Hundreds of Pitt fans celebrate ACC championship peacefully in Pittsburgh

Hundreds of University of Pittsburgh Panthers football fans gathered in Oakland on Saturday night into Sunday morning to celebrate the team’s ACC victory.

They first gathered at Forbes and Oakland avenues to cheer and sing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” The group, many wearing blue-and-gold garb, then walked along Forbes to the Cathedral of Learning, where they were met by a celebratory light shining skyward from the 42-story rooftop.

Pitt topped Wake Forest, 45-21, in the ACC championship game played Saturday night in Charlotte, N.C., before a crowd of 57,856 at Bank of America Stadium.

Sweet dreams to the newest ACC Champions. ✨ The Cathedral will be shining for you when you return! To our Panthers celebrating, please do so responsibly. #H2P

???? four_one_two on Instagram pic.twitter.com/2DUIA8oj7C

— University of Pittsburgh (@PittTweet) December 5, 2021

Revelers back home were largely peaceful, said Amanda Mueller, Pittsburgh Public Safety deputy public information officer.

“While the celebrations saw large numbers, it was a peaceful night,” she said. “At its peak, a large crowd moved from Oakland to Heinz Field but dwindled to about 150 and then dispersed.”

Pittsburgh Police were prepared for the expected increased crowds in Oakland and on East Carson Street in the city’s South Side, regardless of the game’s outcome.

Officials instituted a “zero tolerance” policy for lawlessness, such as property damage, violence and impaired driving.

Pittsburgh Police were joined by Pennsylvania State Police and university officers while Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and EMS had extra crews out, Mueller said.

University officials had asked fans to celebrate responsibly after the victory.

Thank you, Pittsburgh!! #H2P https://t.co/A4117Ay7UW

— Kenny Pickett (@kennypickett10) December 5, 2021

We LOVE this!@Pittsburgh ???? @kennypickett10 #H2P pic.twitter.com/SVPk4XuWBj

— Pitt Athletics (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) December 5, 2021