Column | Most interesting Pitt sporting events to kick off the school year

Get your Pitt gear ready, because it’s time to get back into the stands. After a long summer without collegiate sports, Panthers sports teams are getting ready to compete for championships.

As you get settled in for the fall semester and start your classes, it’s always good to find time to kick back and stay caught up with Pitt’s teams. During the first week of classes, consider checking out some of these games with your friends.

Pitt men’s soccer vs. West Virginia: Aug. 29, time TBA

The Panthers will look to pick up right where they left off after a strong 2021 campaign. Pitt finished the season 13-5-2 and tied with Duke for first place in the ACC Coastal division. But the Panthers lost in the semifinals of the ACC tournament to Notre Dame.

The matchup against West Virginia will be the Panthers’ fourth game of the 2022 season and their third at home. In 2021, they were an impressive 11-1 at home, meaning you’re certainly in for a great game.

Pitt home soccer games take place at Ambrose Urbanic field, which students can reach by walking or taking a campus shuttle. The field is up Cardiac Hill and past the Petersen Events Center in the Cost Sports Center.

Pitt women’s soccer vs. Kent State: Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.

Soccer is certainly one of Pitt’s strongest sports. The women’s soccer squad also performed well in 2021, finishing 11-7. But the Panthers finished No. 9 overall in the ACC due to a 4-6 record in conference games, and didn’t qualify for the ACC or NCAA tournaments. 

Still, the Panther roster features plenty of experience, which head coach Randy Waldrum will look to capitalize on. 

Like the men’s team, Pitt women’s soccer was slightly stronger at home, winning six on its own turf and five on the road, so fans can expect an exciting game. The matchup against Kent State will be the fifth of the season for the Panthers. It will begin at 7 p.m. and at Ambrose Urbanic field.

Pitt football vs. West Virginia: Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

This is what we’ve all been waiting for — the 2021 ACC champions are back to defend their title. The Panthers’ breakout season last year brought life and excitement to Pitt football games that we haven’t seen in years. What’s even more exciting is that this year’s team has the chance to be even better.

Pitt fans will see the Panthers’ new-look offense perform for the first time in the much-anticipated Backyard Brawl against rival West Virginia. ESPN College Gameday will air its first show of the 2022 season at the game, meaning Pitt fans can show the entire country their passion.

All Panthers home games take place at Acrisure Stadium, and shuttles run from campus to the stadium before and after the game. The game starts at 7 p.m. so get there early, enjoy some tailgating and prepare your singing voice for “Sweet Caroline.”

Pitt Volleyball at the BYU Invitational: Sept. 2 at noon and 7 p.m.

While Pitt volleyball won’t play at home until Sept. 9, the BYU Invitational features some of the best competition in the nation and will serve as an early test for head coach Dan Fisher. While Pitt has always put out a strong volleyball team, the Panthers broke out in 2021, finishing with a 30-4 record. 

They tore through the NCAA tournament as well, but lost in the semifinals to Nebraska 3-1. This was the first time in school history that Pitt made the Final Four.

On Sept. 2, the Panthers will face off against Cincinnati at noon and Utah State at 7 p.m. Fisher and the Panthers will then gear up to take on No. 10 BYU at 9 p.m. on Sept. 3 at the BYU Invitational.