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Acrisure Stadium
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 approachI-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 inventoryGold, 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 timePitt parking normally opens five hours before kickoff. A marquee noon game can therefore bring cars to the North Shore before sunrise.
- Downtown alternativeCity garages south of the Allegheny are often cheaper and permit a light-rail ride or bridge walk to the stadium.
- Station SquarePark across the Monongahela, then use light rail or the Gateway Clipper game-day boat. The river approach is slower but distinctly Pittsburgh.
- Garage rulesChampions Garage and other structures do not permit tailgating. Choose a surface lot if grills, tents and games are part of the plan.
- Accessible parkingALCO-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 conflictsPirates games, concerts and North Shore festivals can consume inventory. Check the entire district calendar before choosing a route.
Public Transit
- Pittsburgh light railThe “T” serves Allegheny Station directly across from Gate C and North Side Station near PNC Park.
- Free downtown zoneLight-rail trips between Downtown and North Shore stations are fare-free, making a city garage plus the T one of the best plans.
- Oakland connectionPitt students use university shuttles and public transit between campus and Downtown; riders with Pitt ID receive designated transportation benefits.
- City busesPittsburgh Regional Transit routes reach Downtown and the North Shore, but game-day detours can move stops.
- Gateway ClipperFootball shuttles sail from Station Square to the North Shore river landing, offering skyline views and avoiding bridge traffic.
- Walking bridgesThe 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 zoneThe stadium map identifies approved pickup and drop-off areas away from Art Rooney Avenue's pedestrian core.
- Downtown walkA drop near Market Square or the Cultural District followed by a bridge crossing can be faster than entering North Shore congestion.
- Postgame strategyWalk across the river or toward Allegheny Commons before requesting. Immediate stadium pins are difficult for drivers to reach.
- Station Square combinationA 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 lotsGold and Green lots hold the traditional Pitt scene. Passes are scarce, and all equipment must stay within the allotted footprint.
- Panther ProwlThe team arrives on the southeastern side of Art Rooney Avenue, generally a little more than two hours before kickoff.
- ROC'n on RooneyPitt's official street party combines music, food, drinks and fan activities along the stadium approach.
- Great LawnThe riverfront lawn east of the stadium hosts special broadcasts, sponsor activations and large event programming.
- March to VictoryThe Pitt Band processes into the stadium from Tony Dorsett Drive roughly an hour before kickoff.
- Turnkey packagesReserved tailgate providers may offer furnished setups near the stadium for fans without a season parking pass.
- Grill safetySurface-lot tailgates must use approved equipment, keep lanes open and dispose of hot coals in designated containers.
- WeatherRiver 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 CompanyThe 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 ProwlFans greet the team on Art Rooney Avenue as players enter the shared professional stadium in Pitt colors.
- March to VictoryThe Pitt Band marches from Tony Dorsett Drive into the building, bringing campus sound to the North Shore.
- Panther PittThe 10,000-seat student section remains fully preserved in the 2026 configuration and drives coordinated chants and third-down noise.
- Roc the PantherPitt'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 LightsAfter 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 PittThe restored cursive mark dominates helmets, midfield and apparel, tying modern Pitt football to its championship eras.
- Backyard BrawlWest Virginia games transform the North Shore, reviving one of college football's most intense regional rivalries.
Monuments & Features
- Downtown viewThe open south end frames the Golden Triangle and Point State Park, especially dramatic as city lights appear during night games.
- Exposed steelRoughly 12,000 tons of structural steel give the building an industrial expression suited to Pittsburgh.
- FedEx Great HallThe east-side interior celebrates Steelers history but also displays Pitt's 2021 ACC championship trophy and Panthers content on college game days.
- Art Rooney statueThe Steelers founder's bronze figure stands outside the stadium and anchors the avenue carrying his name.
- North Shore riverwalkPedestrian paths connect Acrisure Stadium with the science center, river landings, PNC Park and Downtown bridges.
- Natural shared fieldFour varieties of Kentucky bluegrass withstand both Pitt and Steelers schedules in harsh late-season weather.
- PNC Champions ClubThe south expansion added field-level hospitality and views toward the player tunnel while partially closing the circulation loop.
- Cathedral connectionPitt'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 sidelinesSections near midfield provide the strongest conventional views but carry NFL-level prices for major opponents.
- Lower south endThese seats face the north scoreboard and place the skyline behind the action when looking back toward Downtown.
- North endThe upper deck remains open for Pitt and offers affordable all-22 views, though river winds are strongest high in the bowl.
- Panther PittThe student allocation holds 10,000 fans and produces standing, flags and coordinated chants throughout the game.
- East and West ClubsIndoor lounges, upgraded concessions and premium outdoor seats provide climate relief during cold or wet games.
- PNC Champions ClubField-level seats and tunnel views emphasize access and hospitality over a high tactical angle.
- SuitesThe building contains 129 suites spread around the sidelines and south expansion with event-specific catering.
- Accessible seatingPlatforms 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 ArmyThe Ford Fan Zone stand honors Steelers legend Franco Harris with Italian sausages and Pittsburgh-style toppings.
- PierogiesPotato-filled dumplings appear in bowls, loaded combinations and rotating specials reflecting western Pennsylvania tradition.
- Local sausage and barbecueKielbasa, Italian sausage, pulled pork and brisket complement standard hot dogs and burgers.
- Stadium standardsPizza, chicken tenders, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, sweets and fountain drinks are widely distributed.
- Beer and cocktailsDomestic, craft and local beer join full-service bars; sales and limits follow the event's alcohol policy.
- Outside food exceptionGuests may carry personal food when it is contained in an approved clear plastic bag.
- Premium clubsEast, 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
1Stadium Information
Notable Events
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium