Pitt Athletic Director Allen Greene this week announced that beginning with the 2026 season, the upper east and west sides of Acrisure Stadium will be off-line for Pitt Football games, adjusting the capacity to 51,416, down from 68,400.

In the announcement posted on the Pitt Athletics website, Greene, who has been in the job for 15 months, said, “One of the most consistent pieces of feedback I’ve received has been about the game day atmosphere at Acrisure Stadium. You’ve told me you want a better home field advantage, one that ignites our team, and reflects your passion for Pitt Football.”

The move to limit seating at the stadium during Pitt home games came after the administrative team spent last season observing “every aspect of the game day experience and identified key enhancements for 2026. Our goal is clear: transform Pitt Football into a must-attend event, not just another game on the schedule.”

The north end zone upper deck will still be open, and student seating stays at 10,000 seats per game, preserving the Panther Pitt.

The Tribune-Review reported that average attendance for Pitt’s seven home games in 2025 was 51,845. It also noted that Acrisure Stadium with 68,500 seats ranks second in the ACC behind Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, which seats 81,500. At the new capacity, the Panthers will rank 10th in the conference in available seats.

The announcement corresponded with the launch of football season ticket sales on Jan. 28. Existing upper-level season ticket holders will have priority access to lower-level inventory that is currently available at comparable prices to their existing seats.

“This approach will deliver a more intimate, electric game day experience for our fans and an incredible atmosphere for our student-athletes to compete in,” Greene said. “We're excited to roll out additional fan experience initiatives as the 2026 season approaches that will make the North Shore and Acrisure Stadium the place to be for college football in the fall.”

Greene also said that he and his team will be working this semester to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the future of Pitt Athletics.

He also urged Pitt fans to keep in touch with him. “When you see me at a game or in the community, feel free to stop me and let me know how we’re doing. You can also email me your feedback at athleticdirector@athletics.pitt.edu and we will follow up.”