The Backyard Brawl returns Thursday after an 11-year hiatus.

The rivalry football game between Pitt and West Virginia will take place at Acrisure Stadium.

>>> The Backyard Brawl through the eyes of some who participated in it

The University of Pittsburgh released the following information for fans attending the game:

Weeknight Game Will Bring Increased Traffic, Parking Information

Fans should expect to see heavy delays due to rush hour traffic on 279, 579, and route 65, as well as on streets in and around the North Shore due to the start time of Thursday’s game. Fans are asked to plan in advance and arrive several hours prior to kickoff to avoid rush hour and minimize delays. It is suggested that drivers who are not going to the game but normally travel past Acrisure Stadium or the North Shore identify an alternate route to avoid rush hour back-ups. All fans should visit https://acrisurestadium.com/stadium/parking-directions/ to make their travel and parking gameplan.

Parking lots for Thursday’s game will open 5 hours before kickoff at 2 p.m. Pre-purchased parking is lot specific. Fans still looking for parking options for Thursday’s game can purchase parking by visiting SPOT HERO. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early. Parking options are expected to be severely limited for fans who do not already have parking passes secured for Thursday’s game.

According to a release on Wednesday afternoon from Pitt Athletics, North Shore parking availability is now sold out. Downtown parking and public transit options for spectators are still available. Click here for more information.

Presently, the Roberto Clemente Bridge (6th street) is closed for refurbishment. Fans that typically navigate the Roberto Clemente Bridge will need to find an alternate route. This lane reduction could cause delays in the area, especially during the postgame commute from Acrisure Stadium. Fans can track construction and get real-time traffic updates on the WAZE app.

Cashless

Acrisure Stadium’s concession stands and retail points of sale are completely cashless. In addition to traditional scan and chip reader options for credit/debit cards, all fixed points of sale offer mobile tap or scan payment options, including Chiefs Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. In-stadium hawkers and vendors are credit card only.

Safety and Security

Acrisure Stadium has a clear bag policy in place for all events. Fans can visit https://acrisurestadium.com/guest-services/clear-bag-policy/ for important information on the clear bag policy and a complete list of permitted and prohibited items. Although the clear bag policy is in place, guests are encouraged to avoid bringing a bag into the stadium, if at all possible, to expedite their entry process.

If guests have questions or need assistance, including with accessible services, they can contact Acrisure Stadium Guest Service at (412) 697-7150 (ext. 4) or by email at guestservices@acrisurestadium.com. Beginning at 2 p.m. on event day, guests can also text PITT33 with location and issue to 69050.

Stadium Gates and Mobile Entry

All Acrisure Stadium gates will open at 4:30 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. kickoff. Students are only permitted to enter at Gate C located on the west side of the complex. All Student Tickets will receive a wristband for access into the lower-level or upper-level student sections on a first come, first served basis. All fans are reminded to arrive early and arrive prepared by accessing their mobile tickets in advance of the event and adding them to their mobile wallet for expedited entry. For more information on mobile ticketing visit https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/2019/8/14/mobile-app.aspx#tickets

Art Rooney Avenue – Acrisure Stadium Kickoff and RibFest

Art Rooney Avenue, located in Lot M on the east side of the stadium, will host the 2022 Acrisure Stadium Kickoff and Rib Festival presented by Miller Lite. This free festival will feature five days of football, the best ribs in the country and FREE live music to celebrate the kickoff of football in Western Pennsylvania. Fans are encouraged to stop by before entering the stadium for the Backyard Brawl presented by Hope Gas. Art Rooney Avenue will be open at 12 p.m. on Thursday.

Guest Services

If guests have questions or need assistance, including with accessible services, they can contact Acrisure Stadium Guest Service at (412) 697-7150 (ext. 4) or by email at guestservices@acrisurestadium.com. Beginning at 2 p.m. on event day, guests can also text PITT33 with location and issue to 69050.

Timeline for Thursday, September 1

• 12 p.m. – Acrisure Stadium RibFest Open

• 2 p.m. – Parking Gates Open

• 4:30 p.m. – All Stadium Gates Open

• 6:47 p.m. – The Pitt Band Enters the Field

• 6:58 p.m. – National Anthem and Flyover

• 7:02 p.m. – Coin Toss

• 7:05 p.m. – Kickoff

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