PITTSBURGH — Steelers fans partied into the early morning hours today in an impromptu block party across Pittsburgh to celebrate the team's historic sixth Super Bowl win.

Thousands of people gathered in the city's Oakland neighborhood near the University of Pittsburgh and also along the quirky strip of bars known as the South Side. City officials had anticipated the large crowds, and had about 400 police on the streets as a precaution.

Moments after the Steelers sealed the 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Tampa, Fla., revelers poured out of area bars, and some broke out in song, bellowing Queen's "We are the Champions."

Yellow confetti swirled in the air, people released black and gold balloons and Super Bowl championship paraphernalia was up for sale in the middle of the street.

Pittsburgh police didn't report any major problems, but there were pockets of trouble, mostly in the Oakland section.

There was a report of one couch set on fire outdoors and one car was overturned. There were several small fires set in trash cans and couches, and there are reports of some broken windows and stolen street signs. Large numbers of police in riot gear and on horseback were out in force, surrounding one fire and keeping the crowd back in an effort to let it burn out.

Police in riot gear patrolled the South Side on bikes and in cars, letting the loud and rowdy celebration run its course.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl told a Pittsburgh newspaper that some sort of city celebration would likely be held Tuesday or Wednesday, but details still need to be worked out.

Crowds spilled out of the doors of Primanti's Bros., Pittsburgh's famous gut-busting sandwich shop.

Rocky Plassio, a 32-year-old high school teacher from the suburb of Washington, had his 3-year-old son, Noah, perched on his shoulders. The elder Plassio made sure his son didn't miss the celebration.

"The last time the Steelers won, he was an infant," Rocky said. "If you're from Pittsburgh, the Steelers are really part of your culture. It's in your blood."

Brittany Barcoay, 21, drove seven hours from Liberty University in Virginia just to be in her hometown for the Super Bowl and celebrated outside the South Side bar Town Tavern, which sported a "Steeler Tavern" banner.

"I have never had so much pride in my city, ever," said Barcoay, decked out in a Jerome Bettis jersey.

Dan Decriscio, 51, returned to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia and had the chance to celebrate yet another NFL title.

"This is awesome," Decriscio said. "I've been here for every Super Bowl. Every one is great. From the first one with Chuck Knoll to Mike Tomlin; this is Christmas in February.