Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Hokies will face off against the Pitt Panthers on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. ET, bringing yet another exciting evening of action to Lane Stadium on primetime television. Tech football enters their second ACC matchup of the regular season with unprecedented momentum spurned from four straight consecutive victories to open the year for the first time since the 2017 season.
While the Friday night lights of Lane Stadium are poised to bring unparalleled experiences to Tech football’s contest against Pitt, weekday matchups introduce a different schedule than typical gamedays that fans must be aware of. Read below to look at the Five Things to Know for this week’s can’t-miss matchup in Blacksburg.
Gameday Parking – Weekday games at Lane Stadium bring a few game day adjustments — and none are more important to know than the changes to parking in Blacksburg. Be sure to review the Lane Stadium Parking Information landing page for all the details you need to know before heading to the game.
Key Parking & Gameday Times:
- Noon: Beamer Way closes
- Noon: Lots 1–5 open to football parking pass holders (Lot 1 parking pass holders must enter through Washington St.)
- 3 p.m.: All other parking lots open to football parking pass holders
Stripe Effect – The third of five Effect games will take place on Friday night, as Hokie fans are encouraged to participate in Stripe Effect throughout Lane Stadium. Color assignments based on seating locations can be found on the Stripe Effect landing page, while students in the student section should wear orange on gameday. Don’t forget to wear your corresponding color to stripe Lane this Friday!
Lighting Up Lane on Primetime - Friday's ESPN primetime matchup between the Hokies and the Panthers will be yet another look into the audio, visual and LED light enhancements introduced to Lane Stadium this offseason. However, fans won’t want to miss upgrades featured exclusively at this week’s matchup.
Partners CrowdSync, The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets 2BN, and the Army ROTC Cadets are proud to introduce railing lights to Lane Stadium on Friday, giving over 65,000 fans an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the action. Additionally, fireworks from the Pyro Shows team will also be launched at the game’s most thrilling moments on Friday to give an already-thrilling evening that much more excitement.
Pregame Moments and In-Game Celebrations – Friday's contest features can’t-miss thrills that take place both outside and during the four quarters of action against the Pitt Panthers.
Prior to kickoff in Lane Stadium, Hokie Village will make yet another appearance on the turf field along Beamer Way, bringing food tricks, live music and a can’t-miss Coca-Cola samples booth to fans in Blacksburg. The gates for the event will open at 1 p.m. and close at 6:15 p.m. ET.
Adding to the excitement, ESPN’s Bussin’ & Pate On Campus will broadcast in person from Hokie Village from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. Fans are encouraged to stop by, take in the pregame atmosphere and catch the live broadcast, featuring Head Coach James Franklin, before heading into Lane Stadium. Additionally, don’t miss out on your chance to snag team autographs from Virginia Tech Women’s Soccer (4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Lacrosse (5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) and Women’s Basketball (5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) at Hokie Village on Friday!
You won't want to miss Enter Sandman - plan to enter Lane Stadium when gates open at 5 p.m. so you're seated with plenty of time to see the team take the field.
Virginia Tech students and Cadets in the Army ROTC program will commit to serving through the U.S. Army Cadet Contracting Ceremony, where students will take their oath live in front of Hokie Nation. Additionally, be sure to welcome the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees to Worsham Field at halftime as they are celebrated for the athletic accomplishments. For a full list of inductees, visit the landing page.
Gameday Timeline – Review the full gameday timeline to make the most of your Virginia Tech Gameday Experience.