Just got home. Clemson thoughts

[ratking17]

What a fabulous time. I had heard about the class act of clemson fans, but nothing prepared me for their genuine hospitality and overall kindness. was completely blown away. fans came up to us offering food and beer. made general conversation throughout. at end of game they made it a point to approach us and say congrats and good game. if it had been the other foot, I am thinking f you buddy. then I get back to my hotel and it doesn't end there . even the desk clerk with the biggest grin offered congrats. just overall class from top to bottom

Now a few issues. for as much as we have self pity with our stadium, there were moments when I missed heinz. traffic was insane. an hour in the parking lot not moving. the lack of concessions and souvenirs made my high school blush .
The point is not to bash clemson. what a great college town and experience. but we sell the ease of travel around heinz and other amenities short.

Anyways. what an awesome trip. totally glad I made this game a priority

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

And I think you picked Pitt to win. Wow.

 

[ratking17]

I did. 36-35. obviously a pick based on heart and no brain.

 

[Panther Holla]

Glad you enjoyed such an unforgettable day for the Panthers.

 

[pittmeister]

Clemson fans are top notch. I would put Oklahoma State right there as well. Must be the orange color...

 

[HailtoPitt]

Now a few issues. for as much as we have self pity with our stadium, there were moments when I missed heinz. traffic was insane. an hour in the parking lot not moving. the lack of concessions and souvenirs made my high school blush .
The point is not to bash clemson. what a great college town and experience. but we sell the ease of travel around heinz and other amenities short.

None of those problems keep people away... because they really aren't concerned with having the best concessions.

 

[vegasgreed]

yeah, trying to get out of their with the traffic after the game was nuts! it took about 90 minutes for me.

 

[GA_panther]

They don't care about concessions because their tail gating is world class...they just need beer in the stadium...

 

[plcp]

I agree wholeheartedly about the fans, they were very cordial however I was not all impressed with the stadium. My seats were 7 rows from on the top. The only access was from 37 rows below. Cardiac hill had nothing over those damn steps. The video replay was way too small. Clemson needs to treat their fans to better replay boards. Concessions weren't great. By they have do have a passionate fan base

 

[NBPanther]

Ditto, ratking, our group had a great experience as well...only place I've been that equals the friendliness and hospitality is LSU. We lucked out and got out of parking lot rather quickly and a Clemson guy at the hotel gave us a great back road to avoid all the traffic snarls both too and from. Great weekend!

 

[owljag]

I agree wholeheartedly about the fans, they were very cordial however I was not all impressed with the stadium. My seats were 7 rows from on the top. The only access was from 37 rows below. Cardiac hill had nothing over those damn steps. The video replay was way too small. Clemson needs to treat their fans to better replay boards. Concessions weren't great. By they have do have a passionate fan base

I was in row MM--I think two rows from the top. I'm in pretty good shape (ran a marathon last weekend), but I was feeling it on the climb.

 

[ratking17]

I got a little nauseous walking up and looking down. it went away when the fans filled in and I didnt feel like I was going to fall to my death

 

[owljag]

I got a little nauseous walking up and looking down. it went away when the fans filled in and I didnt feel like I was going to fall to my death

On the way down, it was comforting when we finally hit the "single-letter" rows, like "X."

 

[owljag]

Another stadium design issue: the persistent reminder of "1981 National Champions" on the facing of the upper deck. That should have been ours!

 

[byrne]

Totally agree on comments about the hospitality of the Clemson fans. I know I'll make an effort to welcome fans to our games. I loved the game atosphere & the great Pitt effort/win. Hope we finish strong against to worthy opponents

 

[Tigertrain1]

Sitting in upper Deck at Death Valley, you really can't appreciate the stadium. I have sat in upper deck many times, but I have also been on the field(in band). I wish everyone could experience the lower deck level. Just a totally different experience.

