Amidst all the hoopla of signing day, the Paul Chryst press conference praising the newest Panthers and promising that a DC will be named soon. There was information about the Spring practices and the annual Blue-Gold scrimmage.
The spring practices start on March 5. Seems a bit early when you are limited to only 15 practices, but okay.
They culminate with the Blue-Gold scrimmage that will be held this year at Bethel Park High School. Okay, we knew that the plan was to rotate to different high schools in Western PA. Just so happens to be the same HS as a big 2014 recruiting target for the O-line in Mike Grimm. Nice.
The game will be played on April 12 at 7pm. That’s a Friday. What the hell?
Is the plan to guarantee Pitt fans have an excuse not to make the game? There’s no way anyone from out of the area can make it in for this. (And yes, selfishly that includes myself.) Good luck getting out there right after work on a Friday if you are in the area but don’t live in Bethel Park.
I just don’t get this on any level. The spring game is supposed to be a way to build enthusiasm for the upcoming season. To get the fans talking early. Thinking about the upcoming season. Planning for games. Being optimistic for what could be.
Instead Pitt is holding a practice out in the suburbs on a weeknight.
About the only thing I can figure (or hope for) is that Pitt has worked out a deal with ESPN to broadcast the scrimmage. Something to explain an otherwise inexplicable decision.
How does having the game on a Friday night prevent this? Although I get where you are coming from and the frustration, ALL of those things can still be accomplished. Also, the game is not next week. It is in April. Plenty of time to plan for this game too. (And besides all that, it’s not like the turnout on Saturdays has been so wonderful that Pitt shouldn’t try to break the mold…)
As anyone who reads this blog knows, I think SP is perhaps the worst AD east of the Mississippi River. Never look to him for anything but the bizarre.
Saturday afternoon would have been much, much better.
Has always seemed to be out east or north!
Hooray for the South Hills!!!
The strategy for Friday night is more obscure unless Tv is a factor as Chas had alluded to.
I’m fine with a Friday night and actually prefer it, it seems when every year when on a Saturday I had some conflict with kids activities…though I do agree not ideal for people in other parts of the city to make after work.
But I don’t think they are expecting people from other parts of city to attend…stadium isn’t big enough if that was the case. I’m guessing the idea is to move it around for people in each area can attend easily every so many years…I’ll go this year but if they play it at Woodlnad Hills next year…. you won’t see me crossing town.
Should have been Penn Hills for Donald and Mason this year.
Friday night is the tradition for High School Football, under the lights everyone geeked up.
In any case a packed HS Stadium is far preferable to an empty Heinz. Milo try 55,000 empty yellow seats.
Come to the Burgh, spend the weekend, have a good time. You out of towners ought to check out the South Side, the New Penn Ave. and Market Sq. Live it up at the Renaissance or Fairmont, or crash with some old friends. Let’s fill up those yellow seats this year.
Obviously, many long for the days of Pitt Stadium, but the advantage of Heinz Field is the amenities of the City of Pittsburgh. Pitt Fans should take over the city for all game day weekends. I live 45 minutes away and like nothing better than leisurely relaxing in one of the fine hotels, a fine dinner, maybe a show at Heinz or the Benedum, a day at the Sports museum or Warhol. Sure it costs a buck, but once or twice a year is great fun. Much better than the Holiday Inn in Oakland.
Start a new tradition, your wife will thank you. The athletic department ought to be putting together some packages for fraternities, sororities, sports team alums, Panther clubs etc. Are you listening Steve? Pitt Football weekends in the Burgh.
BTW you can buy a house in the Northside for like $1000.00.
The Shadyside/East Liberty area is booming, for entertainment, not sure about hotels.
Unfortunately town is where it’s at. Best to come when the Steelers are away.
