04/03/2026
Some people saw buildings. Mike Sittner always saw possibility.
Mike arrived at Pittsburg State in 1974 to play football. It was his passion. That same August, he took his first job at Mother’s, a bar off 7th Street. By 1975, he was working at Hollywood’s, beginning a journey that would leave a lasting mark on Pittsburg.
From Hollywood’s and Hollywood’s 21, to Pyramid Pizza, University Studios, and ultimately helping bring 505 — in the old Woolworth’s building — to life, Mike has always believed that the future of Pittsburg was downtown.
Long before “downtown revitalization” became a phrase, Mike was investing in it, believing in it, and building it.
The Hollywoods buildings held plenty of stories. One of Mike’s favorites was December 1991, when he was flying home from Florence, Alabama after the Gorillas won the National Championship game, wondering where the celebration would be. When he arrived back at Hollywood’s, Coach and Helen Broyles were already there waiting. Mike always said it was one of his best memories. Thankfully, he had stocked up on plenty of champagne, and “We Are the Champions” played all night long.
Seeing the old buildings come down is emotional because they hold so many memories — late nights, friendships, hard work, celebrations, and lots of stories. But Mike’s vision has always been bigger than one building. His belief has always been in Pittsburg itself and what it can become.
The buildings may be gone, but the impact, memories, and legacy remain.
Michael SittnerCole MurrinPittsburg State AthleticsPitt505BarTyrell Forte EverettBobby TavernaroChristopher CullisonThomas BeebeJon BartlowBrad WattsEmily Lukens McCoyJennifer Ortolani TavernaroDuke PalmerGene WayenbergDavid Redx Cross
