Game Attendance by Pitt fans?

[Pitt79]

They aren't fans

I am a fan, I've probably seen 80% of the games in the last 25 years, Probably 95% since ESPN3 became an option for the games not televised locally, so I am a huge, real fan... NEVER MISS A PITT GAME. If I see it on DVR 3 hours later that's still NEVER MISS A PITT GAME. I actually have a library of maybe 100 Pitt games on DVD, WOW, that's a REAL FAN.

 

[Pitt79]

yes and also don't forget this week will bring out the famous "east Cow Pasture State" had 70,000 for their spring game boasts.

Those people are losers, they have no life to be rushing to hicksville for a football practice.

 

[Springfield Panther]

The wife and I attended the Georgia Tech and Syracuse games...enjoyed ourselves immensely each time. Went to the Pinstripe Bowl...had a good time in spite of the loss. Plan on going to at least three home games this year....perhaps a road game as well. Would love to go to more but live 4 1/2 hours away from Pittsburgh.

 

[Pitt79]

The wife and I attended the Georgia Tech and Syracuse games...enjoyed ourselves immensely each time. Went to the Pinstripe Bowl...had a good time in spite of the loss. Plan on going to at least three home games this year....perhaps a road game as well. Would love to go to more but live 4 1/2 hours away from Pittsburgh.

Some would say you aren't a good fan, because you aren't willing to make that drive for EVERY GAME, some would say people like you, who aren't dedicated enough are the reason we can't become a big time program. Not me, some of the other posters.

 

[daminals76]

I have health issues that make loud stadiums and crowds of any size a problem. Plus Heinz sucks but that's not an excuse.

Why do you say Heinz field sucks?

 

[SoufOaklin4Life]

I am a fan, I've probably seen 80% of the games in the last 25 years, Probably 95% since ESPN3 became an option for the games not televised locally, so I am a huge, real fan... NEVER MISS A PITT GAME. If I see it on DVR 3 hours later that's still NEVER MISS A PITT GAME. I actually have a library of maybe 100 Pitt games on DVD, WOW, that's a REAL FAN.

Take it easy, you reference fans who never go and rarely watch on tv... they aren't fans.

I'd say you're all too typical a fan, being proud of having no financial investment. Not a real fan, an average one

 

[Pitt79]

Take it easy, you reference fans who never go and rarely watch on tv... they aren't fans.

I'd say you're all too typical a fan, being proud of having no financial investment. Not a real fan, an average one

No, a real fan, if someone like me isn't a REAL FAN, then they're lucky if 5% of the population are REAL FANS. I doubt very much that if you took the entire population of Pitt Alumni, Students, and self proclaimed fans with no connection to the University, you'd be lucky to find 5% that both donate money and attend every home game.

THERE ARE MANY AMONG THEM THAT ARE REAL FANS, that live and die on every down, and root hard for the team, they are REAL FANS, they are just reasonable human beings with lives that WHILE BEING BIG FANS, choose not to make a team of 18-22 year olds the center of their lives, these NORMAL PEOPLE have better, MORE IMPORTANT THINGS to do, while at the same time they do follow the teams closely and watch as many games as possible---- BECAUSE THEY ARE REAL FANS.

PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE REAL FANS.

I'd say people who feel obsessive/compulsive guilt to give money and attend every single game are over the top obsessed. That's fine, they are real fans too. My only problem with those people is when they lecture and berate the NORMAL PEOPLE and try to say we aren't real fans, WE ARE, PERIOD!

 

[eastcoasthoops]

No, a real fan, if someone like me isn't a REAL FAN, then they're lucky if 5% of the population are REAL FANS. I doubt very much that if you took the entire population of Pitt Alumni, Students, and self proclaimed fans with no connection to the University, you'd be lucky to find 5% that both donate money and attend every home game.

THERE ARE MANY AMONG THEM THAT ARE REAL FANS, that live and die on every down, and root hard for the team, they are REAL FANS, they are just reasonable human beings with lives that WHILE BEING BIG FANS, choose not to make a team of 18-22 year olds the center of their lives, these NORMAL PEOPLE have better, MORE IMPORTANT THINGS to do, while at the same time they do follow the teams closely and watch as many games as possible---- BECAUSE THEY ARE REAL FANS.

PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE REAL FANS.

