the South Pole, Vatican City, and the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Astronaut Mike Fincke waved the Terrible Towel from the International Space Station prior to the 2008 AFC Championship Game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the Terrible Towel?
Legendary Steelers radio broadcaster Myron Cope introduced this gold rally flag to fans in 1975. He created it specifically to help supporters make more noise and unify the stadium atmosphere during games.
When do fans wave the towel?
Supporters typically raise their towels on third downs or immediately after big plays to signal cheers and create a visual wave of color. This coordinated movement helps generate energy that travels directly to the players on the field.
What does the Terrible Towel represent?
The towel stands as a symbol of Pittsburgh's resilience and enduring pride within the Steel City community. It has evolved into one of professional sports' most recognizable traditions, recognized globally by fans beyond just local supporters.
Does purchasing a towel donate to charity?
While the tradition supports general team initiatives and community efforts, the towels are primarily commercial products rather than direct donation mechanisms per sale. Historically, proceeds have been associated with beneficiaries like the Allegheny Valley School through Cope's legacy.
How long has this tradition lasted?
This active tradition began in 1975 and remains a staple of Steelers culture more than forty years later. It continues to be waved defiantly or triumphantly by fans at every home game without signs of fading away.
More in Stadium & Culture
Elsewhere in the Pittsburgh Steelers universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record