After playing in three different stadiums in three years, the Pittsburgh Panthers now call one of the finest stadiums in the nation home, Acrisure Stadium, formerly known as Heinz Field. Prior to moving into Acrisure Stadium in 2001, the Panthers played at Pitt Stadium and Three Rivers Stadium. From 1925 until 1999, Pitt Stadium served as the home of the Panthers. After 74 seasons, the aging stadium was beginning to show its age by the mid 1990s. During the same period, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates were pursuing new stadiums after spending nearly 30 years at Three Rivers Stadium. Both teams eventually succeeded in getting new stadiums built.
The Panthers partnered with the Steelers in the construction of a new football stadium. The Panthers played their final season at Pitt Stadium in 1999 before spending the 2000 season at Three Rivers Stadium. The team then moved into the new stadium in 2001. As part of a 20 year partnership with the Heinz Company, the facility was originally named Heinz Field. It was renamed Acrisure Stadium in July 2022 after Acrisure purchased the naming rights for 15 years.
The Panthers played their first game at Acrisure Stadium on September 1, 2001, when they battled East Tennessee State. Acrisure Stadium features a horseshoe configuration with the south end zone open. Two three tier grandstands are located on both sides of the field, while the lower deck extends around the entire playing field. A section of bleacher seating is located on a second deck in the north end zone. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 68,400, including 7,000 club seats and 120 luxury suites.
A massive 48 by 27 foot video scoreboard is located behind the seats in the open south end zone. Acrisure Stadium also features numerous amenities, including entertainment areas, team stores, restaurants and a sports Hall of Fame. Because of the stadium’s open south end, fans attending games receive excellent views of the Pittsburgh skyline.
