Imagine the disappointment Darryl Turner and Deidre Newkirk felt last week after receiving the bad news from their son, Pitt wide receiver D.J. Turner:
No spectators allowed inside Heinz Field.
Imagine how they feel now.
Those virtual days of watching football may be over for the families of Pitt players after Gov. Tom Wolf and state health officials lifted restrictions Tuesday and will allow up to 7,500 people inside Heinz Field for Pitt’s last two home games. Players’ parents and donors are expected to get first priority.
Encouraged by speculation that the pandemic-created ban would be lifted, Turner’s parents traveled four hours and 250 miles from their home in Glenarden, Md., hoping to watch D.J. play against N.C. State last Saturday. They arrived Thursday, but didn’t get word until Friday.
“They were expecting to be at the game and then had to watch it from my (Oakland) apartment,” D.J. Turner said.
With the next home game scheduled for Oct. 24 against Notre Dame, Pitt officials have not revealed their specific plans. Director of athletics Heather Lyke said in a statement, “After we receive additional consultation from Allegheny County and university officials, we will look forward to communicating our attendance plans for Pitt football at Heinz Field very soon.”
The families have waited — some not so patiently — through the first four games of the season.
“My mom calls me every weekend,” Pitt senior guard Bryce Hargrove said, “asking if we’re going to have fans. I finally get to tell her ‘yes.’ ”
Turner said the players were starting to get accustomed to playing in an empty stadium that can seat 68,400. But it was no fun for their parents, many of whom come to town for the entire weekend.
“I know our parents are excited to be there,” he said. “They’re tired watching from the TV screen. We’re excited to have them.”
Having his parents at his games is special for Turner, who transferred from Maryland after the Big Ten postponed the start of its football season.
“There was a time when I didn’t think I was going to be able to play this season,” he said.
Sophomore linebacker SirVocea Dennis added, “That will be a joy. My mom hasn’t seen me play in a while. We can’t wait.”
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