WELCOME HOME: Penguins return to Pittsburgh as Stanley Cup champions

Emma Curtis
Monday, June 12, 2017 1:03 p.m. | Monday, June 12, 2017 1:03 p.m.

Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan hoists the Stanley Cup while exiting their plane after returning to Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday, June 12, 2017.

Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review

Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan hoists the Stanley Cup while exiting their airplane after returning to Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday, June 12, 2017.

Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review

Penguins fans await the teams arrival from Nashville at Atlantic Aviation at Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday, June 12, 2017.

Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review

Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan holds the Stanley Cup after exiting the team's airplane at Pittsburgh International Airport on Monday, June 12, 2017.

The Penguins returned to Pittsburgh this afternoon at Atlantic Aviation following their Stanley Cup victory Sunday night in Nashville.

A crowd of about 30 people gathered on the tarmac. Outside an airplane hangar, fans gathered in the heat, hoping to catch a glimpse of the back-to-back champions as they left the concourse.

Wendy Bishop of Potter used her lunch break to watch the Penguins' plane land.

"I went to every home game this season," she said. "I'll be at the parade, too."

Officials announced there will be a victory parade at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Coach Mike Sullivan was the first to step off the aircraft while he lifted the cup above his head.

Watch our video from the tarmac as the team walked off the plane.

Emma Curtis is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 412-320-7822, ecurtis@tribweb.com or via Twitter at @EmmaCurtisPGH.