The section known as the Oakland Zoo is composed of the sections across from the team benches and next to the court.
The name comes from Oakland, the neighborhood where Pitt's campus resides.
 The students in the Zoo wear gold T-shirts with the words "Oakland Zoo" in some way, shape or form across the front.
This layout and unity is a large factor in why the Pete is such a tough place to play for opposing teams.
In fact, Pitt has lost only five home non-conference games out of over 120 since the Panthers moved into the Pete in 2002.

In 2006, Sports Illustrated surveyed the Big East Conference's basketball players, and the Pete was named the "Toughest Place to Play," with specific players mentioning the Oakland Zoo and the fans' creativity.
In 2013, the facility was also ranked as having the second best game time environment in the nation by USA Today.

The Petersen Events Center also has received accolades for being the sixth loudest college basketball venue according to ESPN the Magazine, the eighth best overall college basketball venue according to ESPN's Jason King, and among the toughest places for opponents to play in college basketball according to multiple Bleacher Report articles.
The Pitt men's basketball team has also sold out of season tickets since the venue opened.

In 2007 and 2010, "The Pete" hosted first and second-round games of the NCAA Women's Division I Tournament.
The section known as the Oakland Zoo is composed of the sections across from the team benches and next to the court. The name comes from Oakland, the neighborhood where Pitt's campus resides.  The students in the Zoo wear gold T-shirts with the words "Oakland Zoo" in some way, shape or form across the front. This layout and unity is a large factor in why the Pete is such a tough place to play for opposing teams. In fact, Pitt has lost only five home non-conference games out of over 120 since the Panthers moved into the Pete in 2002.
In 2006, Sports Illustrated surveyed the Big East Conference's basketball players, and the Pete was named the "Toughest Place to Play," with specific players mentioning the Oakland Zoo and the fans' creativity. In 2013, the facility was also ranked as having the second best game time environment in the nation by USA Today.
The Petersen Events Center also has received accolades for being the sixth loudest college basketball venue according to ESPN the Magazine, the eighth best overall college basketball venue according to ESPN's Jason King, and among the toughest places for opponents to play in college basketball according to multiple Bleacher Report articles. The Pitt men's basketball team has also sold out of season tickets since the venue opened.
In 2007 and 2010, "The Pete" hosted first and second-round games of the NCAA Women's Division I Tournament.
Petersen Events Center