How to survive all four quarters of a Pitt game

With the new school year comes another football season for your Pitt Panthers, and this year more than ever the anticipation is high surrounding their games with sold out student tickets and new rivals.

But once game time comes around, there is a struggle every single student faces- staying for the entire game. Boredom strikes, and suddenly we all have a desire to simultaneously migrate back to Oakland. Plus, let’s be honest, most of us are just there to sing “Sweet Caroline” (Let’s Go Pitt!) at the end of the third quarter and then leave. Once that’s over, the majority could care less about what happens in the fourth.

In the past this has been an issue of concern for many within the athletic department, and they have tried multiple solutions in order to lure students into staying for all four quarters. But rest assured Pitt Athletics, here’s a survival guide to help your students and fans stay entertained (and more importantly in the stadium) for all four quarters.

So when boredom strikes, here’s what do Panther fans.

Enjoy the view

Ugh, can you ever get sick of that skyline? The open bowl shape of Heinz Field delivers breathtaking views of downtown. From PPG Place to the fountain at the point, you can see it all.  And honestly, no matter what angle you look at it from it still looks just as great. Even if you can’t see the game well from your seat, the views alone make every seat in the house a great seat.

Cure that fourth quarter hunger (or hangover)

Heinz field could basically function as a foodie’s paradise. The stadium offers over  47 eateries/concession stands for you to choose from. From the traditional fry topped sandwich offering of Primanti’s, to decadent milkshakes at Burgatory, and even BBQ. The food options are endless and will most certainly help cure your hangover  hunger.

Shop for all your Panther gear

Heinz Field offers 7 team stores for you to venture off to in order to find the perfect pairings for your game day outfits. Whether you’re in the market for a new hat, jersey, or just a t-shirt. Plus if you’re looking for something to get yourself set for that upcoming Steelers game, they have it there too. If you’re looking for that one of a kind autographed football or jersey, look no further. The team stores have you covered.

Take in the art

Here’s a fun fact that I bet you didn’t know- Heinz Field is actually low key an art museum. Throughout Heinz Field there are 60 murals from area high schools that have won a WPIAL or City League football championship. Plus several other football related murals span the walls of the stadium.

Get a history lesson

Want to know more about your very own Panthers, or how about those Pittsburgh Steelers? Check out the Great Hall to see memorabilia from the entire histories of the teams. Located on the ground level of the East side of Heinz Field, The Great Hall celebrates the football history & traditions of not only Pitt but the Steelers. Large pictures of former players and lockers of Hall of Famers are also scattered amongst other memorabilia.

Stick around for the free stuff

In the past, Pitt Athletics has given out freebies to students who choose to stay for the fourth and final quarter. At prior games, free refreshing bottle of water and yes a bag of chips has been yours if you choose to stay the entire game. And who knows, maybe this year they’ll dish out even more end-of-game exclusives.

Staying later means less crowding on the student shuttles

This is a given. If the majority of your peers are leaving the game early, staying offers you the advantage of not having to wait in those pesky lines for transportation back to campus. Stay all four quarters, and you might be able to go straight from your seat in the stadium to a seat on the bus in a matter of minutes.