PPG Paints Arena
Home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this modern arena hosts thrilling hockey games, major concerts, and diverse live entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
PPG Paints Arena
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this modern arena hosts thrilling hockey games, major concerts, and diverse live entertainment.
"A clean, modern venue with friendly staff and great event production, making it a top choice for sports and entertainment."
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Lines can be long, especially for popular events. Give yourself ample time to get through security and find your seats.
📱 Mobile Tickets Only
Ensure your tickets are accessible on your phone before you arrive. Have them ready for quick scanning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pittsburgh Penguins Game
Ice Rink
Experience the electric atmosphere of an NHL game with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Feel the roar of the crowd!
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
Various Arena Locations
Go beyond the stands and explore the Penguins' locker room and other exclusive areas. A must for die-hard fans!
Major Concert Performances
Main Arena Floor/Seating
Catch world-class musicians and bands. The arena hosts a variety of genres, offering unforgettable live music experiences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Crowds and Entry
Score the Best Seats
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Lines can be long, especially for popular events. Give yourself ample time to get through security and find your seats.
📱 Mobile Tickets Only
Ensure your tickets are accessible on your phone before you arrive. Have them ready for quick scanning.
🎒 Strict Bag Policy
Check the arena's bag policy before you go. Small bags like belt bags are often allowed, but larger ones may be prohibited.
💰 Food & Drink Costs
Be prepared for typical arena prices; food and beverages can be expensive. Consider eating beforehand if on a budget.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Entry
Lines can be long, especially for popular events. Give yourself ample time to get through security and find your seats.
📱 Mobile Tickets Only
Ensure your tickets are accessible on your phone before you arrive. Have them ready for quick scanning.
🎒 Strict Bag Policy
Check the arena's bag policy before you go. Small bags like belt bags are often allowed, but larger ones may be prohibited.
💰 Food & Drink Costs
Be prepared for typical arena prices; food and beverages can be expensive. Consider eating beforehand if on a budget.
🚗 Parking & Traffic
Paid parking is available. Traffic can be heavy before and after events, but exiting is often well-managed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
PPG Paints Arena is widely praised for its modern facilities, friendly staff, and excellent event production, especially for Pittsburgh Penguins games and concerts. Visitors appreciate the clean environment and well-managed traffic flow. The primary drawback cited is the high cost of food and beverages, a common issue in large venues.
"Took my boys to their first concert here. It was the Dance kid dance tour for Shinedown with guests Bush & Morgan Wade. First off the whole experience was great!
I'll start with the venue, it was a quick entry when the door opened. We had no issues ( tickets were scanned from your phone) they do have a strict bag policy. I brought a belt bag but hot scared i wouldn't be able to bring it in so i left it in the car. I did have a phone wallet and clipped my car keys onto my belt loop of my shorts. The staff was nice and helpful. It was really clean and well conditioned. We had really good seats and they were comfortable when we were sitting. I did buy nachos and 3 drinks, the food was good but quite expensive.
The restrooms were nice and clean as well.
Now the show, it was Amazing! There was fire/ fireworks, Light shows and fog which were awesome and the sound was great! Everything was nice and clear but not too loud.
I definitely recommend this place to see a concert or game."
Sarah Mcnabb
"Second only to Madison Sqaure Garden in NHL arenas I’ve been too. It’s very open. Even with a poor season the fans were still energetic. I went to the Capitals vs Penguins season finale. Staff was friendly. Drinks were the best priced I’ve seen at a stadium or venue. Hope you like IPAs they have plenty. Fun and unique halftime gimics keep the entertainment going while the players rest. Really liked it. Wore a Capitals Ovechkin Jersey to the game at PPG (non sports fans, that’s a no no) and was treated with respect without exception by all fans & staff. Very safe area of town. Great for families, date nights, or Friday nights with the boys. Very impressed"
Timothy Carlson
"Traffic into the arena area was typical, it took a little bit to get into the parking area but wasn't bad, especially for a sold out Linkin Park concert. The arena was clean. The staff were very well organized. Food and beverages were expensive but that is every arena and stadium. Water $7 a bottle, four chicken tenders and fries $20. Merchandise lines moved quickly. Super awesome show by Linkin Park, the 51st stop on their From Zero world tour. Traffic exiting the arena area was fantastic! They actually directed traffic and held intersections open to let all of traffic exit the arena area for several blocks outside of the arena. Other arenas and stadiums should ask Pittsburgh how it's done!!!"
T Lasota
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
PPG Paints Arena is located in downtown Pittsburgh. Public transportation options, including buses and light rail, serve the area. Driving is also common, with paid parking available in nearby lots. Traffic can be heavy on event nights, so factor that into your travel time.
There are several paid parking lots and garages surrounding the PPG Paints Arena. Some reviews suggest the stadium lot offers convenient parking, and exiting traffic is generally well-managed.
