Civic Arena (Pittsburgh)

Pittsburgh Civic Arena

The Igloo The House That Lemieux Is Destroying Through Extortionary Type Threats, Greed & Corruption: [1] [2]
Former names	Civic Auditorium, Mellon Arena
Location	66 Mario Lemieux Place, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-3504
Coordinates	40°26′30″N 79°59′24″W
Owner	Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County
Operator	SMG
Capacity	Ice hockey: 16,940 Hockey SRO: 17,132 Basketball: 17,537 Concert: End Stage 12,800 Center Stage 18,039
Field size	250 x 120 ft [3]
Surface	Ice
Construction
Broke ground	March 12, 1958
Built	1958-1961
Opened	September 19, 1961
Renovated	Summer 1986 ($19.5 million) Summer 1993 [4]
Closed	June 26, 2010
Construction cost	US$22 million ($224 million in 2024 dollars)
Architect	Mitchell and Ritchey
Tenants
Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) (1967–2010) Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (1961–1988) Roundball Classic (1965–1992) Duquesne University Men's Basketball (1965-1987) Pittsburgh Rens (ABL) (1961–1963) Pittsburgh Hornets (AHL) (1961–1967) Pittsburgh Pipers/Condors (ABA) (1967–1973) Pittsburgh Triangles (WTT) (1974–1976) Pittsburgh Spirit (MISL) (1978–1986) Pittsburgh Gladiators (AFL) (1987–1990) Pittsburgh Bulls (MILL) (1990–1993) Pittsburgh Phantoms (RHI) (1994) Pittsburgh Stingers (CISL) (1994–1995) Pittsburgh Piranhas (CBA) (1994–1995) Pittsburgh CrosseFire (NLL) (2000) Pittsburgh Xplosion (CBA) (2005–2008)

Civic Arena (formerly the Civic Auditorium and Mellon Arena, nicknamed The Igloo) is an indoor arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was the first Retractable roof major sports venue in the world, covering 170,000 sq. feet and constructed with just shy of 3,000 tons of Pittsburgh steel. It boasts the largest retractable, stainless steel dome roof in the world supported only by a massive 260 foot long cantilevered arm on the exterior.[5]

Constructed in 1961, for use by the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO), the Civic Arena hosted numerous concerts, the circus, political and religious rallies, roller derbies as well as contests in hockey, basketball, fish tournament weigh-ins, tennis, boxing, wrestling, lacrosse, football, ice skating championships, kennel shows, and soccer. The structure has been used as the backdrop for several major Hollywood films.

It primarily served as the home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city's National Hockey League (NHL) franchise.

It was formerly named for Mellon Financial, which purchased the naming rights in 1999. Naming rights expired on August 1, 2010 and the arena once again is known as the Civic Arena.

The Civic Arena closed on June 26, 2010. The former Mellon naming rights expired soon after, and the Penguins and all other events moved across the street to the new Consol Energy Center. The arena's owner, the Sports & Exhibition Authority of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, initially voted in September 2010 to demolish the building in 2011. However, in November 2010, the arena was nominated for historic status at the last minute, and demolition was delayed. A final vote by the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission on the nomination was held on March 2, 2011. The result was the HRC declining the arena for historic status. After votes from City Planning and City Council also declined historic status, a federal lawsuit was filed by those who wish to save the arena in order to prevent its demolition.

_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

And this is where we will begin with the “Rest Of The Story” A Chronology Of the Deceitful Discourse

The issue of historic designation actually started on March 26, 1987. An article written by Sally Kalson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote, “Historic designation urged for Arena”. The City Art Commission wants to place the Civic Arena on the National Register of Historic Buildings. The 26-year old arena, the first building in the nation with a retractable dome, is one of Pittsburgh’s signatures, according to the commissioner and architect, David Lewis. “The arena is one of the country’s great technological marvels, “ he said. “Clearly, it was meant to project a 19th-Century city into the 21st century. It should be saved for future generations.”

Imagine, a vision from 1957, then catapulted 30 years later to preservation for future generations.

Ten years later in 1997, the Regional Renaissance Initiative debate took place and the stadium tax was put to a vote. Pittsburgh Penguin owner, Howard Baldwin had the opportunity to jump on board with the RRI gravy train. He had vested his own money in Civic Arena upgrades and put in the second “F” Balcony seating. This was done during the Stanley Cup years and seating was at a premium. Thus, extra seats generated extra seating revenue.

In 1998, Howard Baldwin whined and complained to the Regional Asset District which controls the local sales tax monies from Allegheny County.

The RAD Board voted on and designated the Civic Arena as a “regional asset” and used it as a refund policy for Mr. Baldwin’s upgrade investment and gave him his money back. Once secured, over $37 million in RAD funding has gone to the Civic Arena.

