Where is the Pitt Panther statue?

The Pitt Panther statue is located outside the south gate of the Petersen Events Center, standing atop a mosaic depiction of Pitt Stadium, which was the home of the Pittsburgh Panthers football team from 1925 to 1999. The statue is a notable landmark and a symbol of school spirit, honoring the University of Pittsburgh’s rich athletic history and tradition.

Introduction to the Pitt Panther Statue

The Pitt Panther has been the mascot of the University of Pittsburgh since 1909, and the statue is a popular spot for photos and celebrations, especially after Pitt Panthers games and events.

History of the Pitt Panther

Origins of the Pitt Panther Mascot

The Pitt Panther was adopted as the mascot of the University of Pittsburgh in 1909, due to its historical presence in southwestern Pennsylvania and its reputation as a noble and formidable animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the name of the Pitt Panther mascot? The Pitt Panther mascot is nicknamed “Roc”, in honor of Steve Petro, a former Pittsburgh Panthers football player, assistant coach, and long-time fan.

2. Why was the Pitt Panther chosen as the mascot? The Pitt Panther was chosen as the mascot due to its historical presence in the region, its noble reputation, and the fact that it matched one of the University’s colors.

3. Are there panthers in Pittsburgh? While panthers are no longer found in the wild in Pennsylvania, they once roamed the hills and valleys of Pittsburgh, and Panther Hollow in Schenley Park is named after them.

4. What is the Pitt Panther statue made of? The Pitt Panther statue is made of metal and stands atop a mosaic depiction of Pitt Stadium.

5. How long has the Pitt Panther been the mascot? The Pitt Panther has been the mascot of the University of Pittsburgh for over 100 years, since 1909.

6. What type of panther is the Pitt Panther? The Pitt Panther is a representation of the Felis concolor, also known as the cougar or mountain lion.

7. Is the Pitt Panther a real panther? The Pitt Panther is a symbolic representation of a panther, rather than a real animal.

8. Can I take a photo with the Pitt Panther statue? Yes, the Pitt Panther statue is a popular spot for photos, especially after Pitt Panthers games and events.

9. Is the Pitt Panther statue located on campus? Yes, the Pitt Panther statue is located outside the south gate of the Petersen Events Center, which is on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

10. What is the significance of the Pitt Panther statue? The Pitt Panther statue is a symbol of school spirit and a representation of the University’s rich athletic history and tradition.

11. Can I visit the Pitt Panther statue at any time? Yes, the Pitt Panther statue is accessible to the public and can be visited at any time.

12. Is the Pitt Panther statue related to the Carolina Panthers? No, the Pitt Panther and the Carolina Panthers are two separate entities, with the Pitt Panther being the mascot of the University of Pittsburgh and the Carolina Panthers being a professional football team.

13. How big is the Pitt Panther statue? The size of the Pitt Panther statue is not publicly disclosed, but it is a notable landmark and a popular spot for photos.

14. Is the Pitt Panther statue a recent addition to the campus? No, the Pitt Panther statue has been a part of the University of Pittsburgh campus for many years, although the exact date of its installation is not publicly disclosed.

15. **What is the *University of Pittsburgh* ranked?** The University of Pittsburgh is ranked #67 out of 439 National Universities, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 Best National Universities rankings.