Sept. 1, 2010

The Pitt Athletic Department will host a Student Game Watch Party on the lawn outside the Petersen Events Center on Thursday night during the Panthers’ season-opening matchup with Utah. Versus, which is televising the game nationally, will be on hand at the event with cameras to provide a live-shot of the students during the game’s telecast.

The event, which is free and open only to Pitt students, will begin at 8 p.m., as kickoff in Utah is set for 8:30 p.m. Pitt students are welcome to watch the game on a 25-by-14-foot giant video wall on the lawn between the Petersen Events Center and Panther Hall. Students presenting a valid ID card will also enjoy free food, games and a live DJ.

One of the most anticipated season-openers in the country, Thursday night’s game kicks off an exciting season for the Panthers. Pitt enters the 2010 season ranked No. 15 in both polls, while Utah sports a No. 24 ranking (tied) in the USA Today coaches poll. Thursday night will mark Pitt’s first season opener on the road featuring two Top 25 teams since its national title year in 1976, when the No. 9 Panthers won at No. 11 Notre Dame, 31-10. It will also mark the first time that the Panthers have opened a season on the road since winning at Southern Mississippi, 14-10, in 1993.