Super Bowl XLIII Tale of the Tape - Extra Mustard

Posted: Monday January 19, 2009 1:32PM; Updated: Monday January 19, 2009 1:32PM

Super Bowl Tale of the Tape

SI.com's Brandt James sizes up the two XLIII cities.

Pittsburgh	Phoenix
Population
Approx 311,218 (59th largest U.S. city according to Census Bureau)	Approx 1,552,259 (No. 5)
Typical Day
The skies are gray again. Going to need at least a light jacket. Might rain. Think I have time for an Iron City and a pierogie?	Whoa, there's a little cloud way up there today! Got SPF-300 sunscreen, but can't stand to stay outside too long in this heat. I need to be in Scottsdale in five hours. Better get in the car now with this traffic.
Local Myth
"It's supposed to be nice tomorrow."	"It's a dry heat."
Contribution To Western Civilization

The steel that set the framework for this great land.	Arizona State co-eds.
Sporting Pedigree
The Steelers have won a record-tying five Super Bowls, the Pirates five World Series, the Penguins two Stanley Cups.	The Diamondbacks won the 2001 World Series, but at least they beat the Yankees.
Playgrounds
Traded in the ash tray that was Three Rivers Stadium for gems Heinz Field (Steelers) and PNC Park (Pirates). The Penguins still play in Mellon Arena, whose only value is making the locals appreciate how good they have it with Heinz Field and PNC Park.	Arguably the best arenas in the nation, all spanking new. Many seats hardly used.
Sports Hero

A lot of choices. Roberto Clemente, Mario Lemieux, Jack Lambert, and on and on.	Pat Tillman.
Future Lord Of The Town
Sidney Crosby	Justin Upton
Sports Albatross
The Pirates have bucked the trend, becoming one of the rare baseball clubs not to improve beyond numbingly mediocre after opening a new park.	Not even Wayne Gretzky's magnetism can make hockey work in the desert.
Famous Celebrity

Dennis Miller	Lynda Carter
Historical Significance
Once-western outpost of the French and Indian War.	Desert outpost of the I've-got-to-move-out-of-LA and retirement crowds.