Pitt Football Gameday to Get a Boost from New Initiatives
Fans Can Expect Various New Features at Heinz Field This Season
PITTSBURGH – The passion and excitement for the start of football season is unrivaled in Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh is constantly looking for new ways to build on the terrific tradition and history of the program, while also pushing the envelope to introduce new and exciting gameday experiences. Head coach Pat Narduzzi will bring a hungry team with a strong mix of veteran experience and emerging young talent to Heinz Field in 2017 to energize the stadium, while the athletic department sought out to enhance an already strong gameday atmosphere.
“Heinz Field is one of the best gameday facilities in college football and I have heard a lot of good things about the atmosphere in and around the stadium,” said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. “The new HD videoboard is an awesome addition for our fans with replays of all the action as well as stats and in-game video presentations. I am extremely excited for the start of the season and look forward to building a remarkable gameday experience that is among the best in the ACC and across the country.”
Panther fans will see new banners and branding initiative throughout Heinz Field this season as well as a new 5,000 square foot scoreboard (48 feet wide X 125.5 feet tall) with full HD technology. The new board is 45% larger than the previous board allowing fans to enjoy compelling video packages, replays, graphics, stats and much more. Among the new in-game video features fans will enjoy this season are Pitt Hall of Fame moments and a segment on Pitt Football Moms.
Pitt also recently announced a full promotions schedule for the 2017 season highlighted by a James Conner bobblehead giveaway at the Oct. 14 game against NC State and “Star Wars Night” Thursday, Nov. 9 against North Carolina. Complete details on this season’s football promotions are available HERE.
Pitt will also tweak one of its in-game fan engagement traditions with Sweet Caroline, previously played between the third and fourth quarter break, moving around to different points in the games. The song has traditionally inspired a stadium-wide sing-along that brings fans out of their seats and closer together. After taking into account feedback from the Pitt Athletics Fan Committee, The Panther Pitt, coaches and players, the song will now be played at different points in the game, targeting specific moments in an effort capitalize on its unifying effect and preserve the tradition of playing it at Heinz Field.
Pitt will also recognize and host a group of Pitt Employees during a Faculty/Staff Spotlight at each home football game this season. The individuals selected are the recipients of awards given by either the Office of Human Resources, the Chancellor’s office or the Provost office.
The in-stadium eating experience will also get a boost in 2017 with Aramark adding several new items to existing stands in general concessions as well as on the club level. Among the new items at general concessions will be a steak and egg bagel, deli stack, signature nachos with ancho rubbed smoked brisket and a Boski kielbasa, while the club level has added a shrimp po boy, country dog and the Pittsburgh cheesesteak burger. Heinz Field has also added a new stand with the Pittsburgh Pierogi House moving into section 119 with Traditional (potato cheese pierogies with sauerkraut, caramelized onions, sour cream and bacon), Mexican Streets (potato cheesepierogies with green chicken chili, pinto beans, salsa verde and cilantro crema) and Bloomfield (potato cheese pierogies with spicy Italian sausage, mozzarella, vodka sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano) pierogi options.
Along with significant improvements to the in-game experience, Pitt has also collaborated with Tailgate Guys to create a unique and hassle-free tailgating atmosphere on the Great Lawn at Heinz Field. Housing 40 tailgate tents and featuring packages that include tents, tables, chairs, coolers with ice, TV and media service and food options, Panther fans can celebrate in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere a short walk from parking, Heinz Field, Stage AE and the Allegheny River. Interested parties can call 412-525-4125 or contact pitt@tailgateguys.com with questions and reservation inquiries.
Season tickets, mini packages and single-game tickets for the 2017 Pitt football season can be purchased online or by calling (800) 643-PITT (7488).
Groups of 15 or more will save off the individual ticket price with tickets starting at only $15 for specific games. To make group reservations, call the Panthers Ticket Office at (800) 643-PITT (7488).
Fans Can Expect Various New Features at Heinz Field This Season
PITTSBURGH – The passion and excitement for the start of football season is unrivaled in Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh is constantly looking for new ways to build on the terrific tradition and history of the program, while also pushing the envelope to introduce new and exciting gameday experiences. Head coach Pat Narduzzi will bring a hungry team with a strong mix of veteran experience and emerging young talent to Heinz Field in 2017 to energize the stadium, while the athletic department sought out to enhance an already strong gameday atmosphere.
“Heinz Field is one of the best gameday facilities in college football and I have heard a lot of good things about the atmosphere in and around the stadium,” said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. “The new HD videoboard is an awesome addition for our fans with replays of all the action as well as stats and in-game video presentations. I am extremely excited for the start of the season and look forward to building a remarkable gameday experience that is among the best in the ACC and across the country.”
Panther fans will see new banners and branding initiative throughout Heinz Field this season as well as a new 5,000 square foot scoreboard (48 feet wide X 125.5 feet tall) with full HD technology. The new board is 45% larger than the previous board allowing fans to enjoy compelling video packages, replays, graphics, stats and much more. Among the new in-game video features fans will enjoy this season are Pitt Hall of Fame moments and a segment on Pitt Football Moms.
Pitt also recently announced a full promotions schedule for the 2017 season highlighted by a James Conner bobblehead giveaway at the Oct. 14 game against NC State and “Star Wars Night” Thursday, Nov. 9 against North Carolina. Complete details on this season’s football promotions are available HERE.
Pitt will also tweak one of its in-game fan engagement traditions with Sweet Caroline, previously played between the third and fourth quarter break, moving around to different points in the games. The song has traditionally inspired a stadium-wide sing-along that brings fans out of their seats and closer together. After taking into account feedback from the Pitt Athletics Fan Committee, The Panther Pitt, coaches and players, the song will now be played at different points in the game, targeting specific moments in an effort capitalize on its unifying effect and preserve the tradition of playing it at Heinz Field.
Pitt will also recognize and host a group of Pitt Employees during a Faculty/Staff Spotlight at each home football game this season. The individuals selected are the recipients of awards given by either the Office of Human Resources, the Chancellor’s office or the Provost office.
The in-stadium eating experience will also get a boost in 2017 with Aramark adding several new items to existing stands in general concessions as well as on the club level. Among the new items at general concessions will be a steak and egg bagel, deli stack, signature nachos with ancho rubbed smoked brisket and a Boski kielbasa, while the club level has added a shrimp po boy, country dog and the Pittsburgh cheesesteak burger. Heinz Field has also added a new stand with the Pittsburgh Pierogi House moving into section 119 with Traditional (potato cheese pierogies with sauerkraut, caramelized onions, sour cream and bacon), Mexican Streets (potato cheesepierogies with green chicken chili, pinto beans, salsa verde and cilantro crema) and Bloomfield (potato cheese pierogies with spicy Italian sausage, mozzarella, vodka sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano) pierogi options.
Along with significant improvements to the in-game experience, Pitt has also collaborated with Tailgate Guys to create a unique and hassle-free tailgating atmosphere on the Great Lawn at Heinz Field. Housing 40 tailgate tents and featuring packages that include tents, tables, chairs, coolers with ice, TV and media service and food options, Panther fans can celebrate in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere a short walk from parking, Heinz Field, Stage AE and the Allegheny River. Interested parties can call 412-525-4125 or contact pitt@tailgateguys.com with questions and reservation inquiries.
Season tickets, mini packages and single-game tickets for the 2017 Pitt football season can be purchased online or by calling (800) 643-PITT (7488).
Groups of 15 or more will save off the individual ticket price with tickets starting at only $15 for specific games. To make group reservations, call the Panthers Ticket Office at (800) 643-PITT (7488).
