How to immerse yourself in Panthers sports culture

New students, welcome to the City of Champ-yinz. 

From the Immaculate Reception to Bill Mazeroski, Pittsburgh knows sports drama — and this fall, you’ll have a chance to join the tradition.

There will be a full stadium of college students rallying for their team at Heinz Field. Clad in blue and gold for their beloved Panthers — down to stickers on girls’ faces and “Hail to Pitt” painted on male chests — the students will be ready to watch some football and maybe sing a bit of “Sweet Caroline.” 

Sports at Pitt are a great way to spend time with friends, relax and get some free T-shirts. But as a new student, you must first acquaint yourself with the sporting culture at Pitt.

 From August to April, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know your student athletes. Although Pitt doesn’t release team schedules until mid-June, it’s a good idea to make sure you know where you are going and how you are getting there.

The fall semester is home to men’s and women’s soccer, football, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country. 

 Men’s and women’s soccer teams play on Ambrose Urbanic field at the Petersen Sports Complex, which is behind Trees Hall. Games usually begin in the evening on weekdays and in the afternoon on weekends. They are free, and all you need to get in is your Pitt ID. 

 Pitt football plays downtown at Heinz Field, where the Pittsburgh Steelers also play. Sitting in the student section puts you not only in a great mood, but in great view of the Pittsburgh skyline. 

Senior Deanna Felicissimo, a marketing and supply chain management major, said it’s simple to travel to games because of the bussing system Pitt offers students on game day.

“They have buses at the Cathedral waiting for students. All you have to do is show your ID and you get dropped off at the field,” she said. “Make sure you get there early enough because they have a tailgate for students outside the stadium and everything is free.”

Because of recent NFL stadium rule changes, bags and open containers are not permitted in the stadium. Heinz Field concession stands do not take Panther Funds, so have cash or a credit card ready if you plan on buying food or anything else inside the stadium. 

Women’s volleyball brings a crowd to the Fitzgerald Field House. 

Sophomore Angela Seman, an early education major and libero on the volleyball team, said the team holds a number of events throughout the year to get students involved.

“We have a Dig Pink game in October to support breast cancer awareness, along with some spirit nights and a Hawaiian night,” she said. “Last year we had the Spike and Slam Madness where we played Florida State University.”

Both the men’s and women’s cross country teams practice at Schenley Park every morning in the fall. They travel for most of their races, but Carnegie Mellon does host a race toward the end of the season at Schenley Park. The meet is a great way to spend some time outside, familiarize yourself with the park and cheer on your fellow Panthers. 

As the months get colder, the sports get better. The winter season initiates men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, women’s tennis, women’s gymnastics, women’s volleyball and wrestling. 

The basketball teams play in the Petersen Events Center and offers lots of perks for coming up and supporting the teams. At some games there are promotional T-shirts, gift cards or drawstring bags to pick up on your way in. Last season, men’s basketball coach Jamie Dixon gifted boxes of donuts and coffee to the fans who waited all day in the Pete before gametime. During the games, cheerleaders throw T-shirts into the stands, too — so don’t worry if you didn’t get one before the game. 

Swimming and diving sports compete in Trees Hall. The men’s and women’s teams host the Pitt Invite, which is a chance for teams to get together and compete outside of the ACC. For the Invite, Pitt has hosted schools like Drexel, West Virginia, Wesleyan and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The meets last all day and schedules and heat sheets, including who is racing in what section, are available online the day before the competition. 

Pitt’s women’s tennis team hosts matches at an indoor facility at Alpha Tennis & Fitness of Pittsburgh in Harmarville, and an outdoor facility in Washington’s Landing. These locations are accessible by Port Authority buses. The team holds the regional Nishan Vartabedian Invitational each January in its indoor facility.

Women’s gymnastics competitions are held in the Fitzgerald Field House. They host around five competitions a season and provide a fascinating show. Entry to all events in the Field House requires a Pitt ID. 

 Wrestling competitions also take place in the Field House. After Christmas break, the team competes in Pitt Duals, a low-key invitational. In early March, at the Petersen Events Center they host ACC Championships, which they won in 2011, 2012 and 2014. The team is looking stronger than ever for 2015. Make sure you don’t miss it.

Baseball, softball and men’s and women’s track and field close out the end of the school year. 

The baseball and softball teams play at the Petersen Sports Complex, the former on the Charles L. Cost Field and the latter on the Vartabedian Field. The games require a Pitt ID only, so there is no need to worry about buying tickets. Open containers are not allowed and the snack bar doesn’t take Panther Funds. The baseball and softball teams play Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the occasional doubleheader on Saturday, all weather-permitting. During the game, there are opportunities to win gift cards, T-shirts and memorabilia, so make sure you know your trivia. 

Track and field holds the Blue-Gold Meet every winter before Christmas break in the Cost Sports Center and the Field House to generate food donations for the local food bank. Entry requires a can of food to either location. The meet lasts two days and the schedule of events is available the week prior to competition. Although their season lasts until May, the teams travel for every competition because there is no home track or field, so make sure you see them while you can. 

As a new student, you have a whole range of athletics to watch. What better way to show your school spirit than to support your fellow Panthers by going to a game? So grab your Pitt ID and get ready to sing “Sweet Caroline” this fall. Focus on the city, the scenery and the amazing athleticism and dedication in Pitt’s athletes. 

New students, you’ve been initiated.

Rebecca Peters writes satirical and political columns for The Pitt News.

Write to Rebecca at rcp30@pitt.edu.