I'd say people who feel obsessive/compulsive guilt to give money and attend every single game are over the top obsessed. That's fine, they are real fans too. My only problem with those people is when they lecture and berate the NORMAL PEOPLE and try to say we aren't real fans, WE ARE, PERIOD!

My brain hurts watching you try to defend yourself as a "fan". It's almost comical at this point.

 

[pittdan77]

Why do you say Heinz field sucks?

Because I always do and it does. From the terrible playing surface right up to the near vertical upper deck, it's just not that great of a stadium.

 

[ncyajleel]

I live west of Waynesburg, WVU territory. I go to every home game, unless I have to work a Saturday which I rarely do.

 

[Swervin27]

Because I always do and it does. From the terrible playing surface right up to the near vertical upper deck, it's just not that great of a stadium.

this is the first criticism on Heinz I've seen that brings up the vertical upper deck. well done.. those steps are freakin steep.. hasn't really bothered me to the point of it being brought up or even on my mind 5 minutes after I leave the stadium but now that you bring it up, when im walking up or down those steps, I do notice how dang steep they are...

I don't see Heinz as a negative or a positive.. it's just average as can be, as "meh" as you can get..

 

[pittdan77]

this is the first criticism on Heinz I've seen that brings up the vertical upper deck. well done.. those steps are freakin steep.. hasn't really bothered me to the point of it being brought up or even on my mind 5 minutes after I leave the stadium but now that you bring it up, when im walking up or down those steps, I do notice how dang steep they are...

I don't see Heinz as a negative or a positive.. it's just average as can be, as "meh" as you can get..

"Meh" is probably more accurate. I just see it as a terrible disappointment compared to what it could have been.

 

[Swervin27]

"Meh" is probably more accurate. I just see it as a terrible disappointment compared to what it could have been.

it's best quality is it's convenience and accessibility... has a ton of amenities but that's the norm nowadays for these stadiums.. the turf is ok, it's gotten 30 times better than about 10-15 years ago when it looked like garbage after October.. We all hate the bright yellow seats but that's more cosmetic than anything. The scoreboard addition a year or two ago on the closed corner helps..

the outside surrounding areas is improving, a lot of corporatey establishments but still a place or two to get a few beers pre game, even if it's from a chain bar/restaurant. the open lots, first come first serve- pick your own parking spot days of tailgating are a thing of the past, not just in Pittsburgh.

 

[eastcoasthoops]

"Meh" is probably more accurate. I just see it as a terrible disappointment compared to what it could have been.

I agree. Heinz is "meh". After all, it's a utility item. It's like a frying pan...you can make a grilled cheese or steak diane with a frying pan. We collectively will make Heinz Field what it is. There have been times when that stadium throbbed with electricity during Pitt games. There have also been times when you could take an uncomfortable nap in those hideous yellow seats.

 

[pittdan77]

it's best quality is it's convenience and accessibility... has a ton of amenities but that's the norm nowadays for these stadiums.. the turf is ok, it's gotten 30 times better than about 10-15 years ago when it looked like garbage after October..

See, I disagree on all three of these. It's not all that convenient and accessible. Getting in and out is only possible if you have some idea where you're going beforehand and parking is very limited. The gates before a big game get choked and back up onto the street. Amenities are pretty average (again, meh). And while the playing surface has gotten better, it's still 10-15 years behind the curve.

 

[Pitt79]

My brain hurts watching you try to defend yourself as a "fan". It's almost comical at this point.

Not comical at all, what some of you think is a FAN...

MUST donate money, MUST have season tickets, MUST attend every game, every year, every time...

Is an obsessive, compulsive person, probably with no life, and if they do have a life, they're priorities are ALL WRONG, and whether they realize it or not, people in their lives suffer because of their unreasonable obsessions.

I'm what a real fan is, people who feel obligated to do more than me are sick people, if they want to do that, fine, but the excesses they put into doesn't make them any more real of a fan than me or anyone like me.

 

[Swervin27]

See, I disagree on all three of these. It's not all that convenient and accessible. Getting in and out is only possible if you have some idea where you're going beforehand and parking is very limited. The gates before a big game get choked and back up onto the street. Amenities are pretty average (again, meh). And while the playing surface has gotten better, it's still 10-15 years behind the curve.

security is security, kids in yellow jackets making sure you don't sneak in beer or weapons, cant do anything about that. I've always found getting in and out as far as driving to be good. you got a lot of major highways within about 200' of the lots is I-279N, I376W, rt 28, you got the trolley now, west end bridge, I mean you cant find a more convenient spot in the city as far as getting onto a major rd and being on your way.. I used to live in lebo and I could be in stadium parking lot with beer cracked open from my front door in under 12 minutes.

amenities are amenities too, I don't care about concession stands and urinals.. im not buying a 6 dollar hot dog or nachos so what do I care.. if you come to a football game to get good food, you have serious life problems..

they should put turf in, I agree, natural grass is so "early 2000's"

 

[Swervin27]

Not comical at all, what some of you think is a FAN...

