Working backwards, the beautiful first.

Since the early days of this blog, we have advocated for at least one game a year in the old colors, unis and script Pitt. Well, they finally are doing it (hat tip to Rex).

Throwback Day
Everything old is new again. The Pitt football team will don the uniforms of the 1970s/early ’80s as part of Panther “Throwback Day” at Heinz Field. The stadium will be filled with the retro musical sounds of that time period. Fans are encouraged to make their own nostalgic fashion statements at the game.

They shrewdly scheduled it for the Youngstown State game on September 24. It means I can bust out my Billy West jersey for that game.

You had to figure a day like this was coming once they switched uniform suppliers from Nike to Adidas. Adidas has had good success selling the throwback hats, shirts and sweatshirts.

Now the bad.

River City Rivalry
Pitt and Cincinnati meet for the first time since 1981 and will battle for the “River City Rivalry” trophy. The Bearcats, who won last year’s Fort Worth Bowl, enter their first season as members of the Big East Conference.

This is not the Big 11 where they need to create a trophy for every conference game. This is up there with the “Land Grant Trophy” in terms of dumb, jury-rigged “rivalry” awards. Pitt has played Cinci a grand total of 4 times, going 4-0 and outscoring them 132-21. Enough said.

On to the good, the 1955 Sugar Bowl team will be honored that game and Bobby Grier will be there. Also lots of past greats will get honored:

Sept. 3, Notre Dame Dan Marino and Pro Football Hall of Famers Tribute

The University of Pittsburgh will honor legendary quarterback Dan Marino for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with a special halftime salute. In addition to Marino, Pitt will also pay homage to its other Pro Football Hall of Famers — Tony Dorsett, Mike Ditka and Joe Schmidt. Each of these celebrated Panthers will be on hand to see Pitt take on the Irish.
…
Oct. 22, Syracuse (Homecoming) Mark May Tribute

Pitt will honor newly elected College Football Hall of Fame member Mark May as part of its Homecoming festivities. Before he became one of college football’s top broadcast voices with ESPN, May won the 1980 Outland Trophy at Pitt and was a member of the Washington Redskins’ famed “Hogs” offensive line during their run to three Super Bowls.

25-Year Anniversary of Pitt’s 1980 Team

Pitt will also honor Mark May’s 1980 team, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in college football history. The 11-1 Panthers were judged the 12th best team of all time by The Sporting News and featured such greats as Dan Marino, Hugh Green, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson and Randy McMillan.

I have to admit I’ve been a little worried about Marino and Wannstedt’s issues back in Miami and of course the Shula-Johnson stuff. Glad it doesn’t seem to be affecting Marino’s relationship with Pitt.

Final thing, press release with info on this year’s Fan Fest. Heinz Field on Thursday, August 25 from 6 – 9 pm. This includes a 90 minute open workout by the players. Only issue is that the Pirates will be playing that night as well.