Pittsburgh Penguins
Venue and travel guide
Venue and location
Address
1001 Fifth Avenue
Source statement; not independently verified.
City
Pittsburgh
Source statement; not independently verified.
State
PA
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue name
PPG Paints Arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Zip code
15219
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking
Cheapest
Lower-cost options are farther downtown garages/lots (some advertised starting around $6); using the Steel Plaza T station free-fare-zone transit avoids parking cost entirely
Source statement; not independently verified.
Guide url
https://www.nhl.com/penguins/tickets/parking and https://www.ppgpaintsarena.com/plan_your_visit/directions_parking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking available; fans with placards encouraged to pre-purchase the Fullerton Lot on Centre Avenue. Accessible spaces first come, first served
Source statement; not independently verified.
Hours
Surface lots open two (2) hours prior to game time
Source statement; not independently verified.
Payment
Cashless only — credit/debit cards and mobile pay; pre-purchase strongly encouraged through ParkWhiz/Arrive widget
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prepaid
Yes — strongly encouraged via ParkWhiz (https://www.parkwhiz.com/ppg-paints-arena-parking)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Prices
Typically ~$20–$32 depending on event; garage parking for Penguins games around $32. Pre-purchase pricing via ParkWhiz varies by event
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
PPG Paints Arena offers multiple parking options including the official arena garage (connected via walkway), the Chatham Center Garage, and various surface lots in the Uptown area. Pre-paid parking available. Event rates range from $15-$30. ADA parking in all garages.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transport
U.S. Steel Plaza "T" light rail station (Sixth Ave at Ross St) is blocks from the EQT and Highmark Gates; numerous Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes serve the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tailgating
N/A — indoor arena (no formal tailgating program; arena is in an urban setting)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Types
Adjacent surface lots surrounding the arena plus the PPG Paints Arena Parking Garage (1300 Centre Ave); additional downtown garages/lots nearby (operated in part by ALCO Parking)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Public transportation
App
Pittsburgh Regional Transit Ready2Ride app and third-party transit apps; PRT TrueTime real-time tracking
Source statement; not independently verified.
Best option
The T light rail to Steel Plaza (free within downtown fare zone) is the most convenient and lowest-cost option
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bus routes
PRT routes including 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 71A, 71C, 71D, 81, 82, and 83 stop near the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fare
PRT fare ~$2.75 via ConnectCard or mobile (Ready2Ride/Transit app). The T is FREE within the downtown free-fare zone — riders boarding at Steel Plaza travel free to First Avenue, Wood Street, Gateway Center, North Side, and Allegheny
Source statement; not independently verified.
Ferry
N/A — indoor arena (no scheduled ferry service to the venue)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Nearest station
U.S. Steel Plaza "T" light rail station (Sixth Avenue at Ross Street), ~0.5 miles / a few blocks from the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) bus routes serve the arena area. The arena is a 10-15 minute walk from Steel Plaza T station (light rail). Multiple bus routes on Fifth Avenue and Centre Avenue. PRT bus fare: $2.75. The light rail is free within downtown.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Rail lines
Pittsburgh Regional Transit "The T" light rail (Red and Blue/Silver lines) via Steel Plaza
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Boarding the T at Steel Plaza is free outbound within the fare zone; arrive early as the platform fills pre-game
Source statement; not independently verified.
Walking distance
~0.5 mile / several-block walk from Steel Plaza to the EQT or Highmark Gate
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shuttles
Notes
The arena emphasizes the free-fare-zone T (Steel Plaza) and PRT bus routes rather than a dedicated event shuttle
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
No dedicated arena shuttle. Multiple Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes serve the downtown and Uptown areas adjacent to the arena.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Bicycles
Overview
Healthy Ride bike-share stations located near the arena on Fifth Avenue. Bike racks available near the Highmark Gate entrance.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share provider
POGOH (formerly Healthy Ride), operated by Pittsburgh Bike Share
Source statement; not independently verified.
Share station
POGOH bike share (Pittsburgh's official system) operates stations in downtown/Uptown near the arena
Source statement; not independently verified.
Tips
Use POGOH downtown stations and lock to public racks; confirm nearest active POGOH dock via the POGOH app before riding
Source statement; not independently verified.
Accessibility
Accessible parking
Accessible parking available; placard holders encouraged to pre-purchase the Fullerton Lot (Centre Avenue), spaces first come, first served
Source statement; not independently verified.
Assistive listening
Available for guests with hearing disabilities at all events; obtain at Guest Services just outside Section 104
Source statement; not independently verified.
Contact
Penguins/PPG Paints Arena Guest Services (general line 412-642-1800); Guest Services location outside Section 104
Source statement; not independently verified.
