Bay Area Black and Gold Club - Tampa, FL

The Bay Area Black and Gold Club originated with three guys and a 1987 Mean Joe Green Hall of Fame Iron City beer can.

Back in 1992, a friend of Walt Pelc, named Dave, was coming to Tampa for a visit. They both met up at a local pub Called Murphy's and talked over old times while admiring a Mean Joe Green Iron City beer can, which Dave brought from Pittsburgh as a gift for Walt. Another Steeler fan in the bar, Steve Burrows, happened to notice the can and joined the conversation and the three decided that Briedy's Pub in Northdale would become their local hangout to watch the Steelers play right here in Tampa.

Founding members of Bay Area Black and Gold Club
The founding members of the Bay Area Black and Gold Club, Steve, Walt (Peck) & Mike.

As word quickly spread to other local Steeler fans, the club steadily grew to about 150 members in just one season. Briedy's Pub was to change owners after the season but the newly established "Bay Area Black and Gold Club" decided to remain for one more year. The club then voted to relocate in 1994 to its current home, O’Brien's Irish Pub.

The Tampa Tribune and the Pittsburgh news have recognized the Bay Area Black and Gold Club and the mayor of Pittsburgh has even dedicated a December game to us in recognition of our dedication to the Steelers. We try to let our “Pittsburgh family” know what we are doing here in the Tampa Bay area for those of us fans from the homeland of Pittsburgh as well as fans from outside of the 'Burgh.