Pitt Announces 2024 Kickoff Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Palko started three seasons at Pitt from 2004-06, completing 645-of-1,075 pass attempts for 8,343 yards with 66 touchdowns and 25 interceptions — adding 12 more rushing touchdowns. He is top five in program history in career passing yards and pass touchdowns.

Palko went undrafted in the 2007 NFL Draft but spent time with Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs (and New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals practice squad), along with the California Redwoods in the UFL and the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL.

Pitt is holding the 2024 Kickoff Luncheon on Aug. 23 at the UPMC Club in Acrisure Stadium. It’s a change from the last couple of years as the annual event has been held at the Westin in downtown Pittsburgh. The event is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Parking for the Kickoff Luncheon will be available at the Gold 1 Garage near Acrisure Stadium and attire is business casual.

Single tickets cost $65, a table of 10 costs $600 and a table with a Pitt head costs $850. Tickets can be purchased here.

The event is the first chance to get a look at the Pitt football program, with Pat Narduzzi showcasing the senior class and naming the team captains for the upcoming season. And it’s an opportunity to listen to the keynote speaker, who will be a key figure around Pitt and the football program.

The 2024 senior class currently includes:

• Daniel Carter, running back
• Nate Temple, defensive end
• Brandon George, linebacker
• Jason Collier Jr., offensive line
• Bam Brima, defensive end
• Ryan Jacoby, offensive line
• Donovan McMillon, safety
• P.J. O’Brien Jr., safety
• Rodney Hammond Jr., running back
• Konata Mumpfield, wide receiver
• Gavin Bartholomew, tight end
• Rashad Battle, cornerback
• Tamon Lynum, cornerback
• Luke DelGaudio, linebacker
• Will King, defensive lineman
• Matt Altsman, offensive line
• Branson Taylor, offensive line
• Jake McConnachie, wide receiver
• Jake Overman, tight end
• Ben Sauls, kicker
• Cam Guess, punter
• Nate Matlack, defensive end