masthead.jpg

switchconcepts.com, U3dpdGNo-a25, DIRECT rubiconproject.com, 14766, RESELLER pubmatic.com, 30666, RESELLER, 5d62403b186f2ace appnexus.com, 1117, RESELLER thetradedesk.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER taboola.com, switchconceptopenrtb, RESELLER bidswitch.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER contextweb.com, 560031, RESELLER amazon-adsystem.com, 3160, RESELLER crimtan.com, switch, RESELLER quantcast.com, switchconcepts , RESELLER rhythmone.com, 1934627955, RESELLER ssphwy.com, switchconcepts, RESELLER emxdgt.com, 59, RESELLER appnexus.com, 1356, RESELLER sovrn.com, 96786, RESELLER, fafdf38b16bf6b2b indexexchange.com, 180008, RESELLER nativeads.com, 52853, RESELLER theagency.com, 1058, RESELLER google.com, pub-3515913239267445, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
May 20, 2016

Pitt announced yesterday the start times for the first two games of the season (and the Thursday night game hosting VT, but we all knew that was going to be a 7pm game).

The season opener against Villanova will be at 1:30 and shown on ESPN3.

The September 10 game against Penn State will be at noon and shown on ESPN or ABC. Disappointing, but not too surprising.

The primary reason — and deserved focus for much ire — has to do with the Pittsburgh Pirates playing the same day at 7pm. Could they have asked MLB to move the game time to earlier in the day to allow Pitt to play in the evening? Possibly. Did they?

“We have not asked MLB to consider rescheduling our [Sept.] 10 game,” Pirates vice president of communications and broadcasting Brian Warecki said in a statement. “We are instead very excited about what should be a full and fun weekend on the North Shore. In addition to the baseball and football games on Saturday, we will have dueling Pitt and Penn State University Days on Friday night [Sept.] 9 in order to give the great Pitt and Penn State Pirates fans the opportunity to show their school pride on Friday night as well.

“Working together with Pitt, the SEA and ALCO Parking, we will ensure that Pirates fans have access to the North Shore and reserved parking well in advance of our 7:05 start.?”

Their VP of communications issues this kind of statement? Essentially saying, “We wish to make explicit, that we have zero interest in doing anything to accommodate what we see as competing sports-entertainment. But, come to our games under the guise of school pride. Oh, and we will make sure that the tailgaters from that football game are kicked out of the lots well before our game that night.”

It’s the fact that the Pirates openly admit that they would not even consider trying to switch their game time that is galling. The subtext being that Pitt and possibly ESPN approached them about a potential change only to be rebuffed.

Now, the counterpoint. It was very unlikely that ESPN/ABC wanted this game at night.

As historical as this game is. As important as it is to the Commonwealth. It is still a game being played between two programs that are not pre-season top-25 teams. Two teams that finished in the middle of their divisions in their conferences last year and likely to be picked to finish somewhere close to the same spot. Penn State has already been shut out all prime time games this season on the Big Ten Network.

Some of the other games that day: BYU-Utah, Iowa St-Iowa, Arkansas-TCU, Tenn-VT (spectacle alert, as game will be played at Bristol Motor Speedway),

Possibly ESPN/ABC would have preferred a 3:30 start for this game, but that is completely unworkable with the Pirates playing the same day.





I agree. To us it is huge but not to national audience. Stinks but like you said it is expected. VT/Tenn should have over 100k I bet in there. That will be game of the week.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.20.16 @ 7:08 am

Chas,

Thanks for changing the subject back to something relevant. I’m sick of listening to grown men whine about prom dresses.

Comment by Yeti 05.20.16 @ 7:34 am

Second fiddle as usual. EF the Pirates, how about showing a little respect for another home town team that plays 6 or 7 home games a year. The Pirates would sell out no matter what if they are still in the race.

Just like Rodney Dangerfield, “we can’t get no respect” even when PSU is in town.