Traffic does suck at Clemson. You have to keep in mind we gain 80 000 people into a very small town

 

[PatInNCarolina]

I rarely post, but I can't help but jump in on this one. I was absolutely floored by the kindness of Clemson fans. Leaving our hotel in Greenville on Sunday, a Clemson fan wearing a bright orange 'Tigers' sweatshirt came down the stairs, saw our group, and yelled "Hail to Pitt!" There were so many "great game, congrats" from their fans that I thought I actually had a hand in the victory. The whole town of Greenville is great and the treatment we received was top notch. Please, please return the favor to these folks when they invade the Burgh.

 

[CorsosRevenge]

I wish the people who cried about the traffic and lack of tailgating space at Pitt Stadium could have seen the Clemson game. Imagine if you turned all of Oakland into tailgating space, setting up tents on the grass in Schenley Park, the Cathedral lawn, Space in front of Frick. All of it. Clemson turns its campus into one big party.

We parked in lot C-1 and didn't move out of the lot until damn near two hours after the game. We were in row CC in the stadium and, yeah, it was a hike. I got to my seat and told my girlfriend, "I'm not moving from here." There was no way I was doing that climb up and back down twice.

And they let you leave the stadium and come back so that you can duck back to your tailgate for a sandwich and a drink and come back. Probably explains why their concession stands don't sell much.

And yes, their fans were amazing. Couple nimrods but every crowd has that.

 

[KennyTheKangaroo]

I got a pretty good impression that clemson fans really aren't all that nice, more or less patronizing. they were basically treating us like lambs getting ready for a slaughter. too much "oh, good luck guys hopefully you can make a game of it" type talk.

 

[CorsosRevenge]

I got a pretty good impression that clemson fans really aren't all that nice, more or less patronizing. they were basically treating us like lambs getting ready for a slaughter. too much "oh, good luck guys hopefully you can make a game of it" type talk.

I didn't see that at all. Had a group tell us good luck as we walked by and I said, "It's probably gonna be Syracuse Part 2 for you." They all said, "I think its gonna be closer than you think. You guys play everyone tough."

Considering the dipshit subway alumni and WVU jagoffs we deal with it was a nice surprise.

 

[ratking17]

My group spent all day on campus. from the lady running the parking to the ticket takers to seat ushers to every fan from clemson, it was nothing but pure humility and kindness. I cannot speak high enough about the quality of the people we interacted with. part of that I am sure is having no history with the opponent but in no way was it a patronizing feel. if you didn't go this year, prioritize it in 12...you will not be disappointed

 

[PITTLAW]

What a fabulous time. I had heard about the class act of clemson fans, but nothing prepared me for their genuine hospitality and overall kindness. was completely blown away. fans came up to us offering food and beer. made general conversation throughout. at end of game they made it a point to approach us and say congrats and good game. if it had been the other foot, I am thinking f you buddy. then I get back to my hotel and it doesn't end there . even the desk clerk with the biggest grin offered congrats. just overall class from top to bottom

Now a few issues. for as much as we have self pity with our stadium, there were moments when I missed heinz. traffic was insane. an hour in the parking lot not moving. the lack of concessions and souvenirs made my high school blush .
The point is not to bash clemson. what a great college town and experience. but we sell the ease of travel around heinz and other amenities short.

Anyways. what an awesome trip. totally glad I made this game a priority

I certainly agree about their fans--so nice, it almost made you feel uncomfortable--but I found it refreshing and welcome. I was in the lower deck a couple rows from the front. Turned out to be terrific seats, as nearly all the action [scoring, missed extra point, field goal] were right there in front of me. I very much enjoyed their stadium--although very much a classic college venue. Aluminum bench seats are just fine. It was quite a hike all the way down to my seats...but I'd run those steps a few more times for the experience and the win. I had no issues with restroom or concession accessibility. Clemson was a GREAT college town and experience. After the win, I spent a good number of hours in a number of college bars downtown, and could not have had a better time. Shame we will not return for many years. Pitt traveling fans were excellent and loud. Hail to Pitt!

