PITTSBURGH -- David Tepper wore a big smile as he roamed the sidelines at Heinz Field for the first time since becoming Panthers owner.
He also wore his new favorite hat - a black Panthers cap with a blue brim.
"It was very strange to see that," Steelers president Art Rooney II joked. "It's going to take a little adjusting to see him in those colors. But he's excited and we're excited for him."
Rooney II and his mother, Patricia, caught up with Tepper prior to Thursday night's preseason finale. Tepper, who grew up in Pittsburgh loving the Steelers, bought a minority stake in the franchise in 2009.
"We keep in touch. It's going to be fun to see how he does," Rooney said. "He's a competitor, and I'm sure he'll bring the same kind of intensity. He really wants to win. I think he'll do well."
Tepper and the Panthers will return to Pittsburgh in November for Thursday Night Football. But Rooney and Tepper are hoping that won't be the last time they see each other during the 2018 season.
"Hopefully we'll play Carolina three times this year," Rooney said with a smile. "That would be good."