MUST donate money, MUST have season tickets, MUST attend every game, every year, every time...

Is an obsessive, compulsive person, probably with no life, and if they do have a life, they're priorities are ALL WRONG, and whether they realize it or not, people in their lives suffer because of their unreasonable obsessions.

I'm what a real fan is, people who feel obligated to do more than me are sick people, if they want to do that, fine, but the excesses they put into doesn't make them any more real of a fan than me or anyone like me.

dude, just stop.. people that donate are "sick people?" Come on man, when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging..

 

[eastcoasthoops]

Not comical at all, what some of you think is a FAN...

MUST donate money, MUST have season tickets, MUST attend every game, every year, every time...

Is an obsessive, compulsive person, probably with no life, and if they do have a life, they're priorities are ALL WRONG, and whether they realize it or not, people in their lives suffer because of their unreasonable obsessions.

I'm what a real fan is, people who feel obligated to do more than me are sick people, if they want to do that, fine, but the excesses they put into doesn't make them any more real of a fan than me or anyone like me.

Ah no. You are creating a false argument.

A fan SHOULD donate money (when practicable), a fan SHOULD buy tickets and SHOULD go to games (when possible to participate in events that drive enjoyment).

But you don't advocate that. Specifically, you choose to absolve yourself from the financial investment associated with fandom. You are a leech. You draw what you wish from "watching", yet give nothing back but constant criticism wrapped up in your "Pitt doesn't win at all costs" mantra.

Well friend...you aren't a "fan at all costs."

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Not comical at all, what some of you think is a FAN...

MUST donate money, MUST have season tickets, MUST attend every game, every year, every time...

Is an obsessive, compulsive person, probably with no life, and if they do have a life, they're priorities are ALL WRONG, and whether they realize it or not, people in their lives suffer because of their unreasonable obsessions.

I'm what a real fan is, people who feel obligated to do more than me are sick people, if they want to do that, fine, but the excesses they put into doesn't make them any more real of a fan than me or anyone like me.

says the anonymous poster with over 11k posts.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

See, I disagree on all three of these. It's not all that convenient and accessible. Getting in and out is only possible if you have some idea where you're going beforehand and parking is very limited. The gates before a big game get choked and back up onto the street. Amenities are pretty average (again, meh). And while the playing surface has gotten better, it's still 10-15 years behind the curve.

Oakland was a thousand time worse. Heck after a December basketball game with less than 5k fans it is a decent bottleneck.

Disneyworld is the only place I have seen that can effectively get a massive crowd out of the place all at the same time with no bottlenecks.

 

[ncyajleel]

I think what he is saying is that some people talk like in order to be a true fan you HAVE to do what he posted. That some people think in order to be a true fan that Pitt football should be the top priority in your life, it should come before family, take all of your finances and come before your house payment and feeding your family. I don't think that is what people mean, but that is how it is taken. I give what I can without bankrupting myself and I go to every home game I can unless I work. Those who travel to the far away bowls, I envy them but I could never afford something like that at this time of my life. My last vacation was nine years ago.

Ah no. You are creating a false argument.

A fan SHOULD donate money (when practicable), a fan SHOULD buy tickets and SHOULD go to games (when possible to participate in events that drive enjoyment).

But you don't advocate that. Specifically, you choose to absolve yourself from the financial investment associated with fandom. You are a leech. You draw what you wish from "watching", yet give nothing back but constant criticism wrapped up in your "Pitt doesn't win at all costs" mantra.

Well friend...you aren't a "fan at all costs."

 

[eastcoasthoops]

I think what he is saying is that some people talk like in order to be a true fan you HAVE to do what he posted. That some people think in order to be a true fan that Pitt football should be the top priority in your life, it should come before family, take all of your finances and come before your house payment and feeding your family. I don't think that is what people mean, but that is how it is taken. I give what I can without bankrupting myself and I go to every home game I can unless I work. Those who travel to the far away bowls, I envy them but I could never afford something like that at this time of my life. My last vacation was nine years ago.

