| Students Only |  |
THE OAKLAND ZOO
|
Over 1,000 strong and dressed in yellow-tee shirts displaying the words "Oakland Zoo," Pitt's student fan section encircles the arena's lower level and provides electricity, flavor and intensity to Panthers basketball games.
Featured on ESPN's Student Spirit Week segment on Jan. 16, 2007 and described by college hoops icon Dick Vitale as one of the nation's "finest" student cheering sections, the Oakland Zoo is the heart and soul of Pitt basketball games.
Several of the Oakland Zoo traditions include cheering in unison, holding signs insupport of the Panthers and dressing up in various animal costumes. Whether it's rocketing fan enthusiasm and noise level to champion decibels or waiting for doors to open several hours before games, the Oakland Zoo supports Panthers basketball to no end.
 
 
 
 
|
"One of the greatest spectacles in all of college basketball - the Oakland Zoo."
-Bill Raftery, ESPN
"These fans are unbelievable. They're rowdy, loud and proud. That's the way you want your fans to be."
- Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner
|
|
|
SWEET CAROLINE
|
One of Pitt's newest traditions is the singing of Sweet Caroline at the end of the third quarter during football games. The tradition started at the Pitt vs. Buffalo game on September 26, 2008 and started making road trips with the Panthers as they traveled to away games. The Pitt Band played it for the first time on the road at Notre Dame Stadium on November 1, 2008. The Panthers trailed after 3 quarters and rallied to force overtime before defeating the Irish in the longest game in Notre Dame Stadium history.
|
|
THE CATHEDRAL VICTORY LIGHTS
|
One of the most noticeable traditions from all around Oakland is the lighting of the gold Victory Lights at the top of the Cathedral of Learning. The golden glow can be seen after football victories as well as other major athletic accomplishments like conference and national championships.
|
|
|
|
