Depending on where precisely you may be situated in downtown Pittsburgh, reaching one, two or all three of its major league ballparks and arenas within a reasonable time frame may only require but a short walk. Located within the city center, amidst the downtown's skyscrapers, is the much newer Consol Energy Center, home of the NHL's (Pittsburgh) Penguins. From our hotel, it was literally a five-minute walk to the arena.
What I didn't realize before heading to Pittsburgh was that the old Mellon Arena (now the Civic Arena), or the "Igloo" was still standing, practically juxtaposed with the newer arena, separated by a city street. I was not able to get inside Mellon but was fortunate enough to come upon a free event at Consol, which featured the Penguins' recent draft picks and other, younger organizational talent squaring off against one another as part of the team's development camp.
Consol Is an Upgrade Over Mellon Arena
As for the arena itself, it boasts an airy main lobby, a multitude and variety of concessions, and, most importantly, didn't seem to have a bad seat in the house. I am not entirely sure, though, of that last aspect, due to the fact that portions of the upper deck were curtained off, therefore limiting the amount of light that would typically bathe the venue's vast interior.
As structurally impressive as the Consol Energy Center is, it is in my opinion no match for the classic beauty and idyllic setting of PNC Park, the home stadium of baseball's Pirates. From our hotel, it was a considerably longer walk than to the Consol Center but it was a whole lot more satisfying. Just across the Sixth Street Bridge, which also carries the moniker "Roberto Clemente Bridge," named after the former Pirate great, is the ballpark.
PNC Park Is So Easy to Get to
And when I say just across the bridge, I really mean it. In fact, word is that city officials close down the bridge during games so as to not distract drivers who are traversing the Allegheny River and passing very closely by the park during games. Its game day closure also provides an additional avenue to which hundreds, if not thousands, of fans can reach the stadium who either live or who are stayinging in one of the many hotels that are in the downtown area.
For those who reside in the North Shore section of the city, where PNC Park is positioned, a broad boardwalk along the Allegheny affords eventual game attendees an alternative to driving (and parking) and yet another opportunity to view the magnificent downtown skyline just across the river. Further west down the boardwalk, just in front of the three rivers confluence, is Heinz Field, home of the NFL's Steelers, who at this moment are still locked out of their facility as a result of the league's labor dispute.
A reminder of the city's rich cultural heritage is on display adjacent to the waterway and directly across the street from the field: a large, bronze memorial statue of Fred Rogers, the legendary host of the PBS television series Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. The stadium itself is essentially wide open, with a yawning break between bleacher standing at its main gate, creating a fully functional public convention area and the perfect spot by which to soak in the largely steel-constructed and highly exposed design of the gridiron.
Heinz Field Has It All
Being that it is Pittsburgh, it's understandable that a significant portion of the material utilized to build Heinz Field would be steel. Besides, it is another sports forum that incorporates the municipality's appealing geographical setting and its majestic city skyline to enhance the overall event experience. It just so happens that Heinz Field, since its long-awaited opening in 2001, is the home stadium for college football's the University of Pittsburgh Panthers as well.
Underneath the stadium is an extensive shrine to the storied Steelers franchise, with a sizable wall of fame array and other absorbing historical exhibitions. Of course, a store selling team merchandise was open, so I stopped in to purchase a memento for my younger brother, who is a Steelers fan.
In all, I must have walked about seven miles to thoroughly cover all of the bases, so to speak, but it was well worth the effort. Truth be told, I am not a big supporter of the three franchises. However, I do now view each entity with a touch more fondness than was evident prior to my visit to Pittsburgh.
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