Courtesy of Pittsburgh Thunderbirds
PITTSBURGH (PTTP) – While Pittsburghers are familiar with the big four professional teams of
the city – the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Riverhounds – more professional teams that rock
the black and gold, including the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds – a professional ultimate frisbee team.
The Thunderbirds were created in 2015 with the goal of growing the sport of ultimate frisbee in
the Pittsburgh area. The team is a part of the Central Division of the Ultimate Frisbee
Association (UFA).
General Manager, Co-founder, and Co-owner Andrew Gardner believes
Pittsburgh is a great city for the game.
“I think it’s a really awesome sport that not a lot of people know about. We think we can get to
that level of being right along up there with the major four. Part of the reason we do this is to
show folks that ultimate is a really great sport – it’s accessible, it’s affordable, and we’re just
trying to expand that footprint.”
Because the sport is still growing, most Thunderbirds players have careers off the field, making
their commitment to the game next level.
“It’s like 1930s football where the players get paid to play, but it’s a small stipend,” Gardner
stated. “We cover everything for the team, so in order to subsidize their playing, they have to
have nine to five jobs. We have chemists, engineers, teachers, and guys from varying
backgrounds.”
While the games the Thunderbirds play at Highmark Stadium are entertaining, Gardner knows
that they must attract a crowd, too.
“What makes us unique is that we try and do a lot for our fans at Highmark. We have contests,
balloon artists, a D.J., food, and beverages. Kids ages eight and under also get free admission,
and that helps us show ultimate to the youth as well.”
The tenth season of Thunderbirds’ ultimate frisbee will kick off Friday, May 2, at Highmark
Stadium with a 7 p.m. start time as they take on the Indianapolis AlleyCats.