This was also the final year that Pitt played in Pitt Stadium.
This was on the same day he scored two touchdowns in the final game played at Pitt Stadium.
He had captured the "spirit" after the team's final game at old Pitt Stadium in 1999.
Temporary lighting was installed at Pitt Stadium in 1985, but was made permanent before the 1987 season.
The sports complex was a project that had been in development since the 1999 closure of Pitt Stadium on the university's campus.
The teams played before 56,743 fans, the largest crowd at Pitt Stadium since they drew a record 57,158 nine years ago.
The arena opened in 2002 on part of the former site of Pitt Stadium, which housed the university's football team from 1925-1999.
A video score board that had previous hung in Pitt Stadium is installed also in the lobby.
This enthusiasm for football would also lead to the construction of Pitt Stadium in 1925.
The franchise would move to Pitt Stadium exclusively the following season.