PPG Paints Arena Information
The PPG Paints Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena venue in Pittsburgh. It serves as the current home of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and was previously the home of the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League from 2011 to 2014. The arena first opened to the public before the start of the 2010-11 NHL season and was built to replace Civic Arena, which had been originally built in 1961.
The first thing you will notice about the PPG Paints Arena is its status as a widely recognized hub for unforgettable entertainment experiences in downtown Pittsburgh. Expect cutting-edge technology and exceptional guest services from a venue that combines modern amenities with convenient access. As a start, you’ll find world-class acoustics, diverse food and beverage options, and comfortable seating arrangements that accommodate over 18,000 guests for various events.
This arena serves as home to the Pittsburgh Penguins while also hosting major concerts, family shows, and sporting events. You can enjoy premium club spaces, multiple concession levels, and accessible facilities designed to enhance every visitor’s experience. The venue’s commitment to guest satisfaction shows in every detail, so you can expect attentive staff, spotless facilities, and continuous improvements to your entertainment experience season after season.
About the PPG Paints Arena
The arena has established itself as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s entertainment landscape through exceptional facilities and diverse programming. For one, the PPG Paints Arena ranks among the top 10 busiest arenas in the world according to industry publications, regularly hosting sold-out performances by international superstars and sporting greats.
Thanks to a design that prioritizes fan comfort and engagement, the venue consistently receives praise for its sight lines, sound quality, and overall guest experience. Industry professionals recognize the facility for its technical capabilities, including advanced lighting systems and high-definition video displays that make patrons feel a part of the action, no matter where they sit. It’s no surprise that you can expect the same level of production quality here that you might find at premier venues in major markets like New York or Los Angeles, and you don’t even have to leave Pittsburgh to experience it.
Modern Arena Amenities
This popular sports and concert venue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offers extensive amenities designed to enhance your visit from arrival to departure. For example, you’ll find multiple ATM locations, ensuring convenient access to cash when you need it. The facility also provides complimentary Wi-Fi access for guests, allowing everyone to share their experiences on social media or easily stay connected with a group during crowded events.
Guest services desks are strategically positioned to assist you with questions or concerns before or during events, keeping everyone safe and informed. You can locate family restrooms, nursing stations, and first aid facilities throughout the venue, as well as wheelchair-accessible seating areas, elevators, and companion seating options.
The Types of Events You Can See
This concert venue hosts an impressive variety of entertainment options throughout the year. You’ll find opportunities to attend NHL hockey games, major concert tours, family-friendly shows, and competitive events. It regularly welcomes touring Broadway productions, comedy shows, and special gatherings that appeal to the diverse audiences that come to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The arena’s versatility allows it to transform from a hockey rink to a concert hall or boxing venue within hours. You might attend a Penguins game one night and return days later for a completely different entertainment experience that is just as exciting. As such, the venue maintains a robust event schedule, keeping Pittsburgh’s entertainment calendar vibrant all year long.
The Venue’s History and Its Influence on the Pittsburgh Entertainment Scene
The story behind the PPG Paints Arena reflects Pittsburgh’s commitment to world-class entertainment infrastructure and highlights the local industry’s transformation over the years.
Construction and Opening
The arena opened in August 2010, replacing the much-loved but deteriorating Civic Arena. This newer facility represented a major investment in downtown Pittsburgh’s revitalization. It was also clear that the City of Pittsburgh wanted to demonstrate a strong commitment to retaining the Penguins franchise.
Today, you’ll be visiting a venue that symbolizes Pittsburgh’s transformation from its industrial past into a modern urban center. The design process involved extensive community input and collaboration between city officials, the Penguins, and architects. Its construction led to the creation of thousands of jobs, and by the time the facility opened with a Paul McCartney concert, it immediately established itself as a world-class entertainment spot.
The Arena’s Notable Events
Since that first concert, the venue has hosted numerous historic moments. You walk the same concourses where celebrities, athletes, and dignitaries have celebrated championship victories and memorable performances.
The Penguins won two Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017, and the watch parties of the events hosted by the arena created unforgettable moments for Pittsburgh sports fans to still catch the games on screen. Major artists, including Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and Metallica, have performed here, setting sold-out attendance and revenue records. Presidential campaign rallies and speeches have also graced the stage at the PPG Paints Arena, so its legacy continues to go beyond just entertainment.
Two Name Changes
In 2010, the facility opened as Consol Energy Center, named for a major Pittsburgh-based energy company. In 2016, changes in corporate partnerships led to PPG Industries, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Pittsburgh, securing the arena’s naming rights. This renaming connected the venue to a company with deep Pittsburgh roots (it opened in 1883!) and felt like a perfect fit for the community.
Today, you’re attending events in a facility whose name represents local corporate pride and, most importantly, long-term investment in the local economy. The PPG partnership ensures continued funding for the arena’s improvements, which can only benefit future guest experiences.
For more information on the PPG Paints Arena see the pages below:
PPG Paints Arena Parking:
Read parking information and directions for the PPG Paints Arena.
Ticket Policies:
Read ticket policies, ticket verification and refund policies.
PPG Paints Arena Seating Chart:
View the PPG Paints Arena seating map and read related seating information.