Comment by gc 05.20.16 @ 7:50 am

EF ESPN while we’re at it. This game will be watched, in the East where the TV’s are. Noon game probably cuts viewership in half. Bars, Restaurants and Hotels ought to be furious. PSU Fans can drive in and out with a noon game.

Pirates costing the City lots of revenue.

Comment by gc 05.20.16 @ 8:05 am

I’m willing to bet that the Pirates bring a lot more revenue to Pgh than Pitt

Comment by wbb 05.20.16 @ 8:48 am

I’d put bucket head in a dunk tank of cow shit and charge $1000 a throw. Easiest Fundraiser ever. Would make 500k by 10am.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.20.16 @ 9:02 am

In the past beating PSU made the season great because we were in the same eastern college group. Now beating them is a little less great because we now have big goals in the ACC. PSU has little chance to win even their B10 division. Times have changed.

Comment by Frank MD 05.20.16 @ 9:28 am

@@@@@@

National tv at noon not optimal but neither
is either team. Just beat PSU and stop
the whining.

Comment by JR 05.20.16 @ 9:36 am

Pitt-PSU use to bring large ratings back in the late 70s/early 80s …. not because it was prime time (which only happened once back then) but because both programs were annually Top 20 (and even Top 10.)

Now, this game will still rate highly in the Northeast … but will raise little interest nationally whether noon or prime time.

Comment by wbb 05.20.16 @ 9:44 am

People will show up at whatever time for a game that they care about. Should probably get WVU back on the schedule.

Comment by Chris 05.20.16 @ 10:02 am

Yes the Pirates are more valuable to the City in some respects, but not on this game day. Also if you look at the University, including UPMC, no contest.

It is still a rivalry game, and should get good ratings. Does VT have a bigger following than Pitt? Does Tennessee have a bigger following than PSU? Are those two rivals? Just because they are a NasCar event?

This game has tradition and history and highlight films. We are getting screwed.

Both teams trying to claw their way back into the limelight, getting shuffled back into the deck.

Comment by gc 05.20.16 @ 10:10 am

UPMC is a separate entity and not a part of the University..
Frank MD..beating Penn State is always great..wait til Sept 10th..that thrill will return..State govt should make them play yearly IMO..they both get taxpayers $$$ and it is a match-up the fans want…but what governing body gives a flying phuck what the people want anymore…I am excited for the students who will be there witnessing a true rivalry for the first time…If anyone sees Barnes tell him BigB wants the car magnets back I gave him.. He just doesn’t get it…

Comment by BigB 05.20.16 @ 10:39 am

Just one more case of Pittsburgh Screwing Pitt while playing on the north shore and another case to be made for something I have not been previously a die hard on, a stadium in Oakland. What do the pirates mean when they say parking will be available for their fans—Restricted parking for the football game? I have come to hate the Pittsburgh money grubbers on the north shore Pirates, Steelers, Roonies, parking authority and the city.Screw them all. Lets take our football back to Oakland.

Comment by Pitt60 05.20.16 @ 10:46 am

Win loose or draw all the Pitt/ PS fans should stay on the North Shore post game and gum up the Pirates game royal. After all they only play baseball 7 months a year. Parking is the major problem and all the money grubbers share in the loss of lots on the north shore for high profit real estate development that creates this mess.

Comment by Pitt60 05.20.16 @ 10:55 am

I understand we are a second class citizen in our own city. The Steelers, Pirates and Penguins will always be more prominent.

But this is the biggest Pitt game at Heinz since we played Cinci for the Big East title. You would think the Pirates could show a little professional courtesy and relinquish the big stage for one freakin night. I hope they get rained out!

BigB, you do know that UPMC stands for University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Maybe a separate legal entity, but they do share a campus, provide athletic facilities and health care to our students and employees.

While I am not an OCS supporter, this is a good argument for one.

