Finally, the rivalry is back.

For the first time since 2000, Penn State will meet former rival Pittsburgh on the gridiron for a home-and-home series beginning in 2016.

Penn State will travel to Heinz Field on September 10, 2016 and will host the Panthers at Beaver Stadium on September 16, 2017.

From GoPSUsports.com:

“We are very excited about renewing our rivalry with Pitt,” Curley stated. “We have worked our schedules to play some of our neighboring rivalries like Syracuse, Rutgers and Temple and are glad to have identified dates that worked for our schedules to play Pitt. The Penn State-Pitt game was one that football fans across the Commonwealth have been passionate about. There have been many memorable Penn State-Pitt games, featuring outstanding players and coaches, and we look forward to playing the Panthers again. “

The Nittany Lions have met the Panthers more than any other opponent – 96 times – with Penn State owning a 50-42-4 series advantage.

UPDATE (3:21 PM): Penn State-Pitt is trending worldwide on Twitter.

UPDATE (4:49 PM): Pittsburgh Tribune-Review sports columnist Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic) tweets:

Pitt AD Steve Pederson told me schools will work toward playing annually after 2017.

How do you feel about the return of the Penn State-Pitt rivalry?