Acrisure Stadium
CFB

Acrisure Stadium

Pittsburgh Panthers

100 Art Rooney Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15212

A Guide to Acrisure Stadium

Acrisure Stadium gives Pitt Panthers football an NFL-caliber home framed by Downtown Pittsburgh, the Ohio and Allegheny rivers and a skyline of bridges and towers. Opened in 2001 and shared with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the natural-grass venue mixes exposed steel and city views with royal blue, script Pitt and the passionate Panther Pitt student section for a college game day that feels unmistakably Pittsburgh.

Getting to Acrisure Stadium

Acrisure Stadium stands at 100 Art Rooney Avenue on Pittsburgh's North Shore. I-279, Route 65, the Fort Duquesne Bridge and local river crossings all converge nearby, but Pittsburgh's light rail, walkable bridges and riverboats make driving optional.

Driving & Parking

  • North Shore approach
    I-279 and Route 65 feed Reedsdale Street, Allegheny Avenue and North Shore Drive. Follow the route attached to the parking pass because turn restrictions separate lot traffic.
  • Prepaid inventory
    Gold, Green and other close lots are heavily committed to season holders. Secure a game-specific pass before traveling rather than hunting for a cash lot.
  • Opening time
    Pitt parking normally opens five hours before kickoff. A marquee noon game can therefore bring cars to the North Shore before sunrise.
  • Downtown alternative
    City garages south of the Allegheny are often cheaper and permit a light-rail ride or bridge walk to the stadium.
  • Station Square
    Park across the Monongahela, then use light rail or the Gateway Clipper game-day boat. The river approach is slower but distinctly Pittsburgh.
  • Garage rules
    Champions Garage and other structures do not permit tailgating. Choose a surface lot if grills, tents and games are part of the plan.
  • Accessible parking
    ALCO-operated facilities provide credentialed spaces. Accessible drop-off points are at Art Rooney Avenue and Reedsdale Street near Gate B and on Allegheny Avenue by the science center.
  • Event conflicts
    Pirates games, concerts and North Shore festivals can consume inventory. Check the entire district calendar before choosing a route.

Public Transit

  • Pittsburgh light rail
    The “T” serves Allegheny Station directly across from Gate C and North Side Station near PNC Park.
  • Free downtown zone
    Light-rail trips between Downtown and North Shore stations are fare-free, making a city garage plus the T one of the best plans.
  • Oakland connection
    Pitt students use university shuttles and public transit between campus and Downtown; riders with Pitt ID receive designated transportation benefits.
  • City buses
    Pittsburgh Regional Transit routes reach Downtown and the North Shore, but game-day detours can move stops.
  • Gateway Clipper
    Football shuttles sail from Station Square to the North Shore river landing, offering skyline views and avoiding bridge traffic.
  • Walking bridges
    The Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol bridges connect Downtown to the North Shore. Verify construction and event closures before committing.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

  • Use the event zone
    The stadium map identifies approved pickup and drop-off areas away from Art Rooney Avenue's pedestrian core.
  • Downtown walk
    A drop near Market Square or the Cultural District followed by a bridge crossing can be faster than entering North Shore congestion.
  • Postgame strategy
    Walk across the river or toward Allegheny Commons before requesting. Immediate stadium pins are difficult for drivers to reach.
  • Station Square combination
    A boat or light-rail trip away from the venue before calling a car can reduce surge prices and cancellations.

Pregame Festivities

Pitt's public buildup spans the Great Lawn, Art Rooney Avenue, Tony Dorsett Drive and the North Shore bars. Panther Prowl welcomes the team, ROC'n on Rooney supplies sponsor activities and entertainment, and the Pitt Band finishes its March to Victory close to kickoff.

Tailgating

  • North Shore surface lots
    Gold and Green lots hold the traditional Pitt scene. Passes are scarce, and all equipment must stay within the allotted footprint.
  • Panther Prowl
    The team arrives on the southeastern side of Art Rooney Avenue, generally a little more than two hours before kickoff.
  • ROC'n on Rooney
    Pitt's official street party combines music, food, drinks and fan activities along the stadium approach.
  • Great Lawn
    The riverfront lawn east of the stadium hosts special broadcasts, sponsor activations and large event programming.
  • March to Victory
    The Pitt Band processes into the stadium from Tony Dorsett Drive roughly an hour before kickoff.
  • Turnkey packages
    Reserved tailgate providers may offer furnished setups near the stadium for fans without a season parking pass.
  • Grill safety
    Surface-lot tailgates must use approved equipment, keep lanes open and dispose of hot coals in designated containers.
  • Weather
    River wind and cold rain intensify late in the season. Anchor tents and bring layers that can pass stadium screening.

