Annie O'Neill, Post-Gazette Jim Botti and his friend John Nigro, both from North Versailles, catch a bite of burgers and brats before the game yesterday on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Click photo for larger image.

DETROIT -- The members of Steelers Nation didn't just come to Detroit yesterday. They invaded it, took it over and planted their flag.

They came thousands deep bringing with them their working class bravado, wearing black and gold, singing Steelers fight songs, drinking Iron City, tailgating, hanging outside their rented RVs, clogging the downtown streets.

Outside Hockeytown, the noted sports bar in Detroit, the line was a block long.

In the State Theatre, a block away, a free Super Bowl party for 2,000 became a Steelers party.

Someone noted there must have been 1,000 Steelers fans for every Seahawks devotee. That might be an underestimate. All along Woodward Avenue near Ford Field, folks wearing black and gold were greeting each other, hugging, high-fiving.

"It's just so lopsided it's ridiculous," said Matt Hrutkay of Washington, Pa. "Steelers fans travel better than anyone."

He was partying in a parking lot with his buddy Pat O'Neill of Mount Washington. Hrutkay was going to the game.

"I'm going to get hammered," O'Neill admitted.

On the corner of Brush and Congress, the wind was whipping the tarp. But the Steelers fans there laughed in the face of 20-degree temperatures. Tailgating was not new to them. Scott Doane of Waynesburg was manning the grill where thick, juicy steaks and shrimp were sizzling. His wife, Jennifer, was giving an interview to a Detroit television station. This contingent of black and gold faithful brought their football partying expertise from just outside Heinz Field to just outside a place called the Sweet Water Tavern.

There were about 10 Steelers faithful on the corner, but more were coming, said Mike Cousins of McKees Rocks. Their usual tailgate group numbers about 40. They were staying in a hotel in Toledo, an hour away. A black Hummer drove by painted with players' numbers on the window in gold. The tailgaters yelled their support. They jeered a lone Seahawks fan making his way up the street.

Dave and Donna Carlock of West Deer were looking for tickets. Taking a break from the cold inside a souvenir shop, the couple hoped to score two before game time.

"I'm not here for the party," Dave Carlock said. "I'm here for the game."

In a souvenir shop, the line ran the length of the store. Among those scooping up more black and gold merchandise was Evan Fuentes, 14, of Shadyside. He was wearing a black jester hat adorned with Steelers pins. But he picked up some giant gold beads to complement his look.

"I'm just trying to get ready for the Super Bowl," said Evan, who was here with his mom, Cheri West, and stepfather, Murry Gerber.

A bar with the name of Steel was packed with Seahawks fans.

"The excitement is incredible," said Bob Lindal, who flew from Seattle with his wife, Sue. They've been season-ticket holders for 30 years. "Every Pittsburgh fan I've talked to has been very nice."

Vaughn Hodgins, another Seattle native, said Seahawks fans were enjoying their status.

"I bet everybody loves the underdog," he said. "They can't help themselves."

In this nest of Seahawks was John Hasselbeck, the grandfather of Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. He said he used to watch Ben Roethlisberger play as a college student.

"I think Ben's a great athlete," he said. "I think Matt's also a great athlete, and we just hope Seattle wins today."

A few Steelers fans invaded the club swinging Terrible Towels. After some good-natured ribbing on both sides, the towel bearers left.

Taking a parting shot, one yelled, "We tailgate outside like men."

In front of the Detroit Athletic Club, Michael Starr of Highland Park was looking for tickets. A guy named Don came up. He was selling one and keeping one. He offered Starr the ticket for $2,600. Starr pulled out a wad of money and peeled off the asking price in $100 bills. But he needed another one for his cousin, Joe Napp, also from Highland Park.

Steelers fans chanted as they headed into Ford Field: "Here we go, Steelers, here we go!"