Yes, PPG Paints Arena is accessible via Pittsburgh's public transportation network. Several bus routes stop nearby, and the arena is within walking distance of light rail stations. Check local transit schedules for specific routes and times.
To avoid the worst traffic, consider arriving well before the event start time or exploring public transportation options. Some visitors have noted that exiting traffic after events is surprisingly efficient.
Yes, designated areas for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are typically available near the arena. Confirm the exact location with your ride-sharing app on the day of your event.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at PPG Paints Arena can be purchased through official ticketing partners like Ticketmaster, as well as the arena's box office. It's always recommended to buy from authorized sellers to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Yes, PPG Paints Arena primarily uses mobile ticketing. Ensure your tickets are downloaded to your smartphone before you arrive, as physical tickets may not be accepted.
PPG Paints Arena has a strict bag policy. Generally, only small clutch bags or fanny packs are permitted. Larger bags, backpacks, and oversized purses are not allowed. Always check the official website for the most current policy.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside PPG Paints Arena. There are numerous concessions available for purchase, though prices can be high.
The PPG Paints Arena box office hours can vary depending on event schedules. It's best to check the official PPG Paints Arena website or call ahead to confirm their operating hours before visiting.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
For a Penguins game, many fans prefer lower bowl seats for an immersive experience. However, upper deck seats offer a great panoramic view. Consider your preference for proximity versus overall perspective.
Yes, PPG Paints Arena offers guided tours that allow you to go behind the scenes, including the Penguins' locker room and other exclusive areas. These tours are available for public and private groups. 
PPG Paints Arena offers a variety of food and beverage options, including classic arena fare like nachos and chicken tenders, as well as local specialties. There's a good selection of beers, including IPAs.
Yes, PPG Paints Arena is a highly-rated venue for concerts, known for its great sound quality and impressive light shows. Many attendees have praised the overall concert experience.
PPG Paints Arena is equipped with accessible seating, restrooms, and other amenities to accommodate guests with disabilities. It's recommended to contact the arena in advance or check their accessibility guide for specific needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal cameras are allowed for non-professional use at PPG Paints Arena. However, flash photography, video recording, and professional camera equipment are usually prohibited. Always check the specific event's policy.
For iconic shots, consider the main concourse with views of the ice or stage, or capture the energy of the crowd. The exterior of the arena also offers good photo opportunities, especially at night.
While phone photography is usually permitted, be mindful of others and avoid obstructing views. Flash photography is often discouraged during performances or games.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of a Penguins game, the grandeur of a concert stage, or the unique architecture of the arena itself. Shots of the crowd's energy are also very popular.
Depending on the stage setup, upper deck seats can offer a unique perspective for capturing the entire stage and light show. Closer seats provide more detail of the performers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, remember the strict bag policy; opt for a small belt bag or clutch to easily get through security. Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially for popular events, and arrive early to avoid the rush. While food and drinks can be pricey, there are usually kid-friendly options available.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transportation can save on parking fees, which can add up. While paid parking is available, exploring bus or light rail options might be more economical. Arriving early can also help you navigate the venue and find your seats without feeling rushed, potentially saving time and stress.
🎶 Concert Goers
To maximize your concert experience, consider your seating choice based on whether you prioritize being close to the stage or having a full view of the production. Mobile ticketing and efficient entry processes generally make getting into the venue smooth, though arriving early is still recommended for popular acts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The PPG Paints Arena Experience
+1Visitors often praise the arena for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and well-organized operations, particularly regarding entry and exit traffic management. The atmosphere during a Penguins game is described as electric, with energetic fans contributing to the excitement. For concert-goers, the venue is noted for its excellent sound and visual production capabilities, making it a sought-after stop for touring artists.
While the overall experience is highly regarded, a common point of feedback revolves around the cost of food and beverages, which is typical for large venues but can be a significant expense for attendees. Despite this, the positive aspects of the venue's design, staff, and the quality of events hosted generally outweigh this concern for most visitors.
Navigating Food and Drink
Despite the cost, the quality of the food is generally considered good, and there are diverse offerings to satisfy various cravings. For those looking for something a bit different, new culinary additions like Middle Eastern street food have also appeared near the arena, offering an alternative before or after an event.
For budget-conscious visitors, it's advisable to eat a meal before heading to the arena or to factor in the higher costs when planning your outing. Staying hydrated is important, especially during energetic events, so consider purchasing drinks strategically or bringing an empty reusable water bottle if allowed (check policy).
Seat Selection for the Best View
However, for those who prefer a broader perspective, the upper decks provide an excellent vantage point to take in the entire arena, the ice, or the stage setup. This can be particularly beneficial for concerts, where seeing the full production and light show is part of the appeal. Some fans also recommend specific sections based on their sightlines and proximity to amenities.
When booking, consider what aspect of the event is most important to you: being right in the middle of the action, having a clear overview, or being close to concessions and restrooms. Websites and seating charts can help visualize the different sections and their views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit