After playing in three different
stadiums in three years, the Pittsburgh Panthers now play at one of
the finest stadiums in the nation, Heinz Field. Prior to moving into
Heinz Field in 2001, the Panthers had played at Pitt Stadium and Three
Rivers Stadium. From 1925 until 1999, the Panthers played at Pitt
Stadium. Home of the Panthers for 74 seasons, the stadium began to
show its age by the mid 1990s. During the same time, the Pittsburgh
Steelers (NFL) and Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) envisioned new stadiums
after spending nearly 30 years at Three Rivers Stadium. Both teams
succeeded in their efforts to get new stadiums built.
The Panthers partnered with the
Steelers in a new football stadium. The Panthers played their last
season at Pitt Stadium in 1999 and played one season at Three Rivers
Stadium before moving into Heinz Field. As
part of a 20 year partnership with the Heinz Company, the new stadium
was named Heinz Field. Opening day for the Panthers at Heinz Field
came on September 1, 2001 when they battled East Tennessee State.
Heinz Field is in the shape of a horseshoe, with the south end open.
Two, three tiered grandstands are located on both sides of the field.
The lower deck circles around the entire field. A section of
bleacher seats are located on a second deck on the north side of Heinz
Field. The stadium has a capacity of 64,450 which includes 7,000 club
seats and 120 luxury suites. Behind the seats on the south end is a
massive 48 ft. by 27 ft. scoreboard. Heinz Field has many amenities
including several entertainment areas, team stores, restaurants, and a
sports Hall of Fame. Because of its horseshoe shape, fans attending
games at Heinz Field receive excellent views of the Pittsburgh
skyline.
FACTS & FIGURES
-Tenant: Pitt Panthers -Conference: Big East -Capacity: 64,450 -Surface:
Grass -Opened:
September 1, 2001 -Cost:
$281 Million
-Seating Chart
Official
Panthers Website
PANTHERS TIDBITS
2009 SCHEDULE
CAMPUS WEATHER
Players in the NFL: Larry Fitzgerald,
Ruben Brown, John Turman
School Traditions: Varsity Walk, the
Panther mascot, Team song, "Hail to Pitt"
"Seats
are much closer to the action than they were at Three Rivers
Stadium, authentic Pittsburgh food served inside, gold seats let
everyone know they're in Steeler country, you can park on the
other side of the city and take a riverboat to the stadium."
- Mike
Heinz
Field
