It was a sea of green and smiling Irish eyes lit up Acrisure Stadium on Monday night as The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala was celebrated in Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 2025.
While the football atmosphere is ever-present at Acrisure Stadium, especially with the Steelers scheduled to play the first ever regular season NFL game in Ireland in 2025, guests had the feeling of being transported to the island of Ireland.
“It is special, and having the game in Ireland this year will be very special,” said Steelers President Art Rooney II. “Tonight is a great celebration, almost like a kickoff to the events that are going to come when we play in Dublin. It’s always a fun night and Saint Paddy’s Day has always been a great day to celebrate.”
The evening kicked off with Irish entertainment, which included a performance by Jim Lamb of Guaranteed Irish. Inside the ‘pub,’ guests could enjoy displays highlighting the honorees for the night, which include former racecar driver and Ganassi Racing team owner Chip Ganassi and President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute Evan Frazier.
“Chip deserves to be recognized,” said Rooney. “I don’t know that he’s been getting as much attention here in his hometown as he deserves. So, it’s great to recognize him and have him be part of the celebration tonight.
“I think my mother would have been happy that we are honoring Evan, as she knew him. Evan’s been working hard in the community for so many years. It’s great to recognize him and all the accomplishments he’s had in his career.”
Ganassi Racing vehicles and trophies were on display as Chip Ganassi received the 2025 Daniel M. Rooney Ambassador’s Award, presented to an individual who reflects Ambassador Rooney’s leadership, love of Pittsburgh and contribution to the community.Ganassi has taken control as owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, turning it into one of the top racing teams in the world, while the Duquesne University graduate has kept Pittsburgh close to his heart and continually does work in the community, including his long-standing relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Evan Frazier established The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) in 2016 to promote Black executive leadership in the Pittsburgh region and he was honored with the prestigious Patricia R. Rooney Community Impact Award, given to leaders who have produced successful organizational initiatives in response to a significant contemporary problem.
Thank you to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Rooney family for their generosity and ongoing commitment to The Ireland Funds’ mission.
This year as part of the event there will be a special online auction with two priceless packages.
Package 1: ‘Touchdown in Ireland’ which includes:
A trip for 2 to Ireland to watch the Steelers play at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland (date and opponent TBD)
Roundtrip flight for two (2) on a Steelers Aer Lingus charter flight, departing from Pittsburgh International Airport
Four (4) night stay in Ireland (double occupancy, hotel TBD)
Two (2) game tickets.
Starting Bid – $11,000
Package 2:’Chase the Checkered Flag’ which includes:
The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Experience with Chip Ganassi Racing’ it will include the following
Two (2) Suite Tickets
Two (2) Credentials (garage/pit lane pass)
Race Day Police Escort to Indianapolis Motor Speedway
One room (up to 3 nights) at the JW Marriott
Starting Bid – $7,000
The auction closes on March 21 at 5 p.m.
