Great Coach/AD/Chancellor-Heinz must go.

[Panther Al]

Narduzzi vs Wanny, Chryst, Fraud, Hackett, etc. Not even a question whose better.

Barnes vs Pederson: Not a question. I haven't heard a bad thing about Barnes. SP destroyed Pitt football along with Nebraska. He wouldn't even replace the carpet for Wanny. Barnes is all about spending and investing on Pitt football.

Nordy vs Gallagher: Nordy always listed to SP. Enough said. Gallagher is all about football and totally gets the business side of it.

On Campus Stadium vs Heinz: With 13:32 left in the 4Q yesterday, we were leading by 8 points. I saw nobody on TV in the Panther Pitt or at least an enormous amount of empty yellow rows. Maybe, I couldn't see based on the camera view but there seemed to be a mass exodus by the students after the 3rd quarter which is sad because of the transportation issue. Let's be fair, this would never happen on campus whether you had to walk down the hill or across the street from Frick (proposed stadium) if we are winning by 8 points to start the 4Q. Right? This is and will be the only thing holding Narduzzi back because if you want to land 4 and five star players (8 to 10 a class), you need atmosphere and recruits shouldn't see this nonsense. Remember, we aren't just recruiting W PA kids. You have to recruit in VA, MD, DC and NJ who are watching on TV. Add Harbaugh to the mix, we have to compete with UM, OSU, ND, PSU, etc for top players. I'm sure everyone is excited as I am about what Narduzzi is doing recruiting wise but this is certainly a problem and has been a problem forever. Playmakers like Boyd and Whitehead leads to winning. If we want to compete for championships, we need 8 to 10 of these type of guys each recruiting class as we average two per class. Time for both Pat's and Barnes to bring Pitt football back to campus (Frick) where there is plenty of room to build. If you don't believe me, go walk over there and you would be amazed how much room there is in that area to build an on campus stadium. H2P!

 

[NewKen2013]

You're preaching to the choir here Panther Al. I'm sick of playing games at Heinz Field. It's not a good spot for college games. There are passionate people on both sides of this fence. I'd love to be back on campus.

 

[Parkview57]

I'm sure everyone is excited as I am about what Narduzzi is doing recruiting wise but this is certainly a problem and has been a problem forever.

In fact many are so excited they actually went to the game and filled up a yellow seat.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

hate to be critical since the students have done their part all year, but last night wasn't one of their better showings. Can't blame noon start for the lighter attendance and the mass exodus once again occurred to start the 4th quarter. But really the non students weren't much better.

The key is to improve season ticket sales. Hopefully close this year out strong, generate some buzz for next year, especially with PSU at home.

And those that think attendance would be better on campus, I'm afraid I've got some bad news.....

 

[MartyInLawrenceville]

Honest question here; if you're a recruit considering coming to Pitt, is it that much of a cool thing to be playing in an NFL stadium that you overlook less than stellar atmosphere on most game days?

 

[NewKen2013]

I don't think so Marty. I think that if Pitt filled a 40,000 seat stadium...recruits would be more attracted to that. Pitt could build their own stadium, put in field turf, big Pitt script in middle, one end zone yellow and one blue.

Put concerts, soccer matches, maybe go crazy and do a cool outdoor basketball thing...endless possibilities

 

[Piranha]

The only thing holding us back is our fan support. The admin and staff is in place.

 

[UPitt '89]

There isn't going to be an on campus stadium in your lifetime. Time to get over it, move past it, and try to make Heinz the best we can on game days.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

I don't think so Marty. I think that if Pitt filled a 40,000 seat stadium...recruits would be more attracted to that. Pitt could build their own stadium, put in field turf, big Pitt script in middle, one end zone yellow and one blue.

Put concerts, soccer matches, maybe go crazy and do a cool outdoor basketball thing...endless possibilities

40K screams mid-major. Heinz is big league, it can have good crowds as shown in 2003; 7 seasons out of the past 10 with a 6-6 record or worse will turn lots of people away in a pro-town.

 

[Pittx9]

I think the lure of practicing at the South Side and being able to talk to the Steelers basically at will is much more attractive than actually playing the games at Heinz Field. I think Heinz does make for a much easier trip, especially for those of us that live in the surrounding suburbs but still have to drive down to Pittsburgh for the games. Our own stadium would be great, but Oakland is almost unrealistic at this point in time. There just is not a lot of space for a new stadium and traffic in Oakland is terrible.

It is a shame though because I agree the students would be very excited if football games were on campus again. I really believe if Pitt were playing at Pitt Stadium in 2015, we would have had some really big crowds this season. I think there is a pretty good chance Pitt gets their own stadium in the future, but I'd guess it will probably be somewhere else in the city, not Oakland.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

I think the lure of practicing at the South Side and being able to talk to the Steelers basically at will is much more attractive than actually playing the games at Heinz Field. I think Heinz does make for a much easier trip, especially for those of us that live in the surrounding suburbs but still have to drive down to Pittsburgh for the games. Our own stadium would be great, but Oakland is almost unrealistic at this point in time. There just is not a lot of space for a new stadium and traffic in Oakland is terrible.

