I for one will enjoy razzing Penn State fans on game day (including the half dozen life long friends that will be with me that are alums from the center of the state), but I feel like Pitt fans are far too classy to make it an unsafe environment for the blue and white visitors. I hope PSU reciprocates next year at happy valley, especially if I bring my family. This is a stark contract to Pitt at West Virginia--I never felt safe there (and believe me, I am confident I can protect myself, but I am too old to be getting into fist fights just because I have a Pitt sweatshirt on). I stopped going down there because it literally got too hostile where I was worried for the people I was with or the vehicle we drove down in getting vandalized while in the game. Thoughts/opinions?
Expectations for GameDay: Pitt/PennSt
- Thread starter mehinpgh
- Start date
1) Don't bring PS fans with u to the game.
2) Do not run your mouth before the game.
3) Cheer loudly during the game
4) Be a good sport after the game.
That is my advice.
2) Do not run your mouth before the game.
3) Cheer loudly during the game
4) Be a good sport after the game.
That is my advice.
From the title of this thread....I interpreted ESPN gameday at HF....
Which I am guessing may have a strong chance of happening?
Which I am guessing may have a strong chance of happening?
I was never scared going to any game, WVU, I was numb, felt totally safe, never a moment of "fear". I mean I grew up in western PA, so it's only logical, that I have friends and relatives who are Nitters and Hoopies, while we disagree on favorite college sports program, otherwise we are just friends on good terms. to be honest.
I think it will be mostly quiet but for s few pockets of aholes from either side who don't know the difference between being rivals or jerks.
Been to many many PSU and WVU games against PITT over the years and never seen anything get out of hand. Looking forward to these games again.
It will be mostly quiet until the game is decided. Be prepared to possibly have a painful exit back to your car depending on what side your on.
The "Battle at Bristol" between VaTech and Tennessee is the same weekend. I'm not sure a dormant rivalry being revived is enough to supplant the largest crowd ever to watch a college football game.
Pitt is an elite academic university. I would imagine the fans will behave accordingly.
There could be some neck tattoo yinzers acting up, but PSU will have just as many of those.
Never seen or heard of anything really outrageous happening in the stands playing either PSU or WVU.
Parking lots before/after the games are a different story for sure.
Parking lots before/after the games are a different story for sure.
I'm coming to the game with my older brother who is a PSU fan. I figure I'll pour beer on him, but likely not intentionally. He's been to many Pitt games with me all over the place as he is a huge college football fan. I've been to a number of PSU games with him as well. (He went to Atlanta for Pitt-GT this year and I went to PSU-Maryland with him.)
Some bonds, like family are actually bigger than this game LOL.
Some bonds, like family are actually bigger than this game LOL.
Been to many away games with PSU and WV. Never had a problem with PSU fans but on more than one occasion had trouble with WV fans(?). Trouble in the stadium , trouble in the parking lot (which is part of the game day experience) in Morgantown. I to am too old to be physical at a football game or be threatened. I travel all over the country for Pitt football road games but will NEVER chance another trip to WV.
There is a Pirates home game scheduled for the same day. I expect a Noon kickoff time on ESPN
TCU vs Arkansas is the only other interesting matchup besides VT vs Tennessee
TCU vs Arkansas is the only other interesting matchup besides VT vs Tennessee
Both schools are academically high so I wouldn't expect too much. Students are always the problem. This game is a must win for both teams so it should be fun.
I think PSU fans will be treated quite poorly, especially by drunk students. It wont be anything like Morgantown but I've heard PSU fans complain about treatment in Columbus and Ann Arbor. It'll be worse than that.
Students get crazy at big games all over. PSU complains about Mich and OSU, and they complain about PSU. It is the nature of the beast. Pitt fans are not really known for being vicious or destructive, but I imagine that the 'rivalry' may bring out some rude behavior. The same thing will happen in Happy Valley next year from their fans. The fact is that students will be excited for the game, some will get drunk, and some will get loud toward the opponent. We shouldn't expect anything else.
Half the stories you hear are BS. If you know how to act even in Morgantown you won't have any problems. Sure you will he comments made but you can't have this skin. As a visiting fan you just have to use common sense and be smart. Don't walk right through a tailgate of fans or students. If you see a rowdy tailgate walk around it. Don't be obnoxious in the stands. If your siting outside the victors sections make friends with your neighbors. I been to many venue including both Pitt and WVU for Penn State games and have never had a problem. I expect the same for this game. Sure you will see and hear inappropriate things but you have to just tune that out.
Not true with WVU. No where else even approaches the problems at WVU. Not just for Pitt fans, but go listen to the Auburn fans who went there. Almost universally they say it was the worst experience they have ever had with host fans and they play large, rival, hostile schools every week in the SEC.
The obnoxious fans are more vividly remembered than the vast majority of fans showing good sportsmanship. I have had plenty of pleasant encounters with both PSU and WVU fans at home and on the road. I expect the same at Heinz and Beaver in the next 4 years. Just don't venture into a student section as a visitor.
The only really disgusting act I ever witnessed at a Pitt game was an obnoxiously drunk WVU fan in his teens or 20's blindside punching a Pitt fan in in his 50's or 60's in the face for no apparent reason. The guy was just minding his own business watching the game with friends. Oddly, it wasn't in Morgantown... it was a game at 3Rivers Stadium. Security quickly dragged the guy out, along with his friends, and the Pitt fan refused medical treatment and watched the rest of the game.
The only really disgusting act I ever witnessed at a Pitt game was an obnoxiously drunk WVU fan in his teens or 20's blindside punching a Pitt fan in in his 50's or 60's in the face for no apparent reason. The guy was just minding his own business watching the game with friends. Oddly, it wasn't in Morgantown... it was a game at 3Rivers Stadium. Security quickly dragged the guy out, along with his friends, and the Pitt fan refused medical treatment and watched the rest of the game.
