Panthers Basketball Tickets

Pittsburgh Panthers And Doc Carlson

The Pittsburgh Panthers basketball program began in 1905, sputtered and stopped in 1909, then was resurrected once more in 1911. After ten years of decent play, the program was ready for national excellence. Enter: Doc Carlson. Henry Clifford “Doc” Carlson (really an MD by the way) came to the Pittsburgh program in 1922 and brought with him fame and innovation. Doc’s innovation began with various conditioning experiments such as pure oxygen on the bench. He then created the “Figure-8” offense, which uses many cuts and give-and-go type passes. But his most innovative strategy may have been creating a “national schedule” for his team. Doc would bring his team on Midwestern road trips to play against many of the teams in today’s Big 10 conference. It all seemed to work for Doc as his team became pre-tournament era champions in 1928 and 1930, as well as conference champions numerous times. Later in his 30-year coaching career, he’d lead the Panthers to the 1941 Final Four. It was also in the Doc Carlson Era that Pittsburgh played and beat Fordham in the first ever televised basketball game on February 28, 1940. Since his departure, The Panthers have soldiered on in much the same fashion. Though, similar to the Doc Carlson Era, they have still yet to win the NCAA Tournament Championship. However, this in no way reflects poorly on the school. There have been multiple NCAA tourney appearances with a few Sweet Sixteen appearances and an Elite Eight showing. This year, The Pittsburgh Panthers return with the taste of NCAA Tournament still on their taste buds. Last year’s Conference Championship, combined with a disappointing loss to Michigan State University in the NCAA second round, should be all the fuel they need to propel them to greatness this year. If this is their year to be, wouldn’t you want to be part of it? If you do, it’s really quite simple. Order you Pittsburgh Panthers basketball tickets through our secure server or call 866.848.8499 for additional help.