Hey, Panther Nation!
It’s been a busy 15 months since I became your Athletic Director, and I’ve loved hearing from everyone involved in Pitt Athletics—our student-athletes, coaches, fans, and donors. One thing is clear: college sports are transforming rapidly. Changes like revenue sharing, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), and new NCAA rules are reshaping how we operate.
While much of our work may not be immediately visible, it has been crucial. We’ve revamped our leadership team to meet these new challenges. This includes hiring talented individuals to improve our operations, boost revenue, and enhance our connections with supporters. We’re also ramping up our capabilities in areas like NIL operations, data analysis, and multimedia storytelling. Most importantly, all decisions we make focus on our student-athletes and how to help them excel.
Creating an outstanding fan experience is a top priority. Many of you have shared your thoughts on improving the game day atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium. You want a vibrant environment that energizes our team and reflects your passion for Pitt Football.
Over last season, we examined every detail of the game day experience. Our aim is to make Pitt Football a must-see event. Starting in the 2026 season, we’ll be making some changes. The upper sections of Acrisure Stadium will be closed for games, bringing capacity down to 51,416. But don’t worry; student seating remains unchanged at 10,000, keeping the Panther Pitt as the heart of our stadium.
Current upper-level season ticket holders will get priority access to lower-level seats at similar prices. This shift is designed to create a more intimate and electric game day experience, both for our fans and our athletes.
This change is just one part of a larger vision. We’re rolling out a detailed strategic plan for Pitt Athletics this spring. This plan will guide us into the 2026-27 season and beyond, covering every area of our department to secure sustained success.
Our strategic plan will focus on:
- Student-Athlete Experience: We place our student-athletes at the center of our efforts. From life skills training to academic support, we’re dedicated to helping them thrive, both in sports and in life.
- Competitive Excellence: Our football and men’s basketball programs are critical. We’re working hard to ensure these teams have all the resources they need to succeed, including staying ahead in the evolving landscape of college athletics.
- Engagement and Brand Management: We’re developing content that tells the inspiring stories of our student-athletes, connecting fans to Pitt Athletics like never before.
- Revenue Generation: We’re enhancing our partnerships with donors and exploring new ways to maximize revenue across all programs to maintain our competitive edge.
- Operational Excellence: We aim for smart financial decisions, ensuring long-term health for our department.
All these efforts take teamwork. Your support is vital. When you invest in Pitt Athletics, you’re part of something meaningful. You contribute to unforgettable moments, both on game days and in shaping future leaders for our community.
For local businesses, now is an excellent opportunity to brand alongside Pitt Athletics. Our teams and student-athletes can help you connect with dedicated fans and a proud community. When Pitt thrives, so does Pittsburgh.
I want to hear from you. Feel free to approach me at games or in the community. You can also reach out via email at athleticdirector@athletics.pitt.edu. Your feedback is essential as we aim for excellence.
I’m excited about our direction. Our student-athletes and team are committed to making you proud. With your support, we can create something truly exceptional here at Pitt.
Let’s build this together!
Hail to Pitt!
Allen Greene
Director of Athletics