It is a shame though because I agree the students would be very excited if football games were on campus again. I really believe if Pitt were playing at Pitt Stadium in 2015, we would have had some really big crowds this season. I think there is a pretty good chance Pitt gets their own stadium in the future, but I'd guess it will probably be somewhere else in the city, not Oakland.

once again, seven 6-6 seasons out of the past 10 is the reason for poor attendance, not stadium location

 

[1993Pitt]

There is not going to be a stadium. Unless David Tepper decides to donate at least $250M, there is no way the university can come close to raising the capital needed. I doubt the state will kick in tax dollars. Some have proposed hitting students with a stadium tax. That is absurd. Pitt has raised its tuition by 400 percent in the past 25 years. I'm not going to repeat the other reasons. Heinz Field is home and it's up to Pitt's well-paid athletics executives to make it enticing for fans. They're off to a good start in hiring Narduzzi.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

So you are saying there is a chance

I may be the only person who doesn't pay attention to place or # of people. I am into the game.

There is not going to be a stadium. Unless David Tepper decides to donate at least $250M, there is no way the university can come close to raising the capital needed. I doubt the state will kick in tax dollars. Some have proposed hitting students with a stadium tax. That is absurd. Pitt has raised its tuition by 400 percent in the past 25 years. I'm not going to repeat the other reasons. Heinz Field is home and it's up to Pitt's well-paid athletics executives to make it enticing for fans. They're off to a good start in hiring Narduzzi.

 

[BIGPanther]

Haha. Here we go again. No, thanks - I love Heinz. People whining about being "on campus" must have a very different memory of being on campus than I do.

 

[1993Pitt]

Only if one man decides to do at a quarter of a billion dollars, which means no.

 

[Joe the Panther Fan]

Haha. Here we go again. No, thanks - I love Heinz. People whining about being "on campus" must have a very different memory of being on campus than I do.

I find it hilarious that people will argue about how the students will obviously stay until the end if only the stadium was on campus. Clearly those people never went to games at Pitt Stadium, or if they did they were too drunk to remember what actually happened, because the student section started emptying out at Pitt Stadium long before the game ended most of the time too.

The exceptions were, for the most part, good games against good opponents when Pitt had good teams. You know, kind of like what happens at Heinz.

 

[Pghfan]

I find it hilarious that people will argue about how the students will obviously stay until the end if only the stadium was on campus. Clearly those people never went to games at Pitt Stadium, or if they did they were too drunk to remember what actually happened, because the student section started emptying out at Pitt Stadium long before the game ended most of the time too.

The exceptions were, for the most part, good games against good opponents when Pitt had good teams. You know, kind of like what happens at Heinz.

Many good reasons to build a stadium on campus.. Trying to keep 18 year olds in the stands during 4th quarter is not one of them..

 

[Shortman011]

Pitt undergraduate numbers pail in relation to the Big Land Grant Universities like PSU. This year's freshmen class numbered around 3800. So Pitt's student body sits at something like 16,000 to maybe 17,000 on campus. PSU's numbers are over 40,000. Maybe Pitt students leave early so they can get to the library before it closes. I don't know. Did you know the Pens played Sat. night? The Benedum and Heinz Hall were sold out. People went to the Museums and the Science Center. Not to mention the Casino and numerous other activities. Let's see what is there to do at State College on a Sat. besides a football game? Any Nitters out there can help me with the last question.

 

[burnie1105]

Students don't leave because the stadium is off-campus, they leave because, simply put, Pitt is not a sports school. There is a lot of school pride, but a lot of students generally don't take to athletics the way students do at the 'blue bloods'; the games are seen as an excuse to get out and have a good time (i.e. tailgate; notice how the student section doesn't fill up until midway through the first quarter). Then take into consideration the size issue that Shortman brought up (18k is a lot, but it's peanuts compared to other BCS schools; to put it into perspective, every B10 team except Northwestern has more undergraduates), and you just won't see that type of rabid fandom.

 

[jimmoyer]

I clearly remember the "good old days" at Pitt Stadium and will say without any doubt that Heinz Field is a much better game day experience. Major traffic problems, very limited tailgate activity that was spread out all over the place, serious parking problems and of course that long walk up cardiac hill. I firmly believe that when Pitt produces a winning team on a consistent basis, the local fans will come. You have to give them a good reason to come out. I can see this program growing in stature, fans believing they will be able to enjoy a wining game and not be embarrassed by poor play. This will take attendance to the levels we all are looking for and people will realize the tremendous family atmosphere, the positive energy of a winning team,and most importantly the great value in being a Pitt fan. In today's world of expensive entertainment venues, Pitt Football can be a very affordable way for a group of friends or family to enjoy a fantastic experience. This will make Heinz Field a great place to spend an afternoon enjoying College Football. Build it (the winning Pitt Football program) and they will come. Hail to Pitt.

