Everything you missed at the Blue and Gold game

The sun was shining, and Heinz field was crowded. Pitt football fans entered the stadium on Saturday to watch Pitt scrimmage against… Pitt.

The Blue and Gold Spring Game was held this year at Heinz Field, the home field of the Panthers, and local NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game was set for kickoff at 1pm, and the weather was perfect for a football game.The announced crowd was 8,033.

Fans walked down Rooney Avenue outside the stadium only to find it packed with fun events. Former Pitt Panther greats lined the street, signing free autographs and taking photos with anyone that lined up. Among those present: Scott McKillop, Dorin Dickerson, Shawn Robinson, Bill Stull, and Walt Harris.

Children were also provided fun events, including bounce houses and face painting. After the game, children eight grade and under were allowed on the field to participate in activities. Pitt merchandise was also on sale outside, and #ConnerStrong wristbands were on sale for $3, with all proceeds benefitting The Lemieux Foundation.

“Pitt is it!” wristbands were also given away to fans at a booth for free. Pitt students that bought their 2016 football season tickets were allowed to pick up a free script “Panther Pitt” t-shirt, as long as they showed their confirmation email.

Once inside the stadium, you were allowed on the field to take photos with Tony Dorsett’s Heisman trophy and, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Pitt’s 1976 Championship team. The 1976 National Championship trophy was also available to take a picture with.

Honorary head coaches were Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett (Blue), and Sugar Bowl MVP of the undefeated Panthers 1976 Championship Team, Matt Cavanaugh (Gold). Both Dorsett and Cavanaugh are among Pitt’s greatest in their respective positions, running back and quarterback. They also played on the same undefeated National Championship team, which both reflected pon when interviewed during the game.

During the game breaks, fans that entered the giveaway for pre-game passes for Pitt versus Penn State on September 10th were announced. Former players were called to the field during halftime to take a group picture. Among those players were Pitt wide receiver and now NFL prospect Tyler Boyd, accompanied by his daughter (wearing an adorable tutu). He was interviewed during the game, and made it a point to thank the fans of Pittsburgh for following him on his journey.

In the end, the Blue team, #TeamDorsett, defeated the Gold team, #TeamCavanaugh, in a close 19-17 victory. As a huge Pitt football fan, I thought the game was very interesting because it gave you a glance at how the scrimmages at practice work.

Head coach Pat Narduzzi was in the huddle overseeing the offensive plays, and the honorary head coaches were seen chatting with the players in between plays. Fans cheered and yelled when an impressive play happened, and chatted endlessly about the players that were proving themselves play by play.

The game created an exciting buzz about the upcoming season. With Pitt’s schedule being one of the toughest in the ACC (Villanova, Penn State, at Oklahoma State, at UNC, Marshall, Georgia Tech, at UVA, Virginia  Tech, at Miami, at Clemson, Duke, and Syracuse) these guys sure have it cut out for them.

The spring game made me optimistic for this difficult but dramatic season. Sure, there are improvements to be made, but they have a lot of time to iron out the details. Pitt fans have a lot to be optimistic about this season. With the hopeful return of ACC player of the year James Conner, and the potential to play multiple top 25 and even a few top 10 teams, it’s sure to be a great season.

The first game of the 2016-2017 season is September 3rd, then it’s followed by a highly anticipated home Penn State game September 10th. Students, alumni, parents, sisters, brothers, distant third cousins… make sure to buy your season tickets soon to support these hard working athletes!

Hail to Pitt!