PPG Paints Arena | Pittsburgh

PPG Paints Arena is a state-of-the-art indoor arena located in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It serves as a premier venue for sports, concerts, and various large-scale events, playing a central role in the city’s entertainment and cultural scene.

Location and Opening

Address: 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Opened: August 2010

Owner: Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

Operator: Anschutz Entertainment Group

PPG Paints Arena is situated in the heart of Pittsburgh’s cultural district, close to major attractions such as Point State Park, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum, making it easily accessible and well-integrated into the downtown area.

Purpose and Tenants

The arena is primarily known as the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city’s NHL hockey team. It replaced the former Mellon Arena and offers a modern venue with enhanced amenities for hockey fans. Besides hockey, the arena hosts basketball games, concerts, family shows, and other sporting and entertainment events, making it a versatile facility.

Capacity and Seating

Ice Hockey: Approximately 18,187 seats

Basketball: Around 19,000 seats

Concerts and Events: Variable, between 14,500 and nearly 20,000 seats depending on configuration

The arena features premium seating options including club seats, luxury suites, and loge boxes, providing a range of experiences from casual attendance to VIP hospitality.

Design and Architecture

PPG Paints Arena was designed by the architectural firms Populous, Astorino, and Fukui Architects, and constructed by Hunt Construction Group. It is recognized for its modern, sleek design featuring:

A large glass facade that connects the arena visually with Pittsburgh’s riverfront

Open concourses and clear sightlines ensuring great views from every seat

A sustainable design that earned it LEED Gold certification, making it one of the most environmentally friendly NHL arenas at the time of its opening

Amenities and Technology

The arena prioritizes fan comfort and engagement with a range of amenities:

Wide Seats: Seats up to 24 inches wide with more legroom than typical arenas

HD Technology: Includes a large center-hung scoreboard with high-definition video, multiple LED screens, and over 800 HD televisions distributed around the venue for instant replays and stats

Food and Beverage: Numerous concession stands with a high vendor-to-seat ratio, featuring local Pittsburgh food options alongside classic arena fare

Exclusive Clubs: Upscale clubs and lounges like the Coors Light Igloo Club offering premium food, drink, and views of the city skyline

Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with ramps, elevators, and seating areas for patrons with disabilities

Sustainability

PPG Paints Arena was one of the first NHL arenas to be LEED Gold certified, reflecting its commitment to energy efficiency and environmentally responsible construction and operations. Features include:

Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems reducing operating costs by about 30%

Use of recycled materials in construction

Water conservation and waste reduction programs

Events and Usage

Beyond NHL hockey, the arena hosts:

NCAA basketball tournaments including first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship

Concerts featuring top artists across genres, family shows, and special events

Other sports like arena football in the past and wrestling events

Community and corporate gatherings

Transportation and Access

Located near the Steel Plaza light rail station, allowing easy public transit access

Multiple parking garages and surface lots are available nearby

The arena supports pedestrian flow with wide concourses and well-designed entry and exit points, especially for game days and large events

Importance to Pittsburgh

PPG Paints Arena is a key part of Pittsburgh’s downtown revitalization efforts. It attracts millions of visitors annually, supports local businesses, and serves as a symbol of the city’s commitment to sports and entertainment excellence. Its integration with the cultural district enhances Pittsburgh’s reputation as a vibrant, livable city with rich sporting traditions and cultural offerings.

In summary, PPG Paints Arena is a modern, sustainable, and fan-focused facility that anchors Pittsburgh’s sports and entertainment landscape. It combines advanced technology, comfortable amenities, and a prime location to offer memorable experiences for sports fans, concert-goers, and visitors from across the region.