Scratch the Steelers as possible candidates to open the NFL season against Super Bowl champion New Orleans Sept. 9 in the Superdome.

There has been speculation the NFL might pit the past two Super Bowl winners in the first game traditionally held in the city of the current champion on Thursday night of what is called Kickoff Weekend. But Steelers president Art Rooney II said he expects the Steelers to open the season at home Sept. 12 because of scheduling conflicts with their neighbors, the Pirates.

"We won't be playing in New Orleans," Rooney declared this afternoon. "We have to be home that weekend because of the baseball schedule. Unless they wanted to play us away three weeks in a row, and I don't think they'll do that."

Although it no longer is mandatory the Steelers and Pirates cannot play home games at the same time -- as was the case in old Three Rivers Stadium -- both teams prefer that not to occur because of the close proximity of Heinz Field and PNC Park and some parking lots that are shared by the two pro clubs.

"We suspect we'll open at home and be on the road the next two weeks," Rooney said.

The Steelers will open the season on Sunday because the East Coast end of the traditional opening Monday night doubleheader will be played by the New York Jets in their new stadium.

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