You are absolutely reasonable.

79 on the other hand is a total BS artist. He talks all the time about all of his money. And he brags about never spending a dime on Pitt athletics. And yet he loudly complains that Pitt doesn't win at all costs. He claims that Pitt isn't important to him, while posting 11,000 times here and "watching every game, even on his DVR" because, you know, he's such a great fan.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

I normally do not get into the game attendance thing but I wanted to say if half of you guys spent half the time actually going to games instead of talking about going to games.....oh never mind~

 

[achikes08]

We're ALL PITT FANS, or we wouldn't post on this board, so I'm just interested in game attendance since so many here complain that you aren't a TRUE FAN if you don't come to every single game-EVERY TIME, so PLEASE BE HONEST, and if you want, explain why your attendance is what it is.

I'll say up front, I'll say I go to 1-2 games a year, because I live 4 hours away and I often have other commitments, but IMO I'm a TRUE FAN and worthy of that title. I never miss a game, I watch every game on TV if I'm not there, often DVR it and watch it twice, I think that makes me a TRUE FAN in itself.

I have season tickets, but I live in Houston, TX. I made it back for two games last season, and I would like to make it back for another two this year.

 

[ThePanthers]

If it's just fun, then why do you care how the team does? It's just fun.

In order to put together a good program/team, it costs money, and that money comes from the fans. It's not a charity for you.

 

[Pitt79]

You are absolutely reasonable.

79 on the other hand is a total BS artist. He talks all the time about all of his money. And he brags about never spending a dime on Pitt athletics. And yet he loudly complains that Pitt doesn't win at all costs. He claims that Pitt isn't important to him, while posting 11,000 times here and "watching every game, even on his DVR" because, you know, he's such a great fan.

You people take this too seriously. I make money and actually donate a lot to charity. I go to games, Pitt is important to me, as I've said, I watch every football game every year at least twice! I spend some on Pitt athletics, I buy tickets and gear, but I'm NOT OBLIGATED TO SPEND A DIME, and there are no "RULES FOR FANDOM" that say "To be a fan you MUST...."

Pitt is important to me, but mqany other things are EQUALLY IMPORTANT and often times TRUMP PITT, but what a huge fan I am, I STILL manage to see every game, I have every victory since around 2004 on DVD if I was able to record it from TV, sometimes off season I might watch one...Every time I see a Classic Pitt game from the '70s '80s on ESPN, a make a DVD of those too. If I'm not a true, die hard fan I don't know what that term can possibly mean.

 

[Pitt79]

If it's just fun, then why do you care how the team does? It's just fun.

In order to put together a good program/team, it costs money, and that money comes from the fans. It's not a charity for you.

It's more fun when YOU WIN. And it's up to the team to WIN, before people start showing up more and spending more money. Some of you complain about attendance and want to put tarps up, How about go 10-2, instead of 6-6 and maybe we'll get 55k instead of 40k, Your big attendance problem will be solved AFTER THEY MAKE IT a hot ticket.

 

[ThePanthers]

You people take this too seriously. I make money and actually donate a lot to charity. I go to games, Pitt is important to me, as I've said, I watch every football game every year at least twice! I spend some on Pitt athletics, I buy tickets and gear, but I'm NOT OBLIGATED TO SPEND A DIME, and there are no "RULES FOR FANDOM" that say "To be a fan you MUST...."

Pitt is important to me, but mqany other things are EQUALLY IMPORTANT and often times TRUMP PITT, but what a huge fan I am, I STILL manage to see every game, I have every victory since around 2004 on DVD if I was able to record it from TV, sometimes off season I might watch one...Every time I see a Classic Pitt game from the '70s '80s on ESPN, a make a DVD of those too. If I'm not a true, die hard fan I don't know what that term can possibly mean.

I believe you are a fan.

Just stop complaining that the program isn't moving forward.

 

[Pitt79]

I normally do not get into the game attendance thing but I wanted to say if half of you guys spent half the time actually going to games instead of talking about going to games.....oh never mind~

I go, whenever it fits into my schedule, it's not in any way an OBLIGATION.

 

[ThePanthers]

It's more fun when YOU WIN. And it's up to the team to WIN, before people start showing up more and spending more money. Some of you complain about attendance and want to put tarps up, How about go 10-2, instead of 6-6 and maybe we'll get 55k instead of 40k, Your big attendance problem will be solved AFTER THEY MAKE IT a hot ticket.