See: [6]

More on the RAD tax later…

In 1999, the fiscal irresponsibility of Howard Baldwin surfaced, as the Pittsburgh Penguins made their way into Federal Bankruptcy Court. Baldwin spent more than he could afford on player contracts, and Mario Lemieux’s 7 year/$49 million contract was the single largest creditor to the team’s fiscal meltdown. That’s what Lemieux used as leverage to buy the team, as he would have gotten just pennies on the dollar for his deferred player contract. I was a season ticket-holder at the time (Sec. E-2, Row G, Seats 11-12) and sat through the bankruptcy proceedings.

Once Lemieux had control of the team, he came out of retirement and signed a new player contract, never fulfilling the remaining portion of his original 7-year contract. In essence, it was double-dipping and he also took a third salary as Penguin CEO.

In 2001, I filed an application with the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission historic preservation of the Civic Arena. The application was approved on August 2, 2001 and the Sports & Exhibition Authority was well aware of this before the 2010 “historic review”. That letter was used in their documentation which is contained on PAGE 45 of the “Effects Report”.

See: [7]

In 2005, the Sports & Exhibition Authority hired consultant, HOK Sports to produce a feasibility report on the Civic Arena rehabilitation vs. new construction. The HOK Sports produced a report that made false claims that supported the construction of the yet to be named arena, now known as the Consol Energy Center.

See the Sports & Exhibition Authority “Effects Report” - PAGE 9

[8]

They claimed, “Inadequate concourse and ticket sales facilities”; another excuse to justify the report. TicketMaster/Internet sales are more common than walk up sales to brick and mortar box offices. There were many ticket outlets throughout the region, including National Record Mart, Kaufmann’s Department Stores, et al.

“Inadequate compliance with the ADA”; I contacted SMG Management and was informed that the Civic Arena is in compliance. As a season ticketholder I have regularly seen those with disabilities seated in some of the best views in the arena in the "B" section.

“Inadequate acoustics”; is a non-issue. Having season tickets for hockey for 10 years in the balcony, Section E-2 which was more than adequate. I attended the last concert at the Civic (mellon) Arena with James Taylor/Carole King Concert on June 26, 2010 and sat in D-27. A corner section of the arena and the sound was excellent.

After the report was finished, HOK Sports supplied the architect plans for the new arena, a conflict of interest that was never been reported. The architect of record for Consol Energy can be verified by visiting the following link and scroll to “The Facility / Arena Architects” at;

[9]

On January 3, 2007, Associated Press reported that Mario Lemieux visited the Sprint Center in Kansas City after the Isle of Capri casino deal fell through. He also visited Las Vegas.

See: [10]

Lemieux used the media as his bully pulpit as a means to get politicians to cave in for a new publicly funded arena. Using his notoriety and the Pittsburgh Penguin franchise, a sports team’s threat of interstate flight is no less than a form of extortion. Read the term for yourself:

[11]

Extortion is defined in example #2: “Law - the crime of obtaining money or some other thing of value by the abuse of one's office or authority “. Synonymous with extortion is “blackmail”.

There are other reports one can “Google Search” that substantiate Lemieux’s threats to leave Pittsburgh.

Three months later in March of 2007, Governor Rendell, County Executive Dan Onorato, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, SEA Director Mary Conturo and Mario Lemieux sign the infamous “Term Sheet” located at:

[12]

Note the date posted and paragraphs 2-C, 5 and 17: 2(c) Upon the opening of the new arena, the SEA, at its expense, shall promptly demolish Mellon Arena and pave, stripe and in all respects prepare the land under Mellon Arena for use as a parking lot.

5. Prior to redevelopment, the Penguins shall manage, operate, maintain and retain all revenues from all current and future parking lots on the current Mellon arena site.

17. Development Rights: For the value and on the terms set forth in this Paragraph #17, the Penguins shall have development rights to the entire Mellon Arena site.

Not listed in the term sheet, but it has been published are the payments totaling $15 million, $7.5 million coming from the Rivers Casino and $7.5 million for the next 30 years, making the Consol Energy Center cost exceed $450 million. Of that, $225 million was siphoned from the casino revenue fund that was promised to lower our property taxes.

Still more, $47.6 million in RCAP (tax payer) monies have been thrown into the development. The Governor controls this fund and it was raised by $600 million on July 6, 2010 as part of a deal to pass the state budget. See the additional $47.6 million in Consol Funding at:

[13]

In the fall of 2009, the Sports & Exhibition Authority was preparing to hire consultants to run a historic review of the Civic Arena. This review was conducted after the “Term Sheet” was signed in 2007 that signed contracts agreeing to demolish the Civic Arena and pave it into a parking lot! Development rights were another example of giving it away before the historic review took place, making the whole process a sham.

One of the consultants bidding on the contract was politically connected, Oxford Development Corporation.

(I could cite Oxford’s connection with the County in political donations. During the Regional Renaissance Initiative debacle in 1997, Oxford Development President, David Matter was Chairman of the RAD Board and changed his position on using RAD Funds for stadiums. Consequently, David Matter received a $7.2 million property assessment reduction on his corporate headquarters, One Oxford Centre. And that’s how Plan B got passed.)