 

[loyalfan]

There isn't going to be an on campus stadium in your lifetime. Time to get over it, move past it, and try to make Heinz the best we can on game days.

Amen with this - get over it. Find the land for the stadium with enough parking for the 40,000 people and get me out of Oakland in a reasonable amount of time and I'll go back to Pitt for the games. Now I have a good seat, a place to park and I'm at home in Washington PA in one half hour.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

As a student I remember leaving early more often than not. As an adult fan I enjoy the whole game. H2P

I clearly remember the "good old days" at Pitt Stadium and will say without any doubt that Heinz Field is a much better game day experience. Major traffic problems, very limited tailgate activity that was spread out all over the place, serious parking problems and of course that long walk up cardiac hill. I firmly believe that when Pitt produces a winning team on a consistent basis, the local fans will come. You have to give them a good reason to come out. I can see this program growing in stature, fans believing they will be able to enjoy a wining game and not be embarrassed by poor play. This will take attendance to the levels we all are looking for and people will realize the tremendous family atmosphere, the positive energy of a winning team,and most importantly the great value in being a Pitt fan. In today's world of expensive entertainment venues, Pitt Football can be a very affordable way for a group of friends or family to enjoy a fantastic experience. This will make Heinz Field a great place to spend an afternoon enjoying College Football. Build it (the winning Pitt Football program) and they will come. Hail to Pitt.

 

[Shooz]

Tarp the upper deck...........need to get rid of ome of the Yellow!
HTP!!

 

[ZekeGadsonFan]

As an old head that saw Pitt at Pitt stadium and Heinz field. Heinz > PT and its not even close in nearly every aspect. TBH, if they did somehow manage to build a stadium somewhere, that would be fine. It would be exciting for me if only for the new factor.

But for all the noobs that think this is the reason for the lack of a full stadium of passionate fans at some games, that's just a fallacy. As others stated, attendance was worse at the old stadium. Pitts attendance issue has been and always will be simple. Its hard to consistently sell an amateur team to the masses in a city that has a better professional team, let alone the most popular and successful one in the history of football and other pro sports teams to boot.

Get over it. It is what is it. Alabama would have the same issue if they played in a real pro sports city. That doesn't mean we cant be successful, we've done it before, and I remember Miami doing pretty well at times as well FWIW.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

I think all of the "get over it" people need to get over the fact that this will be discussed long into the future. As far as the actual structure goes, Heinz > Pitt Stadium. But Pitt Stadium was an integral part of my college experience, as I'm sure it was for most other alumni. Sure, maybe we look back on Pitt Stadium with rose-colored glasses, but the game day atmosphere is something that Heinz will never be able to replicate.

As for travel/parking concerns, I'll take a little extra commute/parking time to be in Oakland. For me, going to a Pitt game isn't like going to a Steelers game where I am there to tailgate/drink/watch the game and go home.

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

Get over it, make Heinz smaller for Pitt.

 

[Pghfan]

Amen with this - get over it. Find the land for the stadium with enough parking for the 40,000 people and get me out of Oakland in a reasonable amount of time and I'll go back to Pitt for the games. Now I have a good seat, a place to park and I'm at home in Washington PA in one half hour.

Please reference this post in regards to the average age demographic of pitt fans and why anyone over the age of 50 prefers Heinz over on-campus stadium.. BTW, who in the hell wants to get back to Washington PA any quicker than they absolutely have to?

 

[HailtoPitt]

The main problem is that the stadium is too big. Tarp the upper deck and make the student section smaller. That results in more demand for those seats and more students staying for the entire game. Then there are more busses for fewer students, which eliminates the problem of standing around waiting for the busses to return, and fewer lines to board. Establish a culture of excellence in the student section first, then expand the seating.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

Please reference this post in regards to the average age demographic of pitt fans and why anyone over the age of 50 prefers Heinz over on-campus stadium..

Right. I mean, I understand it...getting into and out of the North Shore is easier from just about every direction. Its a tradeoff. For me, atmosphere and the game day experience will trump ease of access and my ability to be home in 30 minutes every time.

College teams playing in pro stadiums is dying a slow death, for good reason. Who is left now....Miami, Temple, SF, and San Diego St...am I missing any? Schools realize the value of fostering the entire game day experience. Getting alumni back on campus and getting their money back into Oakland would be a huge added benefit.

 

[Pghfan]

Right. I mean, I understand it...getting into and out of the North Shore is easier from just about every direction. Its a tradeoff. For me, atmosphere and the game day experience will trump ease of access and my ability to be home in 30 minutes every time.

