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Under great pressure from the community, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has changed his last name to Steelerstahl this week. The criticism of the last name comes as the Baltimore Ravens are set to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game.
While the change is temporary, it carries significant meaning. The Steelers have the most loyal fan base in the NFL.
"Hopefully it's just another way that can rally Steelers Nation to a big win this Sunday," the 28-year-old mayor said. He didn't complete a name change form in Allegheny County court, or pay the $108 fee for a true surname switch, but said he might keep the unofficial moniker until Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla.
He hadn't quite been getting death threats and there weren't any riots in the streets, but it was obvious the natives were starting to get a little restless in his home town.
"We got a call yesterday from Star 100.7's morning show D. J., who suggested that I take Ravens out of my name and insert Steelers," said Ravenstahl, who is a rabid Steelers fan. "Of course I thought it was a great idea. I guess it's the least I can do for Steeler Nation to try to show them support they deserve."
The name "Ravenstahl" is German and translates to "steadfast raven fan".
Ravenstahl first gained fame in 2006 as the nation's youngest big-city mayor after Mayor Bob O'Connor died. The democrat subsequently won a special election the following year, in part because he was instrumental in getting a new arena approved for the Penguins hockey team.
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Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