It goes hand in hand in college athletics. Not one before the other.

 

[Revenge Of The Noise]

Big difference between professional sports and college sports, and you know it.

I see that you have now added "I give thousands to charities every year" to your online persona resume. What's next? Are you going to tell us how often you give blood too?

"Oh my God, what a great person you are!!!!"

You are a full of crap blowhard.

There are niggling differences between NFL/ NBA and 'collegiate' sports ... the "real" pro sports (openly advertised as such) are actually more 'socialist' (sharing more wealth, rotating player distribution so that losers get a chance etc. Ironically, the 'collegiate' pro sports (and at the highest level, they certainly are pro in all but the purposefully misleading name), are far more cutthroat. Rich get richer, poor get poorer.

I realize that's as aside to the argument here but I always feel compelled to correct the delusion that 'college' sports at the level we participate are clean, pure or especially 'amateur'.

 

[ThePanthers]

HELL NO, I'm allowed to make any comment I want. I don't have to PAY for the right to speak.

Just don't expect results then.

 

[eastcoasthoops]

There are niggling differences between NFL/ NBA and 'collegiate' sports ... the "real" pro sports (openly advertised as such) are actually more 'socialist' (sharing more wealth, rotating player distribution so that losers get a chance etc. Ironically, the 'collegiate' pro sports (and at the highest level, they certainly are pro in all but the purposefully misleading name), are far more cutthroat. Rich get richer, poor get poorer.

I realize that's as aside to the argument here but I always feel compelled to correct the delusion that 'college' sports at the level we participate are clean, pure or especially 'amateur'.

Oh I agree 100% with your assessment. And in particular with the bolded line.

 

[Pitt79]

Big difference between professional sports and college sports, and you know it.

I see that you have now added "I give thousands to charities every year" to your online persona resume. What's next? Are you going to tell us how often you give blood too?

"Oh my God, what a great person you are!!!!"

You are a full of crap blowhard.

Maybe, but that doesn't change the definition of a fan. Being a fan of a college team holds no extra OBLIGATIONS than being a fan of a pro team does. If some person in Monroeville has been watching Pitt games ON TV for 50 years, roots for Pitt, owns a hat or t shirt, and never gave a dime, THEYBARE A PITT FAN, it's not even an argument they are a fan. And they can freely discuss or criticize anything about the program, you don't have to pay for the right to comment.

 

[Pitt79]

Just don't expect results then.

I don't I haven't seen many in the last 35 years, and it's not because of me. When they where going 12-0, 11-1 every year and winning championships, I didn't even do 1/10th of what I do now, I just watched on TV, so it's not me that drives their success or failure.

 

[Pitt79]

It goes hand in hand in college athletics. Not one before the other.

That's a convenient way to blame the fans for the universities failures.

 

[eastcoasthoops]

Maybe, but that doesn't change the definition of a fan. Being a fan of a college team holds no extra OBLIGATIONS than being a fan of a pro team does. If some person in Monroeville has been watching Pitt games ON TV for 50 years, roots for Pitt, owns a hat or t shirt, and never gave a dime, THEYBARE A PITT FAN, it's not even an argument they are a fan. And they can freely discuss or criticize anything about the program, you don't have to pay for the right to comment.

For someone so interested in codifying what a fan is, you are quick to dismiss other definitions. That's unsurprising considering everything is about you after all, right?

 

[Pitt79]

For someone so interested in codifying what a fan is, you are quick to dismiss other definitions. That's unsurprising considering everything is about you after all, right?

There is no definition of a fan that requires donating a certain amount of money, or attending a certain amount of games. There are no restrictions as to what those that don't donate and don't attend, or attend less are able to say or comment on. Maybe donating more and attending every game makes you a more dedicated fan, but it doesn't mean other fans who don't do as much are not good and valid fans, it's people like you who try to categorize and play a blame game and try to say, "People who don't do X are the reason Pitt can't win", when instead you should thank anyone who even gives the most minimal support.

 

[daminals76]

Because I always do and it does. From the terrible playing surface right up to the near vertical upper deck, it's just not that great of a stadium.

Why is the playing surface terrible?? It's natural grass and it gets replaced half way through the season, stays green all year.

Heinz field is a great stadium... as good or better than anything else aside from the Jerry Jones Dome.