Years of Existence: 1987-1990, 1991- as Tampa Bay Storm
Venue: Pittsburgh Civic Arena (Pittsburgh, PA)
Accomplishments:
1987 –
1987 – Arena Bowl appearance
1988 – Playoff appearance
1989 – Arena Bowl appearance
1990 – Arena Bowl appearance
Lifetime Record: 17-18
Home: 8-7
Away: 7-10
Playoffs: 1-4
Average Attendance: 7,852
The Pittsburgh Gladiators were one of the four original teams that the AFL fielded in 1987. While never missing the postseason, the Gladiators had one nightmare: the Detroit Drive. The Drive would end the Gladiators season three years in a row, beginning with 1988. The Gladiators would beat the Drive once, in a season opener 57-51, but totaled up seven defeats against them. The many neutral site games and a dwindling attendance forced the Gladiators to move to Tampa Bay, where they have stayed since 1991. There is interest in bringing an AFL team back to Pittsburgh, but current PCA ownership is against indoor football.
