Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh was selected as a FEMA emergency response center

Acrisure Stadium was selected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a potential shelter and command center during emergencies and disasters.

The home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers is one of four NFL stadiums designated as Mission Ready Venues. The designation means the facility would be prepared to serve as a base for response and recovery efforts during major disasters or emergencies, such as a pandemic, flood or tornado.

In a statement Wednesday, FEMA said the stadium would provide safe storage and shelter in the event of an emergency. It will also enhance its public safety capabilities to respond to crises.

“This new strategy we are rolling out with the NFL is a groundbreaking opportunity to help our partners leverage these venues for emergency response and recovery needs while keeping communities safe and making them more resilient,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.

According to FEMA, venues such as stadiums are ideal as emergency response centers because they are often centrally located and close to other essential services such as hospitals.

“Identifying community facilities that can be used to support emergency management functions before a disaster or emergency occurs is critical to ensuring effective response and recovery,” said Randy Padfield, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency . “The private sector has always been a committed partner and its willingness to participate in programs like this strengthens planning efforts at the local, state and federal levels.”

Other locations selected as Mission Ready Venues include Metlife Stadium in Rutherford, New Jersey; Lumen Field in Seattle and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.