This will be a place where hockey games are won and lost.
But you can also send in the clowns, rock stars, super-sized trucks, pro wrestlers and ice skaters, because Consol Energy Center will be a place for spectacle — starting Aug. 18 with its first event, a sold-out concert by Paul McCartney.
The price tag for the Uptown sports-entertainment complex came in at $321 million. In this region, where a blue-collar attitude persists even as technological advances are forging a new Pittsburgh, the money needed to be spent well — and it has been, said 18-year Penguins season ticket-holder, Bob Maytan of Cranberry.
"It looks to me like Pittsburgh is getting another icon," said Maytan, who added that contractors building the arena have used one word to describe it: " 'Impressive.' And that's been good to hear. The new arena has to be iconic because, like the new stadiums, it's going to be something we brag about around here for a long time."
Bragging rights were not on the minds of public officials during Gov. Ed Rendell's oft-tumultuous negotiations with Penguins ownership over arena funding from late 2005 through early 2007.
County Executive Dan Onorato agreed that the objective then was "to keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh."
The months leading up to an agreement were suspenseful: The county and city said no public funds were available; the Penguins partnered with a casino contender, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., in hopes of getting arena funding, but Isle of Capri failed to get a state slots license. Three times, the Penguins ownership group agreed to sell the team to different buyers, but those deals didn't pan out. Finally, team officials visited Kansas City and Las Vegas to tour facilities for a possible move.
"There were only a couple of times near the end when I thought it was slightly possible the team would leave," said Joe Dawso, owner of Smokin' Joe's Saloon on the South Side. "We would have made it. ... but Penguins fans are the most important sports fans in town for my business because they come in to watch games, are well-behaved, not cheap and, generally, are good customers to have.
"So when I drive by the new arena or see pictures of it, I think of the Penguins staying in Pittsburgh, and that's good for everybody around here."
In the deal finally reached with the state, the Penguins will contribute $4.2 million annually for the next 30 years to pay off the arena. A state development fund fed by casino tax revenues will provide $7.5 million annually, and the Rivers Casino on the North Side will provide another $7.5 million each year. The casino got its state-issued gaming license on the condition that the casino help pay off arena construction.
Joe McGrath, president of the region's tourism agency, VisitPittsburgh, considers these payments the cost of "attracting business to Pittsburgh."
A decade from now, how Consol Energy Center was financed likely will be an afterthought if, as outgoing Penguins Chief Executive Officer Ken Sawyer predicted, Pittsburgh has been given "an arena to be proud of for generations of fans."
Sawyer oversaw the arena's design. He is most proud that the center "gives the feeling that you are part of Pittsburgh."
"We have a church on site, businesses and homes within walking distance, a major university (Duquesne) up the hill and the glass facade in the front that lets you see into Downtown from Uptown and into the front of the arena from the outside," he said.
It all sounds great, and the arena looks great from the outside.
"Yeah, but a facility is only as good as the people in it," local rocker Joe Grushecky said. "And the people that made 'The Igloo' great will be the same people that go into the new arena," he added, referring to the nearby Civic Arena in the Lower Hill District, home to the Pens since 1967. BNY Mellon's naming rights contract expires today, so the arena again is known as the Civic Arena.
"I'm proud that we've got a new place to get together here in Pittsburgh."
TIMELINE
Sept. 3, 1999 — Ownership of the Penguins is awarded to a group led by former superstar Mario Lemieux and billionaire grocery magnate Ron Burkle.
June 13, 2001 — After rejoining the team as a player and helping the club turn a $2 million profit, Lemieux reiterates that a new arena is needed to keep Penguins in Pittsburgh, but county and city officials say no money is available.
Feb. 26, 2003 — Then-Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey says money from proposed casino gambling could be used to help finance a new arena.
Dec. 21, 2005 — The Penguins announce a partnership with Isle of Capri Casinos to finance an arena privately if the company is awarded Pittsburgh's slots license.
Dec. 20, 2006 — The Pittsburgh slots license is awarded to PITG Gaming. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman calls the decision "terrible news for Penguins fans" and pledges to "support the Penguins in their endeavors."
Jan. 4, 2007 — After declaring the team will explore all options, the Penguins meet with owners of a new arena in Kansas City on the eve of a scheduled meeting in Pittsburgh with state and local public officials.
March 17, 2007 — After three meetings, the Penguins and public officials agree to funding terms; Lemieux announces before a home game that the team is staying "where (it) belongs... in Pittsburgh."
Sept. 20, 2007 — The Penguins sign a 31-year lease to play at the new arena through 2040.
Aug. 14, 2008 — Groundbreaking
Dec. 15, 2008 — CONSOL Energy Inc. signs a 21-year agreement for naming rights to the new arena.
Aug. 18 — First scheduled event, a sold-out concert by Paul McCartney
Sept. 22 — First preseason home game, against the Detroit Red Wings
Oct. 7 — First regular-season game, against the Philadelphia Flyers
Sources: Tribune-Review research, Pittsburgh Penguins media guide
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Consol Energy Center
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