Highlighting the team's plans are the addition of two new bunker suites at ice level and an all-inclusive VIP event-level club to provide premium experiences for hockey fans and concert guests. Populous, the original architects of PPG Paints Arena, designed the plans, which are being implemented this summer by the Penguins and OVG360, the arena's management company. Construction is set to begin during the off-season and fans can expect to be able to enjoy the new spaces and upgrades for the start of the 2023-24 NHL season.
"We are committed to maintaining PPG Paints Arena as a world-class destination not only for Penguins hockey, but for concerts and marquee events," said Penguins President of Business Operations, Kevin Acklin. "We are investing millions to replace our entire in-game entertainment technology, as well as building exciting new premium spaces, to offer immersive experiences for our fans and guests that will be truly unique to our Pittsburgh market."
The team plans to build two additional bunker suites next to the Penguins' runway and bench adjacent to the Suite 66, the existing premium space honoring Hall-of-Famer and hockey legend Mario Lemieux. These improvements will 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.
In addition, the team is building a new all-inclusive VIP event level club located in the Penguins' double-attack zone, with access to Section 109 for hockey games and special premium seating next to the stage for concerts. The new club can accommodate up to 300 people, and converts underutilized areas of PPG Paints Arena into a large high-quality VIP event club.
Capping off the planned arena improvements is the investment to upgrade the entire in-game entertainment technology system at PPG Paints Arena. These improvements include a new 50-foot by 33-foot state-of-the-art center hung scoreboard, about twice as large as the existing scoreboard, new LED ribbon boards, sound system, control room, and content management system. These improvements include financial support from the arena owner Sports and Exhibition Authority, and are targeted to enhance the overall fan experience.
Renderings of the new bunker suites, event-level club and scoreboard are below.
Fans interested in learning more about these premium upgrades can visit www.pittsburghpenguins.com/premiumadditions.
