Arrived at Heinz Field around 5:00. Would have been here a little sooner, but I was cut off by the procession of police-escorted busses taking UConn to the game. No biggie. Got a freebie as I was walking to the stadium, a Geico visor featuring a patch of the famous caveman from their commercials. I'll never wear it in a million years. But I took it anyway. Lots of tailgaiting and pretty good atmosphere surrounding the stadium. Don't know how many of those folks had tickets, but if it's any indication there might be 40,000 for the game tonight.

Security getting up to the press box is a little, uh, tight. Most stadiums take a peek inside your bag, tag it, and send you on your way. Not here. Had to take out my lap top and turn it on. Had to turn on my cell phone, then punch a few keys. Thought that was it, but I was ordered to return to get patted down by an 18-year old security guard. I put my foot down at the stool sample, however.

Took a walk down to field level to get a glimpse of the stadium and the surroundings. It's a natural grass field. Didn't think they existed any more. Field looks to be in good shape. Tony Ciaravino and Dave Teggart were blasting field goals, with some Pitt students heckling from the stands behind the uprights. Also watched Dave Wannestedt shake hands and pose for photos with seemingly every one of the 2,000 recruits and their families on the sidelines. I can't picture Randy Edsall doing this 50 minutes before gametime. Maybe I'm wrong. Also saw Pitt alum, former NFLer and broadcasting disaster Tony Siragusa milling around on the field. And for all the security getting into the press box, I mistakenly wandered into the Pitt locker room trying to find my way back through the maze beneath the stadium. Got myself out of there in a hurry, but had to laugh at the irony. Endure a full body cavity search to get up to the press box, but the locker room is open to all. Nice job.

We're about 20 minutes from kickoff. Enjoy the game.