Pitt fans enjoy night of football at Panther Fan Fest at Heinz Field

Do you believe?

This was the burning question floating in the air at this year’s Panther… Do you believe?

This was the burning question floating in the air at this year’s Panther Football Fan Fest, held Thursday night. The success of last year’s squad and the finish of winning six straight games had much of the crowd excited and optimistic for this year’s team.

As the highlights of last season flashed across the big screen at Heinz Field, much of the 7,000 fans in attendance compared this year’s untested squad to last season’s version, and how this year’s squad could have another season to remember for big hits, long runs and amazing catches.

Upon arriving at the stadium, the fans of Panther football, both young and old, were greeted by the new Panther Family Fun Zone. Activities such as balloon art, obstacle courses and face painting were popular among the kids, while the climbing wall and the quarterback toss were more popular among the adults. All of these activities will take place at every Panther home game outside the stadium two hours before kickoff.

Once inside the stadium, fans began gathering around the autograph tables to await the arrival of the team for the picture and autograph session. At about 7:15 p.m., the team arrived via its Gateway Clipper Charter, which carried some of Pitt’s marching band, new freshmen and their families. It was an entrance that many directors in Hollywood would have appreciated.

As the team walked onto Heinz Field, the fans that weren’t already surrounding the autograph tables filed into lines to get their signatures and pictures of their favorite Panther players. As the players were busy signing pictures and autographs, the marching band and cheerleaders were inspiring the crowd with music and cheers.

Mother Nature had other plans in mind for the evening’s festivities. About a half hour after the team and band arrived at the stadium, it started to rain. Many fans were not phased by the slight inconvenience because much of the autograph and photo sessions took place underneath the stands.

The Panthers open the season Saturday against Ohio University at Heinz Field with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

So now the question remains: Do you believe?