Overflowing with school spirit and unity, Sacred Heart University students "Packed the Pitt" this past Saturday, Jan. 21 at the William H. Pitt Center. Despite the snow, the event was all it promised to be. The Pitt was packed.

Upon entering, students were handed either a red cup stuffed  with a mesh Sacred Heart "Pioneer Fever" pinnie, a Pioneer t-shirt, or other giveaways.

Raffle tickets were sold, entering those who attended a chance to win Wiz Khalifa tickets and a $2,500 Disney trip. 

Both men and women's basketball teams played against NEC rival, Central Connecticut State University. Students, family members, and friends came to support the Pioneers in two extraordinarily close games, both of which the Pioneers won. 

The cheerleaders and band pumped up the crowd.

"This was the greatest turn out I have ever seen at a men's or women's basketball game," said member of the Sacred Heart Band, Victoria Catherall.

The dance team performed to a medley of songs, including  "Oh Baby, Give Me One More Chance," by the Jackson 5 and "Diva," by Beyoncé. 

During halftime, students were grabbed from the crowd and asked to participate in a game of musical chairs and limbo contest. Two fans participated in a game called the "hot shot challenge." In this race-against-the-clock game, two audience members had to go to a designated spot on their half of the court and make the maximum amount of baskets.

"Student Government  has  been working very hard to ensure that it will be a success," said Vice President of Senate, Katie Gallagher.

Throughout the basketball game, the cheerleaders threw t-shirts to the fans. The spectators also participated in fun dances such as the YMCA. Student Government also made sure that there were other challenges and games in order for the audience to get even more involved and supportive of their teams. 

"It was an awesome event because we were concerned with the snow that it wouldn't really be ‘Pack the Pitt," said Mia James, student government president. "But the stands were packed for both games. Seeing that made me really proud of the student body for their spirit and pride."