Pitt Panthers

(courtesy Pitt Athletic Department)

Virginia (Sept. 2): Pitt opens the 2006 season by hosting Virginia…the Cavaliers are the first Atlantic Coast Conference team to visit Heinz Field…it will be the first regular-season meeting between the two schools since 1955…the teams’ last meeting occurred during the postseason in the 2003 Continental Tire Bowl, won by Virginia, 23-16…the Cavaliers finished 7-5 last year, including a 34-31 victory over Minnesota in the Music City Bowl…Virginia will be shooting for a fifth consecutive bowl berth in 2006…Pitt leads the all-time series, 2-1…the Panthers will play at Virginia in 2007.

at Cincinnati (Sept. 8): Pitt opens Big East play by visiting Cincinnati for the first time since 1922…the winner of this game earns the River City Rivalry Trophy…this is the Bearcats’ second season as Big East members…the Panthers defeated Cincinnati in Heinz Field last year, 38-20…the Bearcats finished 4-7…Pitt leads the all-time series, 5-0…the game has already been scheduled as an ESPN2 national telecast.

Fans can purchase season tickets via the Internet at www.PittsburghPanthers.com, by phone (800/643-PITT) or in person at the Petersen Events Center ticket office.

2006 Pitt Panther Football Schedule: Date Opponent (TV) Time Sept. 2 Virginia TBA Sept. 8 (Fri.) at Cincinnati* (ESPN2) 8 p.m. Sept. 16 Michigan State TBA Sept. 23 The Citadel TBA Sept. 30 Toledo TBA Oct. 7 at Syracuse* TBA Oct. 13 (Fri.) at Central Florida (ESPN) 8 p.m. Oct. 21 Rutgers* TBA Oct. 28 OPEN Nov. 4 at South Florida* TBA Nov. 11 at Connecticut* TBA Nov. 16 (Thurs.) West Virginia* (ESPN) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25 Louisville* TBA *indicates Big East Conference game Due to television considerations, TBA kickoff times will be announced at a later date