Pregame Bars & Restaurants

  • Southern Tier Brewing Company
    The large North Shore brewpub serves house beer and a broad menu within an easy walk of the stadium.
  • Across from PNC Park, Mike's combines an enormous beer selection with steak-on-a-stone dishes and game-day crowds.
  • Duckpin bowling, arcade games, drinks and outdoor space make this North Shore venue useful for groups.
  • The North Shore location specializes in custom burgers and shakes and works well for families arriving early.
  • Multiple screens and a sports-bar menu near the stadium provide a straightforward gathering place for visiting fans.
  • Downtown and Strip District locations serve Pittsburgh's signature sandwiches stacked with fries and slaw.
  • In Market Square, the large beer list and many televisions suit fans parking Downtown before crossing the river.
  • This polished Downtown gastropub is a strong Friday dinner or brunch choice for guests staying in the city center.

Gameday Traditions

  • Panther Prowl
    Fans greet the team on Art Rooney Avenue as players enter the shared professional stadium in Pitt colors.
  • March to Victory
    The Pitt Band marches from Tony Dorsett Drive into the building, bringing campus sound to the North Shore.
  • Panther Pitt
    The 10,000-seat student section remains fully preserved in the 2026 configuration and drives coordinated chants and third-down noise.
  • Roc the Panther
    Pitt's costumed mascot works the team arrival, student section and sideline; his name evokes Pittsburgh's rocky industrial geography.
  • “Hail to Pitt”
    The fight song follows scores and concludes with the emphatic “alleghenee, genac, genac, genac” cheer.
  • Victory Lights
    After major Pitt victories, the upper floors of the Cathedral of Learning in Oakland glow blue and gold—a celebration visible far beyond the stadium.
  • Script Pitt
    The restored cursive mark dominates helmets, midfield and apparel, tying modern Pitt football to its championship eras.
  • Backyard Brawl
    West Virginia games transform the North Shore, reviving one of college football's most intense regional rivalries.

Monuments & Features

  • Downtown view
    The open south end frames the Golden Triangle and Point State Park, especially dramatic as city lights appear during night games.
  • Exposed steel
    Roughly 12,000 tons of structural steel give the building an industrial expression suited to Pittsburgh.
  • FedEx Great Hall
    The east-side interior celebrates Steelers history but also displays Pitt's 2021 ACC championship trophy and Panthers content on college game days.
  • Art Rooney statue
    The Steelers founder's bronze figure stands outside the stadium and anchors the avenue carrying his name.
  • North Shore riverwalk
    Pedestrian paths connect Acrisure Stadium with the science center, river landings, PNC Park and Downtown bridges.
  • Natural shared field
    Four varieties of Kentucky bluegrass withstand both Pitt and Steelers schedules in harsh late-season weather.
  • PNC Champions Club
    The south expansion added field-level hospitality and views toward the player tunnel while partially closing the circulation loop.
  • Cathedral connection
    Pitt's iconic Oakland tower is several miles away, emphasizing the unusual split between academic campus and football home.

History & Notable Moments

  • First football game (2001)
    Pitt defeated East Tennessee State 31–0 in the new venue's inaugural football contest.
  • Winter Classic (2011)
    The Washington Capitals beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3–1 on an outdoor rink built over the field.
  • South Plaza expansion (2015)
    Approximately 2,700 seats, clubs, suites and public spaces lifted full capacity to 68,400.
  • Penn State renewal (2016)
    Pitt defeated the Nittany Lions 42–39 before 69,983 in the rivals' first meeting since 2000.
  • NHL Stadium Series (2017)
    The Penguins beat Philadelphia 4–2 in the building's second outdoor NHL showcase.
  • Backyard Brawl record (2022)
    A sporting-event-record 70,622 watched Pitt beat West Virginia 38–31 in the rivalry's revival.
  • Acrisure naming (2022)
    The stadium adopted its current name after two decades as Heinz Field.
  • Pitt configuration change (2026)
    Upper east and west sidelines went offline for standard Panthers games, creating the 51,416-seat plan.