Comment by gc 05.20.16 @ 11:11 am

It was fine for the Pirates to use James Conner for their PR, but lets not go to far.

Comment by gc 05.20.16 @ 11:12 am

Guys – If Barnes had any clout or respect he could of got this done. Yet again he proves he is a inept. It’s obvious he is a smug dick. Smug 2.0.

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.20.16 @ 11:47 am

I’ll be at the Triple Deuce Bar (222) pounding shots post game. haha
Ahh those were the days.

Or the SAE watching the action (with a young babe) on my tv and out my window into Pitt Stadium.

Comment by Justin 05.20.16 @ 11:57 am

IMO, another smug remark from DiPaolo on his blog:

Let’s make something clear: Pitt fans should be happy ESPN and ABC are even considering putting one of Pitt’s games on TV. It’s great exposure for the program and can set up Pitt for an early appearance in the Top 25, if it can win the game impressively.
—————

The first sentence was over the top like Pitt has never been on national TV. The 2nd sentence infers that if Pitt beats PSU, it will open the door for Top 25 (he may be overestimating his Nitters)

Comment by wbb 05.20.16 @ 12:14 pm

I need an in house recruiter in DC. Anyone know anyone? Does Career Fair events and recruits from competitors. Based in DC. Let me know. Thanks! Mark

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.20.16 @ 12:41 pm

At least the Nooner will limit the amount of tailgating the Pedos will be able to inflict on us.

Comment by 2$Chuck 05.20.16 @ 12:41 pm

I never did get my Penn State Sucks T shirt from the vendor outside the PSU stadium in 1980 after we beat them. Shortage of them I guess. Although he did want to carve it on my chest

Comment by Frank MD 05.20.16 @ 12:43 pm

Remember when Pitt first went to 3 Rivers and we had to put up with the Steelers ushers who would wisk an old dishtowel over your seat the stand there waiting for a $10 tip. I guess Pitt got the message that it was not college football etiquette because that racket finally dissapeared and we went back to the old college stadium style ushers. Help you if asked.

Comment by Pitt60 05.20.16 @ 12:56 pm

During the Villanova game, we need to teach people how to sing the fight song the right way for September 10th. I plan on leading section 513 in a good old P-E-N-N S-T sucks chat. Hope everyone brings it back.

I may also order a new customized football jersey even though I don’t like the design that says on the back… F. Paterno.

Comment by AJ 05.20.16 @ 1:24 pm

One thing we are finding out about PT Barnes- um is that he could care less about fan opinions as he makes major athletic decisions on what HE thinks is good for us and then holds a circus with Band, Cheerleaders, dinner and limited alum access to promote it.

SP ignored us and did the same, just with a finger, and no circus.

Wonder what jumbo head PT does before sex?? Hoping to hide the coming disappointment?? Fireworks maybe??

Comment by Dan 72 05.20.16 @ 2:06 pm

The new boss is no different than the old boss. Not impressed with Barnes thus far.

Comment by TX Panther 05.20.16 @ 2:10 pm

Now even Upitt is drinking the koolaid. This is two teams that haven’t done shit in many years.

No one on the west coast gives a shit.

Comment by notrocketscience 05.20.16 @ 2:30 pm

Barnes hired Stallings: WAA! WAA! WAA!
Barnes didn’t change the school colors: WAA! WAA! WAA!

Let’s all make up juvenile names for AD Barnes!

Comment by Grizzly1 05.20.16 @ 2:38 pm

@Dan72 Agreed about smug Scott.

Comment by bj 05.20.16 @ 2:51 pm

Big Head McGee
Herman Munster
Jim Jones
Search Firm Shitter

Comment by Upittbaseball 05.20.16 @ 3:24 pm

Wow. The title of this version of Blather ought to be ‘Whiners Unite”.
If Ohio State and Michigan can play at noon….and most years they do play at noon…then we can play Penn State at noon.
But you guys really give our PR foes entirely too much ammunition by the constant whining.
It is incredibly unattractive. Think I’m wrong? Let’s see how you react to a whining child in a grocery store.
That is the same vibe you guys give off.

