Panthers....-The University of Pittsburgh announced today the events and attractions surrounding its 2001 season opener at the city's new North Shore football stadium Sept. 1.
The game, which will be played against East Tennessee State, marks the first official football contest at the new venue and will kick off at 6 p.m.
"Every Saturday is special when it comes to Panther football, but we want to make September 1 a day that no one will want to miss," said Athletic Director Steve Pederson. "Playing the debut game in the greatest football stadium in America is thrilling for the university, our team and the fans. We believe we have a great assortment of events planned for that Saturday which will make the day that much more entertaining and fun for everyone.
"This will be the beginning of not only another great football season, but also the opening of a fabulous new era in Panther football. We are excited about opening that era in style."
Pregame features include a breathtaking A-10 flyover by the United States Air Force, a dramatic stadium landing by the STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Specialists) Parachute Team and the display of the world's largest American flag - measuring end zone to end zone - for the playing of the National Anthem.
Fans will also be treated to a musical performance by J.T. Taylor, the longtime voice of the prolific R&B band Kool and the Gang and lead vocalist on such popular hits as "Celebration" and "Ladies Night." The Platinum-selling artist recently completed a reunion with Kool and the Gang and is now performing as a solo artist.
The University of Pittsburgh Band will also play a major role in the festivities, including a special postgame performance with Taylor.
The evening will climax with a grand fireworks display following the game.
Two events that have become fixtures at Pittsburgh football games, Panther FanFest and the Panther Prowl, will also take place at the North Shore stadium.
Featuring an array of games, refreshments and attractions for fans of all ages, FanFest will be held at UPMC Sports Works at Carnegie Science Center and begin two hours before each home game (3:30 p.m. for the opener). Admission is free with a ticket for that day's game.
The Panther Prowl, which provides fans the opportunity to meet and greet the football team as they arrive at the stadium, will also begin two hours before kickoff.
Pittsburgh will host six games overall at its new home in 2001. Additional opponents include South Florida (Sept. 8), Alabama-Birmingham (Sept. 15), Miami (Sept. 27), Syracuse (Oct. 13) and Virginia Tech (Nov. 3).
Panthers....-The University of Pittsburgh announced today the events and attractions surrounding its 2001 season opener at the city's new North Shore football stadium Sept. 1.
The game, which will be played against East Tennessee State, marks the first official football contest at the new venue and will kick off at 6 p.m.
"Every Saturday is special when it comes to Panther football, but we want to make September 1 a day that no one will want to miss," said Athletic Director Steve Pederson. "Playing the debut game in the greatest football stadium in America is thrilling for the university, our team and the fans. We believe we have a great assortment of events planned for that Saturday which will make the day that much more entertaining and fun for everyone.
"This will be the beginning of not only another great football season, but also the opening of a fabulous new era in Panther football. We are excited about opening that era in style."
Pregame features include a breathtaking A-10 flyover by the United States Air Force, a dramatic stadium landing by the STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Specialists) Parachute Team and the display of the world's largest American flag - measuring end zone to end zone - for the playing of the National Anthem.
Fans will also be treated to a musical performance by J.T. Taylor, the longtime voice of the prolific R&B band Kool and the Gang and lead vocalist on such popular hits as "Celebration" and "Ladies Night." The Platinum-selling artist recently completed a reunion with Kool and the Gang and is now performing as a solo artist.
The University of Pittsburgh Band will also play a major role in the festivities, including a special postgame performance with Taylor.
The evening will climax with a grand fireworks display following the game.
Two events that have become fixtures at Pittsburgh football games, Panther FanFest and the Panther Prowl, will also take place at the North Shore stadium.
Featuring an array of games, refreshments and attractions for fans of all ages, FanFest will be held at UPMC Sports Works at Carnegie Science Center and begin two hours before each home game (3:30 p.m. for the opener). Admission is free with a ticket for that day's game.
The Panther Prowl, which provides fans the opportunity to meet and greet the football team as they arrive at the stadium, will also begin two hours before kickoff.
Pittsburgh will host six games overall at its new home in 2001. Additional opponents include South Florida (Sept. 8), Alabama-Birmingham (Sept. 15), Miami (Sept. 27), Syracuse (Oct. 13) and Virginia Tech (Nov. 3).