Column | Most interesting Pitt sporting events to kick off the school year

Get your Pitt gear ready because it’s time to head back to the stands. After a long summer without varsity sports, the Panthers athletic teams are preparing to compete for championships.

As you settle in for the fall semester and begin your classes, it’s always good to find time to kick back and catch up with Pitt’s teams. During the first week of class, consider trying out some of these games with your friends.

Pitt Men’s Soccer vs. West Virginia: August 29, time TBA

The Panthers will look to pick up right where they left off after a strong 2021 season. Pitt finished the season 13-5-2 and tied with Duke for first place in the ACC Coastal Division. But the Panthers lost to Notre Dame in the semifinals of the ACC tournament.

The matchup against West Virginia will be that of the Panthers fourth game of the 2022 season and their third home game. In 2021 they were impressive 11-1 at home, which means you’re sure to have a great game.

Pitt Home Soccer Games are held at Ambrose Urbanic Field, which students can walk to or take a campus shuttle to. The field is located on Cardiac Hill and behind the Petersen Events Center at the Cost Sports Center.

Pitt Women’s Soccer vs. Kent State: Aug. 31 at 7 p.m

Soccer is certainly one of Pitt’s strongest sports. The women’s soccer team also performed well in 2021 and finished 11-7. But the Panthers finished the ACC 9th overall due to a 4-6 record in conference games and did not qualify for the ACC or NCAA tournaments.

Still, the Panther squad has plenty of experience that head coach Randy Waldrum will benefit from.

Like the men’s team, Pitt’s women’s football was a little stronger at home and won six on their own pitch and five on the street, so fans can expect an exciting game. The matchup against Kent State will be that fifth of the season for the panthers. It starts at 7pm and at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

Pitt Football vs. West Virginia: September 1 at 7 p.m

This is what we’ve all been waiting for – the 2021 ACC champions are back to defend their title. The Panthers’ breakout season last year brought life and excitement to Pitt’s football games that we haven’t seen in years. Even more exciting is that this year’s team has a chance to become even better.

Pitt fans will experience the Panthers’ redesigned offense for the first time in the highly anticipated Backyard Brawl against rival West Virginia. ESPN college game day will air its first show of the 2022 season at the game, meaning Pitt fans can show their passion across the country.

All Panthers home games take place Acrisure Stadium, and shuttles run from campus to the stadium before and after games. The game starts at 7pm so get there early, enjoy some tailgating and get your singing voice ready for “Sweet Caroline”.

Pitt Volleyball at the BYU Invitational: Sept. 2 at noon and 7 p.m

While Pitt only plays volleyball at home 9 Sep, the BYU Invitational features some of the best competition in the nation and will serve as an early test for head coach Dan Fisher. While Pitt has always fielded a strong volleyball team, the Panthers broke out in 2021 and ended with one 30-4 Recording.

They also ripped through the NCAA tournament, however lost 3-1 to Nebraska in the semifinals. This marked the first time in school history that Pitt had reached the Final Four.

On September 2, the Panthers will take on Cincinnati at 12 p.m. and Utah State at 7 p.m. Fisher and the Panthers will then prepare to face No. 10 BYU at the BYU Invitational on September 3 at 9 p.m.