Comment by Sfpitt 05.20.16 @ 4:31 pm

Good tweet from HCPN – pants/jersey/helmets combinations

link to twitter.com

Comment by PITT-cocks Fan 05.20.16 @ 4:46 pm

I like the talk of an OCS. See some of Yunz are coming around. Control your destiny. Reap the profits. Utilize as more than just a football stadium. Make it a Pitt thing and dont get bossed around by what the City thinks, or the Rooneys or the Pirates or some business on the North Shore.

Comment by TX Panther 05.20.16 @ 5:00 pm

Speaking of which, USF announced today they are looking to go on campus. No more being held hostage to the Buccaneers. Interesting article reads $150M for Houston stadium.

We will start gams when we want. Did we give up when the germans bombed pearl harbor?

Comment by dhuffdaddy 05.20.16 @ 6:00 pm

PITT-cocks Fan – spot on with that link.

link to mobile.twitter.com

Comment by Tossing Thabeets 05.20.16 @ 6:13 pm

Noon games are bush league. Like I’m supposed to give a damn about when Michigan plays tOSU. Those hicks go to bed at 9:00.

College kids don’t get out of bed by noon on Saturday.

A regional telecast at 8:00 pm would be better than a national game at noon.

This is a lost opportunity.

Noon games suck!

Comment by gc 05.20.16 @ 6:15 pm

Would have been a 3:30 or 8 PM start if we had an OCS. 🙂

Comment by TX Panther 05.20.16 @ 6:28 pm

gc.. I know … I am a private practitioner in a medical field .. Jeffrey Romoff and his 8 million buck salary and the rest of his corporate henchmen can go phuck themselves .. a big monopoly who I don’t want my beloved university associate with .. Then again who cares about what I think… It’s all about the $$$$$ .. gc .. enjoy your posts… Would love to know who leads for the most Blather posts.. You or wbb $$$ … Have to get back to drinking… Found a new whiskey from Canada… 40 Creek… Try it … you will like it…

Comment by BigB 05.20.16 @ 6:55 pm

Time to drop the puck Pens went thru all the BS uni changes and look the best in their original Black and Steeler/ Pirate gold .. Well maybe a close 2nd to the baby blue/ dark blue unis

Comment by BigB 05.20.16 @ 7:09 pm

Pens sporting the Black and Pitt Beige

Comment by BigB 05.20.16 @ 7:50 pm

Lookin’ forward to next BB season. How long before The Zoo starts to chant, “Go Big Beige”!!? Or…”Let’s Go Beige”!

Comment by Savannah Panther 05.20.16 @ 8:31 pm

Crowd is not going to be ‘tuned up’ to the proper level it needs to be at Noon.

Game needs to be later to get those old fires burning and the visceral hate for each other going. Alcohol and time (as in drinking the whole day) tend to work in that regard.

Another fail with a Nooner for this historic rivalry that was NEVER played at Noon ever before.

Comment by Emel 05.20.16 @ 10:12 pm

Hopefully someone is going to wheel one of those plastic shower stalls down to the stadium and place it so the majority of Pedo’s have to march past it.

And then have a Warning Sign attached to it.

Comment by Emel 05.20.16 @ 10:14 pm

Jerseys look awesome from the GIF off Narduzzi’s Twitter account, thanks for that. You guys are crazy.
link to mobile.twitter.com

Comment by Justin 05.20.16 @ 10:21 pm

I’m with SFpitt on this one. What’s going on with all the whining?

I tuned into the blog to see what was up and all I read is bitching.

What is wrong with 12:00 on ABC national TV and $20 million in the bank and being part of the ACC? Life should be good. I do miss “The Garden” for BB though.

UPittbaseball, I have no idea what you are trying to say in any of your above comments.