 

[upj87]

What a fabulous time. I had heard about the class act of clemson fans, but nothing prepared me for their genuine hospitality and overall kindness. was completely blown away. fans came up to us offering food and beer. made general conversation throughout. at end of game they made it a point to approach us and say congrats and good game. if it had been the other foot, I am thinking f you buddy. then I get back to my hotel and it doesn't end there . even the desk clerk with the biggest grin offered congrats. just overall class from top to bottom

Now a few issues. for as much as we have self pity with our stadium, there were moments when I missed heinz. traffic was insane. an hour in the parking lot not moving. the lack of concessions and souvenirs made my high school blush .
The point is not to bash clemson. what a great college town and experience. but we sell the ease of travel around heinz and other amenities short.

Anyways. what an awesome trip. totally glad I made this game a priority

Whatever happened to drinking beer for five hours after the game until traffic eases? Never had a problem getting out of Oakland back in the day using this tried and true method...

 

[crony2002]

All I know is that in 2021 I will welcome every Clemson fan to Pittsburgh. We were blown away from all of the "welcome to Clemson" and their fans going out of their way to help you. After Pitt won as we were climbing down the steps we all joked that ends all of the nice welcoming but we were wrong....had just as many Clemson fans congratulate us on the victory....plus to be able to go down on the field afterwards...awesome.

Thanks to the Pitt football team and the Clemson fans for the most amazing football weekend ever.

As for the traffic went to College Ave. afterwards had some food and drinks walked to C-1 where the car was and drove back to the hotel with no issues at all.

Can't wait for my next visit to Clemson.

 

[tetonpanther]

I wish the people who cried about the traffic and lack of tailgating space at Pitt Stadium could have seen the Clemson game. Imagine if you turned all of Oakland into tailgating space, setting up tents on the grass in Schenley Park, the Cathedral lawn, Space in front of Frick. All of it. Clemson turns its campus into one big party.

We parked in lot C-1 and didn't move out of the lot until damn near two hours after the game. We were in row CC in the stadium and, yeah, it was a hike. I got to my seat and told my girlfriend, "I'm not moving from here." There was no way I was doing that climb up and back down twice.

And they let you leave the stadium and come back so that you can duck back to your tailgate for a sandwich and a drink and come back. Probably explains why their concession stands don't sell much.

And yes, their fans were amazing. Couple nimrods but every crowd has that.

Gee we were in the same lot. Too bad I would like to meet you.

 

[FireballZ]

I certainly agree about their fans--so nice, it almost made you feel uncomfortable--but I found it refreshing and welcome. I was in the lower deck a couple rows from the front. Turned out to be terrific seats, as nearly all the action [scoring, missed extra point, field goal] were right there in front of me. I very much enjoyed their stadium--although very much a classic college venue. Aluminum bench seats are just fine. It was quite a hike all the way down to my seats...but I'd run those steps a few more times for the experience and the win. I had no issues with restroom or concession accessibility. Clemson was a GREAT college town and experience. After the win, I spent a good number of hours in a number of college bars downtown, and could not have had a better time. Shame we will not return for many years. Pitt traveling fans were excellent and loud. Hail to Pitt!

Were you close to the field? I was in row A, which is the very first row, right behind the goal-posts opposite The Hill. Wow, what an experience. Blewitt's FG landed three seats from me in the first row.

There were several Pitt fans right behind us. Anyone on here? Charlie Whitehurst in his weird outfit playing with his long hair all game was a fun side-distraction in the endzone.

 

[Golden eaglet]

It was the greatest game I have ever gone to.Clemson fans were great, before and after the game. Stayed at Snow campground with other Pitt fans. We were next to the Partying Panther and the Northside guys. It was great . Wish every Panther fan could have experienced this weekend. Hail to Pitt, beat the blue devil's.

 

[FireballZ]

It was the greatest game I have ever gone to.Clemson fans were great, before and after the game. Stayed at Snow campground with other Pitt fans. We were next to the Partying Panther and the Northside guys. It was great . Wish every Panther fan could have experienced this weekend. Hail to Pitt, beat the blue devil's.

