PPG Paints Arena Renovations Now Underway
According to reports, work has started for the $30 million upgrade at PPG Paints Arena, home of the National Hockey League’s Pittsburgh Penguins.
A recent video posted by the Penguins shows a time-lapse of the old scoreboard being dismantled.
Project Plans, Arena Background
In March, the Penguins unveiled plans to upgrade the arena, including space expansions, an event club and a larger scoreboard. The original arena architect, Populous, has reportedly designed the project, which will be implemented this summer by the Penguins and management company OVG360.
According to the NHL’s release, additions are scheduled to include two new bunker suites at ice level and an all-inclusive VIP event-level club. The suites will be built next to the Penguins' runway and bench adjacent to Suite 66, the existing premium space honoring Hall-of-Famer and hockey legend Mario Lemieux.
These improvements will reportedly offer premium lower-bowl seating, as well as dining and entertainment space, full-service bars and private restrooms. All three suites will have an exclusive view of the areas outside of the Penguins' locker room on the event level.
Additionally, the VIP event level club will accommodate up to 300 people, with access to Section 109 for hockey games and special premium seating next to the stage for concerts. The Penguins report that these plans convert underutilized areas of PPG Paints Arena.
Upgrades will also cover the in-game entertainment technology system, including a new 50-foot by 33-foot state-of-the-art center hung scoreboard, about twice as large as the existing scoreboard. According to reports, the new scoreboard will allow fans to track how long a player has been on the ice, skating speed, shot velocity and other game-related data.
Penguins officials have said that the current scoreboard, which is 2,576 square feet, is the third smallest in all NHL arenas, while the new one will move it to the top one-third. Other improvements feature new LED ribbon boards, sound system, control room and content management system.
Previously known as Consol Energy Center, the facility was opened in 2010 and has hosted more than 150 events each year, as well as serving as the home ice for the five-time Stanley Cup champions. The arena was renamed after reaching an agreement with global coatings supplier PPG in October 2016.
The company’s paints and protective coatings products were used throughout the facility during construction, PPG added at the time of the announcement. The company acquired the naming rights for the arena for a 20-year term and also reported that it had become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ “official paint supplier.”
At the end of last year, PPG and the NHL announced a three-year extension of their North American partnership. Through the exclusive paint partnership, PPG will continue to serve as the Official Paint of the NHL in the United States and Canada. The company originally teamed up with the NHL in 2017.
Work Begins
On May 20, video released by the hockey team showed the old scoreboard being deconstructed by workers to make room for the new, larger board. The Penguins also noted that nearly 100% of the board is being recycled, working in partnership with Waste Management.
Additionally, the Penguins have announced a multi-year partnership with Casamigos tequila for the new club space. The Casamigos Club will reportedly span almost 4,000 square-feet and offer dining and entertainment space, a full-service bar and private restrooms.
According to the announcement, the newly converted unused space will create a new “luxury” area that can accommodate up to 300 people. Fans can also purchase premium upgrades to the F.N.B Club and Captain Morgan Club.
“Casamigos Club is sure to become the top premium sports and concert asset in Pittsburgh,” said Kevin Acklin, Penguins President of Business Operations. “We are excited to partner with Casamigos to bring a unique and immersive experience for our hockey fans and concert guests and continue to promote PPG Paints Arena as a world-class destination for our city and region.”
The Penguins also released a video rendering of the new space. Construction and upgrades are expected be completed for the start of the 2023-2024 NHL season.
