Posted on June 14th, 2009 by panther

Heinz Field

400 Art Rooney Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

In Heinz Field, the Pittsburgh Panthers have one of the finest football stadiums in the country to call home.

• Situated just north of Pittsburgh’s Point State Park, the horseshoe shaped stadium seats 65,000 people and provides a stunning view of the city’s breathtaking skyline and three rivers. Among its amenities are 122 luxury suites.
• Heinz Field has a grass surface that stretches over two acres. One of the interesting features of Heinz’s grass field is its underground heating system. The heating system (24 heat sensors monitor temperature) is activated when the root zone (surface below sod) drops below 60 degrees. Approximately 35 miles of tubing runs in loops underneath the field. This aids in maintenance and growth.
• The Coca-Cola Great Hall is a 40,000-square feet showpiece for Western Pennsylvania football, both past and present. It features memorabilia, interactive display columns and huge murals depicting the rich history of football in the region and at the University of Pittsburgh.
• The Panthers have their own expansive, private locker area at Heinz, the Duratz Locker Room. The plush dressing area spans nearly 5000 square feet and has custom-made oak lockers for 125 players.
• The sightlines for fans are tremendous. On the sidelines, the field is just 60 feet away from the first row of seats. In the end zones, the distance is just 25 feet.
• Hungry? No problem. There are 32 concession stands at Heinz Field. Additionally, there are seven team stores and 15 novelty stands to pick up your favorite Pittsburgh football gear.
• There are over 400 television sets in Heinz Field and two video walls. The scoreboard video display measures 48 feet by 27 feet at a minimum. It has a 96-feet by 27-feet expansion capability.

Heinz Field “Firsts”

The University of Pittsburgh holds the distinction of playing the very first official football game at Heinz Field. The following lists the stadium’s “firsts,” all achieved by the Panthers.

Official Game: Sept. 1, 2001, Pittsburgh 31 East Tennessee State 0

Touchdown: David Priestley, 85-yard run, 8:38 of the first quarter

Passing Touchdown: R.J. English catches a 12-yard pass from David Priestley, 9:07 of the third quarter

Field Goal: Nick Lotz, 20-yard field goal, 2:02 of the fourth quarter

Interception: Ramon Walker, 9:55 of the second quarter, returned 18 yards

Quarterback Sack: Amir Purifoy sacks Matt Wilhjelm for loss of five yards, 6:43 of the second quarter

Source: PittPanthers.com