Reading Pitt fans opine on how Pitt should have renovated Pitt stadium and reduced it in size to 40 - 45K seating capacity. I realize that there are a number well meaning Pitt fans who think this is the way to go. I strongly disagree. Historically Pitt has had the commuter school mentality for much of its history. But as that dynamic continues to change, students are going to associate themselves with the university more so today than in the past. The alumni networks will only get stronger, and over the long term it will solidify a consistent core fanbase to help fill the stadium. On top of that, the T-shirt fans will come to watch Pitt play as the program improves itself and plays a decent quantity of quality schools on a regular basis.

Ideally, I think a refurbished Pitt stadium that would have kept the 55K seating capacity with the ability to expand to 60K would have been ideal for Pitt. But what is done is done, and Heinz can still be an excellent stadium for Pitt over the long term.

The estimate to renovate Pitt Stadium was $100 million back in the late 90s.

Pitt was wise to spend the money on the South Side practice facility and let the State/County/City pick up the tab for Heinz Field.

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