I'm still on cloud nine. The walk back up the Hill to the parking lot was a breeze after that one...

I picked a hell of a first game to go to since I graduated in 2006 (long story).

 

[ThePanthers]

I echo everyone else here. Absolutely awesome place. Fans were fantastic, great college town, and awesome atmosphere. Thought I was gong to die walking up the upper deck steps, but that was my only complaint (and it's not even a complaint).

Any Clemson fans stopping here, THANK YOU!

 

[upj87]

Ok, that's it....Clemson deserves our rooting interest the rest of the way in regards to the national championship.

 

[JBerringer]

I was in row F in the corner of the end zone on the ground level..like the only yellow shirt in a sea of orange...everyone was extremely nice...i went to a nebraska game in NE with some PSUcks friends years ago and there fans were top notch as well..

 

[Delpanther]

Agree with everything mentioned above- an unforgettable euphoric experience for a Pitt fan shared with the hardest of the hard core Panther followers- nobody sits and everyone cheers their butts off- hopefully by Wednesday my voice returns,

Only other observations of note: spotted the obligatory branch campus dummy advertising his pedophile U affiliation at the game- what is it with these jackasses/they show up everywhere and have no shame; and of course, had one stray WVU fan who couldn't resist trying to get in my face pre-game with his hillbilly spiel. Great time.. will never forget it!

 

[Phantomrecruit]

I was in Section MM row M of lower bowel around the twenty yard line behind the Pitt bench. Great environment, and great fans. After the game they all congratulated us and shook our hands. Top notch.

 

[ChooChoo Panther]

The Clemson fans are genuine .
-P A announcer encouraged fans to welcome Pitt guest with respect
-Their Band played patriotic song (I forget which one) probably for Vets Day.
- Then came a prayer
-Then the National Anthem

Down south, very overtly religious. High Schools battle the courts to allow pre-game prayers. Cheer leaders buy material with own $ to make religious banners, etc.

The only place I've been that's better is Texas A&M. They do all that Clemson fans do plus give you beer and food!

ChooChoo

 

[ratking17]

It was God bless America , the pledge of allegiance, a prayer which included a plea for rain the next day for them, and the National anthem.

 

[PITTLAW]

Were you close to the field? I was in row A, which is the very first row, right behind the goal-posts opposite The Hill. Wow, what an experience. Blewitt's FG landed three seats from me in the first row.

There were several Pitt fans right behind us. Anyone on here? Charlie Whitehurst in his weird outfit playing with his long hair all game was a fun side-distraction in the endzone.

I was in Section S, Row C--which is a yard or two from the goal line. Although I prefer to be a little higher up, and of course closer to the 50, these seats turned out great since nearly all the action was in our end of the field. Hail to Pitt!

 

[tigerman88]

Tiger alum here. Congrats to Pitt on a thrilling victory and a very entertaining game. Your Panthers definitely earned the win and played with great heart, determination, and discipline. Your offense should be particularly proud - first time under Brent Venables (our D coordinator) I've seen our defense thoroughly off balance and confused for a whole game. Great offensive play calling and execution on your part. I was very impressed with your team and fans in attendance at the game.

I'm glad to see that most of y'all had a great time at Clemson. We pride ourselves on a great gameday experience and hope that vast majority of Clemson folks treated you well. We definitely hate to lose, but can also tip our hat when a visiting team beats us fair and square. Like any large group of fans, we have a few that get out of sorts (usually due to alcohol) but by and large we try to police our own when we see it happening. I imagine our pre-game line up of God Bless America, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Prayer prior to the National Anthem may be a bit unusual for some visitors, but this is very normal to us Clemson folk. We were a military school up until 1955 before switching to a coed institution so patriotism is very much in our DNA. Even today, we still have a large population of military alum (myself included) and our patriotic heritage is alive and well among the alums and the current day students.

Congrats again and good luck the rest of the season - especially in your bowl game!