New subject:
Maybe we start paying off AAU coaches in BB and get some quick fixes before we regroup and hire that hot shot young coach we want.

Dokish, sorry, but I don’t think he knows what he talking about. PITT has a name, facilities, Eastern location, and lots of MONEY!

There are bunch of young aggressive good coaches in the Eastern Metro areas. Where to heck do you think most of them come from?

They would/will climb over each other to take the PITT job. How does PITT get rid of the present situation, I don’t know. I don’t want to wait 6 yrs.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 05.20.16 @ 10:51 pm

Start time of a game for a fan should mean minimal. As stated Steelers start at 1, which is a whole hour later and that’s on Sunday when some have prior day activities to attend. I know most don’t care about OSU/Mich but most years they play at 12pm and living here I can tell you only a few care it starts that early. All people care about is that it’s “The Game” week. Tailgaiting starts by about Wednesday and most are up by 8am to either attend at a friends house or local establishment. Trust me it’s a feeling here, not a one time thing and by reference it’s not just the students it’s the majority of the city. Makes me sick! Unfortunately not because its tOSU, but because I see every week during the season the deep rooted passion a whole city and fanbase have for their team. I want that for Pitt and wonder if it’ll ever be. That folks to me is more important than an OCS. They get the support/ passion and I guarantee we get our OCS. Just my 2 cents and I’m sure some will have a contrarian opinion which you have a right to. Reality is reality though.

Comment by Columbus Panther 05.20.16 @ 10:53 pm

Hey Columbus, I made the same point. But I guess comparing Pitt PSU to OSU Michigan isn’t proof enough that BIG GAMES ARE OFTEN PLAYED AT NOON.
I went to the OSU UM game two years ago after Thanksgiving and the student section was full.

Comment by Sfpitt 05.20.16 @ 11:08 pm

Hated the new units at first but they’re growing on me… Actually, I really like them now!

Love the noon start. 9am on the west coast – wake up and boom! Football!

Comment by Pitt2Cali 05.20.16 @ 11:45 pm

Take a deep breath everyone. If Pitt beats Penn State at noon, instead of at 3:30, it gives you 3 1/2 more hours to celebrate. Our chances for this to happen increased dramatically when Penn State’s best player Christian Hackenburg left early to escape Coach Franklin’s ineptitude. BTW I attended a Pitt Engineering Alumni function at Benedum Hall today where everything was top shelf and on Pitt. I graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1974 and back then I don’t remember them having events like this where the Chivas Regal, shrimp, and crab legs were freely flowing and the Dean says that to get into Pitt Engineering you need an average SAT score of 1400. These are exciting times for Pitt academically and athletically. Just relax….

Comment by Tony in Hampton 05.20.16 @ 11:53 pm

Yes, PITT academics have really risen rather quickly. It’s not just SAT’s. Pitt also wants high grade point average.

Comment by Old Pitt Grad 05.21.16 @ 2:09 am

Just peeked into the Blather because the subject is now our hated rival. For a while there this blog stunk of wet diapers and sounded like an irritated bunch of babies in a daycare center were all wearing them, crying and whining incessantly. Really hard to imagine grown adults actual carryover by on like this over uniforms?? Anyway….

When 3:30 rolls around on September 10th, for all I care, the Pitt football team can be sporting blue & old gold pyjamas as long as the scoreboard shows that the Panthers have at least one more point than the Pedophiles at the final gun. As has been stated, this is a regional rivalry that 3/4 of the country won’t appreciate the importance of, but if Narduzzi is serious about bringing Pitt back to football back to being a true contender, then this OOC game is hugely important to win. Why? It’s all about perception and recruiting.

Comment by Dr. Tom 05.21.16 @ 4:16 am

None of this would matter if we had an on campus stadium.

Comment by Dave 05.21.16 @ 10:44 am

Powered by WordPress © PittBlather.com

Site Meter