Dropoff
Located on Fifth Avenue outside the EQT Gate
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
The arena is the first LEED Gold-certified arena in both the NHL and AFL
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
PPG Paints Arena is fully ADA-compliant. Accessible seating on all levels. All entrances are wheelchair accessible. Elevators serve every level. The arena garage connects via accessible walkway. Assistive listening devices and sensory kits at Guest Services.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Restrooms
ADA-accessible restrooms available on all concourse levels
Source statement; not independently verified.
Food and vendors
Cashless
Yes — fully cashless (credit/debit and Apple/Google Pay); Reverse ATMs convert cash to a no-fee prepaid Visa card
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
PPG Paints Arena and the Penguins were among the first to introduce temperature-controlled food lockers (with Aramark, 2022) for in-seat mobile order pickup
Source statement; not independently verified.
Local
Primanti Bros., Burgatory, Quaker Steak & Lube, Fox's Pizza, Chickie's & Pete's, plus the "Hall of Favs" local-favorites stand
Source statement; not independently verified.
Mobile ordering
Yes — self-order kiosks and mobile ordering at Hall of Favs; in-seat ordering with pickup from temperature-controlled food lockers at the Ford Food Garage (Section 115)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Notable stands
Hall of Favs (local favorites), Ford Food Garage food lockers (Section 115), Primanti Bros., Burgatory, Quaker Steak & Lube stands
Source statement; not independently verified.
Parking Apps Accepted
ParkWhiz (official pre-paid parking partner); ALCO Parking / ParkMobile for some lots/garage
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
PPG Paints Arena features a Pittsburgh-focused concessions program including Primanti Bros. sandwiches, local craft beer, and premium dining options. The PensGear Team Store is on the main concourse.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Signature food
Pittsburgh-style Primanti Bros. sandwiches (topped with fries and slaw) — the arena's signature local item; also Quaker Steak & Lube wings
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue history
Architect
Populous (formerly HOK Sport), with Astorino Architectural Innovations, Fukui Architects, and Lami Grubb
Source statement; not independently verified.
Construction cost
US$321 million (approximately $480 million in 2025 dollars)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Famous moments
Hosted its first Stanley Cup Final in 2016 (Penguins beat San Jose to win 4th Cup); 2013 and 2021 NCAA Frozen Four; numerous Penguins playoff runs; Jaromir Jagr No. 68 jersey retirement ceremony (Feb 18, 2024)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Fun fact
Hockey capacity (18,087) honors Sidney Crosby's No. 87 and the arena originally had 66 suites honoring Mario Lemieux's No. 66; ground-breaking shovels had shafts made from Crosby's used hockey sticks
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original capacity
18,087 for hockey (chosen to honor Sidney Crosby's No. 87)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Original name
Consol Energy Center (2010–2016)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Opened August 18, 2010 as Consol Energy Center, replacing the iconic Mellon Arena (Civic Arena). The Penguins have won five Stanley Cups (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, 2017). The arena features tributes to Penguins legends including Mario Lemieux and the team's championship history.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Renovations
300 seats added in 2011 (hockey capacity 18,087 → 18,387); capacity adjusted to 18,187 in 2023; ongoing concourse/concession upgrades including 2022 food lockers and Coca-Cola becoming in-game beverage provider (2024)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Retired numbers
Retired numbers raised at PPG Paints Arena — No. 21 Michel Briere, No. 66 Mario Lemieux, No. 68 Jaromir Jagr; plus Stanley Cup championship banners (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, 2017)
Source statement; not independently verified.
Venue details
Climate
Fully enclosed, climate-controlled indoor arena; first LEED Gold-certified arena in the NHL; total footprint ~720,000 sq ft
Source statement; not independently verified.
Levels
Lower bowl (100 level), club/middle level, and upper bowl (200 level) plus suite level
Source statement; not independently verified.
Premium
Approximately 66 luxury suites and ~1,950 club seats
Source statement; not independently verified.
Overview
Hockey seating capacity: 18,187. Ice surface: 200 ft × 85 ft. The arena features a modern design with spacious concourses and premium seating.
Source statement; not independently verified.
Scoreboard
Mitsubishi center-hung 15' x 25' "Black-Packaged LED" video board
Source statement; not independently verified.
Shared tenants
Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) sole primary tenant; formerly Pittsburgh Power (AFL, 2011–2014). Hosts concerts, college hockey, and events
Source statement; not independently verified.
Surface
NHL-regulation ice sheet (200 ft x 85 ft); multi-surface convertible floor
Source statement; not independently verified.