Celebrate National Tailgate Day as Pitt Takes on Wofford
Photo courtesy of SportsLogos.Net
By Layla Joseph
Don’t fumble a great excuse to get together on National Tailgating Day, Sept. 2, when the Pitt Panthers take on the Wofford Terriers at 3:30 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium.
The Panthers ended their last season by scoring spot No. 22 on AP Top 25 and an overall season record of 9-4. With nine returning seniors, the team has a good shot of piling on their winning season.
DNA has compiled a list of plays to help you make your tailgating game plan for opening day:
Parking lots for the game will open at 10:30 a.m., five hours before kickoff.
Be on the ball and don’t get benched by checking Pitt’s parking and tailgating policy, and a detailed map by clicking here.
You don’t have to go long for good food. The annual Kickoff and Rib Festival presented by Miller Lite will run over half of Acrisure Stadium with 12 different rib vendors and festival foods provided by Seivers from Aug. 30 to Sept. 4.
Need some new gear to show your Panther pride? Stop by North Shore’s Rally House at 684 W General Robinson St. for all your game day accessories. With scrunchies, shirts, jewelry, joggers, socks and more, get decked out from head to toe and show some school spirit.
If you forgot grilling essentials for the tailgate, make a run to Giant Eagle on Cedar Avenue and get your last-minute items. Bring out your charcoal and the grill to the tailgate but leave the glass containers at home.
If you don’t have a place to park your tailgate, pre-game the kickoff at one of the bars or restaurants neighboring the stadium.
For a local brew, check out Southern Tier Brewing Company for Pittsburgh-inspired beers and seasonal drinks to embrace the upcoming season. The food menu lists classic appetizers with Southern Tier's spin, like their loaded fries with IPA beer cheese, parmesan, ranch, bacon and hot cherry peppers.
Voodoo Brewing Co. is a game changer. This pub shares locally brewed beer that is full of flavor and wrapped in a can with vibrant colors and designs. Grab a glass of your favorite or order a taster and try them all. Fuel up before the game day with fried alligator on the Bayou Po Boy sandwich or, get a vegan burger with roasted red peppers, cucumbers and in-house-made chimichurri.
Tequila Cowboy Bar and Grill opens their doors at 11 a.m. and provides a live and rowdy atmosphere perfect for getting hype before the big game. With jumbo cocktails on their extensive list of drinks, you’re sure to get a game-day buzz. The restaurant serves a variety of food, including the Cowboy Mac and Cheese: cavatappi with a blend of cheeses, bacon and grilled chicken.
The North Shore’s Bar Louie location opens bright and early at 10 a.m., ready to serve hungry Pittsburghers domestic, craft and imported brews alongside wraps, sandwiches and burgers. Their brunch menu includes cinnamon donut holes with a side of chocolate and Knob Creek bourbon caramel sauce. An eggs-cellent avocado toast featuring fresh veggies on sourdough is also available.
Shorty’s Pins x Pints opens its doors at 10 a.m., an hour earlier than normal hours for Pitt and Steelers home games. With open duckpin bowling lanes, pinball machines and table games, Shorty's Pins and Pints is a great place to get in the game while enjoying seasonal alcoholic slushies and appetizers.
For a more laid-back place to dine, Burgatory on the North Shore opens at 11 a.m. and features a variety of shakes, sandwiches and a seasonal sangria. With 12 rotating beers on tap and gluten-free alcohol options in addition to their craft-made cocktails, there is plenty to drink. Snag an All Day Brunch burger in the morning or make your own custom creation, choosing everything from the seasoning, toppings, protein and bun.
