Commemorative Shirts for the Storied Backyard Brawl Rivalry Renewed in 2022

The History and Tradition of the Backyard Brawl

The Backyard Brawl is one of college football's most storied rivalries, pitting the Pitt Panthers against the West Virginia Mountaineers each year. With the rivalry stretching back to 1895, generations of fans await the latest edition of the Brawl with great anticipation.

The name "Backyard Brawl" comes from the proximity of the two campuses, with only 75 miles separating Pittsburgh from Morgantown. The closeness breeds a special contempt, with each fanbase eagerly awaiting their chance to claim bragging rights each year.

The Iconic Pitt Stadium

For decades, the Backyard Brawl was contested at the iconic Pitt Stadium, an on-campus venue that encapsulated the intensity of the rivalry. From 1929 through 1999, fans packed the stands to cheer on their team against their most hated rival.

Though now demolished, Pitt Stadium lives on in Brawl lore. Epic games like Pitt's last-minute 15-13 win in 1997 or the 52-48 3OT thriller in 1989 keep the Stadium's legacy alive for Panther and Mountaineer fans alike.

Annual Bragging Rights

With such a lengthy history between the schools, the Backyard Brawl often determines year-long bragging rights. Wins provide an entire year of ammunition for trash talk and send the losing fans into hibernation.

Recent years have seen a particular uptick in rivalry hype, with the game making a welcome return in 2022 after a 10-year hiatus. The Panthers emerged with a 38-31 victory, signaling Pitt as the current Brawl conquerors.

Backyard Brawl 2022 Shirts Memorabilia

The return of the Backyard Brawl in 2022 came with great fanfare, marked by impressive game day atmospheres and commemorative shirts from both Pitt and WVU.

Unique Designs

Both Pitt and West Virginia rolled out specialty shirts to celebrate the Brawl's triumphant return. These shirts usually feature unique designs that play on the rivalry's "backyard" theme.

Previous designs have included maps with each school's campus serving as opposing backyards or homes. Other popular motifs are the contrasting blue and gold vs. blue and yellow color schemes.

Snagging Your Shirt

The specialty Brawl shirts remain in high demand well after the final whistle. Fans who snag one gain a wearable symbol of their school pride and a memorabilia keepsake.

For Pitt fans, the 2022 Brawl victory shirts add a little extra sweetness. These shirts forever commemorate the Panthers' conquest in the latest iteration of this storied rivalry.

Where To Buy

The best places to buy official Backyard Brawl t-shirts are the campus bookstores in Pittsburgh and Morgantown. These stores typically have the largest inventory of that year's unique Brawl shirt designs.

However, fans who can't make it to Pitt or WVU can also find Brawl shirts online. Major college apparel retailers like Fanatics often sell the iconic shirts long after the final whistle.

The Future of the Backyard Brawl

With the rivalry renewed after a 10-year break, the Backyard Brawl shows no signs of losing steam. If anything, the latest game in 2022 only stoked the competitive flames brighter.

Increased National Prominence

The national TV spotlight will shine on the Brawl in upcoming years as well. ESPN has already slotted Pitt vs. WVU as a featured early-season matchup through 2025.

This coverage will introduce the next generation of fans to the bitter feud. Many regional rivalries have lost traction, but the Brawl still captivates communities across Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Year 116 Approaches

As the calendar turns to 2023, fans can circle another tantalizing Backyard Brawl on the schedule. The 2023 edition will mark the 116th meeting, adding another memory to one of college football's epic rivalries.

If the last meeting's intensity persists, fans may need to carve out room on their apparel shelves for another set of Brawl victory shirts. Whether blue and gold or blue and yellow, the iconic shirts let everyone know who conquered the Backyard Brawl.

FAQs

Where can I buy the official Backyard Brawl 2022 shirts?

The best places to buy the official shirts are the campus bookstores at the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University. These stores have the largest inventory of the unique Brawl shirt designs made specially for that year's game. Major online college apparel retailers like Fanatics also sell the iconic Brawl shirts after the game.

What's special about the 2022 Brawl shirts?

The 2022 shirts marked the rivalry's return after a 10-year hiatus. Both Pitt and WVU created unique shirt designs playing off the "Backyard Brawl" theme and contrasting school colors. The shirts commemorate Pitt's 38-31 win in the 2022 edition.

When did the Backyard Brawl rivalry begin?

The Backyard Brawl dates back to 1895 when Pitt and West Virginia first met in football. The schools' campuses are separated by only 75 miles, breeding a special contempt between the fan bases. Generations of fans circle the annual game to claim bragging rights.

Will the Backyard Brawl continue after 2022?

Yes, ESPN has slotted Pitt vs. West Virginia as a featured early season matchup all the way through 2025. This national TV spotlight will expose new fans to the rivalry. The 2023 Brawl will mark the 116th meeting between these bitter foes.