Seating & Sections

The bowl has lower, club and upper levels, with an open south end and a tall north end. For Pitt games in 2026, the upper sideline sections are covered while the upper north end remains available. Always use Pitt's map rather than the Steelers chart.

  • Lower sidelines
    Sections near midfield provide the strongest conventional views but carry NFL-level prices for major opponents.
  • Lower south end
    These seats face the north scoreboard and place the skyline behind the action when looking back toward Downtown.
  • North end
    The upper deck remains open for Pitt and offers affordable all-22 views, though river winds are strongest high in the bowl.
  • Panther Pitt
    The student allocation holds 10,000 fans and produces standing, flags and coordinated chants throughout the game.
  • East and West Clubs
    Indoor lounges, upgraded concessions and premium outdoor seats provide climate relief during cold or wet games.
  • PNC Champions Club
    Field-level seats and tunnel views emphasize access and hospitality over a high tactical angle.
  • Suites
    The building contains 129 suites spread around the sidelines and south expansion with event-specific catering.
  • Accessible seating
    Platforms and companion locations exist throughout all levels; arrange through Pitt before game day for the best route.

Concessions

Acrisure Stadium is cashless and leans into Pittsburgh food. Pitt games may operate fewer upper-level stands under the 2026 seating plan, so consult the event map and buy before halftime.

  • Pittsburgher steak and capicola sandwiches arrive with fries and slaw inside the bread, the city's signature stadium order.
  • Franco's Italian Army
    The Ford Fan Zone stand honors Steelers legend Franco Harris with Italian sausages and Pittsburgh-style toppings.
  • Pierogies
    Potato-filled dumplings appear in bowls, loaded combinations and rotating specials reflecting western Pennsylvania tradition.
  • Local sausage and barbecue
    Kielbasa, Italian sausage, pulled pork and brisket complement standard hot dogs and burgers.
  • Stadium standards
    Pizza, chicken tenders, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, sweets and fountain drinks are widely distributed.
  • Beer and cocktails
    Domestic, craft and local beer join full-service bars; sales and limits follow the event's alcohol policy.
  • Outside food exception
    Guests may carry personal food when it is contained in an approved clear plastic bag.
  • Premium clubs
    East, West, North and PNC club menus offer expanded choices, with inclusion determined by the ticket product.

Bag Policy

  • One clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag smaller than 12 by 6 by 12 inches is permitted.
  • A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag is an approved alternative.
  • One small clutch no larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches may accompany the clear bag.
  • Medically necessary and diaper bags receive exceptions after inspection; use the designated screening lane.
  • Food may enter if contained in a compliant clear plastic bag—an unusual stadium-specific allowance.
  • Factory-sealed nonalcoholic water or soft-drink bottles of 24 ounces or less are permitted.
  • Backpacks, opaque purses, camera cases, coolers, umbrellas, weapons, artificial noisemakers and noncompliant seat cushions are prohibited.
  • All guests pass security screening, and prohibited items must be discarded or returned to a vehicle. Re-entry is not generally permitted.

Upcoming Games

1
FLST @ PITT
Fri, Nov 13 • 7:00 PM
Week 11

Stadium Information

Capacity
51,416
Opened
2001
Last Renovated
2015
Architect
Populous; WTW Architects
Construction Cost
$281,000,000

Notable Events

NSYNC performed the first public event in the newly completed stadium (August 18, 2001)
First football game: Pittsburgh defeated East Tennessee State 31-0 (September 1, 2001)
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New York Jets 24-19 in the franchise's first AFC Championship Game victory at the stadium (January 23, 2011)
The Washington Capitals defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 in the NHL Winter Classic (January 1, 2011)
Pittsburgh defeated Penn State 42-39 in the rivals' first football meeting since 2000 (September 10, 2016)
The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 in the NHL Stadium Series (February 25, 2017)
A sporting-event-record 70,622 attended Pittsburgh's 38-31 victory over West Virginia in the revived Backyard Brawl (September 1, 2022)
Taylor Swift drew 73,117 for the Eras Tour, the largest ticketed event in Pittsburgh history (June 17, 2023)

Suggested Places

Recommended places to visit near this stadium