College teams playing in pro stadiums is dying a slow death, for good reason. Who is left now....Miami, Temple, SF, and San Diego St...am I missing any? Schools realize the value of fostering the entire game day experience. Getting alumni back on campus and getting their money back into Oakland would be a huge added benefit.

There was a nice thread about this very topic. Think it was the one about the future of stadiums, integrated infrastructure, etc.. I made a point that younger people look for the game day "event" feel while older people prioritize the convenience factor and don't really care about much besides the actual game. A blanket statement and of course you always have exceptions but I believe pretty accurate. The post above, the one I referenced, was a classic example of what I was talking about in regards to older people. Not an insult on older or younger people, just a difference of opinion.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

There was a nice thread about this very topic. Think it was the one about the future of stadiums, integrated infrastructure, etc.. I made a point that younger people look for the game day "event" feel while older people prioritize the convenience factor and don't really care about much besides the actual game. A blanket statement and of course you always have exceptions but I believe pretty accurate. The post above, the one I referenced, was a classic example of what I was talking about in regards to older people. Not an insult on older or younger people, just a difference of opinion.

I agree and can see both sides of the argument. How many would stay home if they had to drive into Oakland again? On the flip side, how many would you gain by re-establishing tradition and improving the game day experience?

 

[JS School]

People go to football games to see good football teams, not to experience the atmosphere. Having a good team is what creates the atmosphere. It's not PNC Park on a pleasant summer evening.

Spend the money on the coaching staff and the program, not a new stadium. Attendance will vary with the quality of the team, not the location of the stadium.

 

[Pghfan]

People go to football games to see good football teams, not to experience the atmosphere. Having a good team is what creates the atmosphere. It's not PNC Park on a pleasant summer evening.

Spend the money on the coaching staff and the program, not a new stadium. Attendance will vary with the quality of the team, not the location of the stadium.

Actually a good response. I am trying to compare baseball with football here and you are right, it's apples/oranges.

 

[HailtoPitt]

People go to football games to see good football teams, not to experience the atmosphere. Having a good team is what creates the atmosphere. It's not PNC Park on a pleasant summer evening.

Spend the money on the coaching staff and the program, not a new stadium. Attendance will vary with the quality of the team, not the location of the stadium.

I think plenty of people go to college football games to experience the atmosphere.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

People go to football games to see good football teams, not to experience the atmosphere. Having a good team is what creates the atmosphere. It's not PNC Park on a pleasant summer evening.

Spend the money on the coaching staff and the program, not a new stadium. Attendance will vary with the quality of the team, not the location of the stadium.

I disagree. Look at all of the places where going to a football game is an experience and not just another game (ND, Michigan, OSU, Clemson, FSU, etc...). All of those places have traditions built around not only the game but the campus as well. We'll obviously never get to the size/level of those places but its something to aspire to.

 

[JS School]

I disagree. Look at all of the places where going to a football game is an experience and not just another game (ND, Michigan, OSU, Clemson, FSU, etc...). All of those places have traditions built around not only the game but the campus as well. We'll obviously never get to the size/level of those places but its something to aspire to.

But would you go to those places for the experience if they didn't have a winning tradition?

 

[NTOP]

Please reference this post in regards to the average age demographic of pitt fans and why anyone over the age of 50 prefers Heinz over on-campus stadium.. BTW, who in the hell wants to get back to Washington PA any quicker than they absolutely have to?

I'd prefer an on-campus stadium. Not gonna happen.

 

[CaptainMurphy]

But would you go to those places for the experience if they didn't have a winning tradition?

Those are the true blue bloods of college football....they rarely ever lose. So its hard to separate the experience and the winning. On the other hand, you have teams with on-campus stadiums who have been mediocre at best for years (BC, Rutgers, Syracuse). I've been to all three (albeit for Pitt games) and have preferred the atmosphere at all three venues to Heinz (yes, even Rutgers).

 

[Pghfan]

I'd prefer an on-campus stadium. Not gonna happen.

I know it's not. No idea why I get myself involved in these stadium threads since it's all a moot point anyways. Last week I was posting about manless trams transporting students to and from campus to hazelwood thru panther hollow.. mythical technology transporting students thru private land from a non existent stadium on already purchased land projected for other purposes. Good grief.

 

[HailtoPitt]

I know it's not. No idea why I get myself involved in these stadium threads since it's all a moot point anyways. Last week I was posting about manless trams transporting students to and from campus to hazelwood thru panther hollow.. mythical technology transporting students thru private land from a non existent stadium on already purchased land projected for other purposes. Good grief.

Well you aren't that far off. A road is going to be built connecting Oakland to that site, and it is land owned by the city. The reason we aren't getting a stadium is the lack of foresight from idiotic administrations in years past. That includes the previous one.