During the SEA consultant recruitment, Oxford Development gave SEA Board Member, Senator Sean Logan a gift valued at $2,500. That is a clear conflict of interest, bidding for a contract and giving gifts to Board Members.

Consequently, the SEA Board awarded the consulting contract to Oxford Development Corporation and didn’t become aware of the gift until a report on August 15, 2010. The reporter never made the connection of Senator Logan sitting on the SEA Board right before the vote for the consultation contract that was awarded. The article about Senator Logan and other legislator’s gifts can be read at:

[14]

January 2010, the SEA is moving forward with the “historic review”. It is important to note that the SEA Board Members are appointed by County Executive Dan Onorato and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. These are “at will” board appointments serve at the pleasure of their appointers. Both Onorato and Ravenstahl have made their positions publicly known, favoring demolition and redevelopment. I will bring this issue up near the very end. This too is critical, as history could repeat itself.

Realize that former RAD Board Member, Fred Baker was removed from the RAD Board in 1997 by his appointer, County Commissioner Bob Cranmer for publicly speaking out against the use of RAD funds for “Plan B” stadium funding. And the rest is history.

With the “historic review” underway, the SEA was giving the appearance that they were following Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 [36 CFR§800.2 (c) (5)]. They were to seek committee members that have “demonstrated a financial or historical interest in the Civic Arena”. They never sought committee members as they never advertised for them in newspapers, which is typical for government entities to do under the state “Pennsylvania Sunshine Law”.

PA Sunshine Act 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 709. Public notice (a) Meetings. — An agency shall give public notice of its first regular meeting of each calendar or fiscal year not less than three days in advance of the meeting and shall give public notice of the schedule of its remaining regular meetings.

[15]

Interested Party Meeting #1 reiterates that point by SEA consultant, Ray Maginness. Quoted in the meeting minutes, “to be as inclusive as possible in ensuring that individuals, organizations, and groups with a demonstrated direct legal, economic or historic preservation interest in the project are represented.”

See: [16]

“The goal of consultation is to identify historic properties affected by the project, assess effects to historic resources, and seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects on historic properties resulting from project implementation.”

Clearly neither of those two goals were achieved, and it becomes evident since reading the aforementioned “Term Sheet” that AGREED TO DEMOLITION under paragraph 2C that they had no intention of doing so. The whole review process was a ruse!!!

The meetings of the “Interested Parties” were NOT open to the public or the media and have to question the validity of the meetings under the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act again.

PA Sunshine Act 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 704. Open meetings

Official action and deliberations by a quorum of the members of an agency shall take place at a meeting open to the public unless closed under section 707 (relating to exceptions to open meetings), 708 (relating to executive sessions) or 712 (relating to General Assembly meetings covered).

[17]

As the person that filed for historic preservation of the Civic Arena, I was never contacted, yet they had my contact information as evidenced in the “Effects Report” and the letter from PHMC making the Civic Arena eligible for a listing on the National Registry.

Without my approved application and subsequent letter, this whole process would have never taken place.

The information from the SEA’s “Interested Party” meetings on historic review was to be posted on the SEA’s website:

[18]

Ironically, the SEA posted the historic review information on their website page titled, “Lower Hill Redevelopment”. That information is listed in both the URL address and listed at the top of the web browser. Faux pas or deliberate, we take the latter. Clearly, the project was all about demolition and redevelopment and not about preservation.

In April of 2010, I learned about the “closed door” meetings and became a member. My first presentation on April 21, 2010 to the SEA Consultants and the IP Committee was the PHMC letter and the Civic Arena being a “Regional Asset”. My presentation was never posted on the SEA website, unlike presentations made by others.

Remember, the Civic Arena was used as a refund policy for Howard Baldwin and it was classified as a regional asset. Under the law, House Bill 659 of 1993, PAGE 3, LINES 20-28 states:

20 Section 3101-B. Findings and Declaration of Policy.--(a) 21 The General Assembly finds the following: 22 (1) Supplemental sources of revenue are needed by 23 municipalities in the southwestern region of this Commonwealth 24 to finance programs of local tax relief. 25 (2) Supplemental sources of public and private revenue are 26 required to preserve, improve and develop the region's civic, 27 recreational, library, sports, cultural and other regional 28 assets.

If interpreted literally, as the law should be, a majority of 253 legislators made it a declaration of policy to “preserve” regional assets, not destroy them.

See RAD law at:

[19]

I raised this issue with the consultants steering the “Interested Party” committee and they said they would review it. It was never addressed to the members of the committee. Now the Civic Arena has received $37 million in RAD funds to preserve it and they are moving forward to destroy a “regional asset” of historic proportions, while a $9.3 million debt remains. See $37 million in RAD funding of the Civic Arena:

See: [20]

Similarly, Three Rivers Stadium was a regional asset. It received $10 million in RAD funding in each of its last five years. That’s $50 million in total, until it was imploded in 2001, violating the “preservation” of regional assets. While Three Rivers Stadium no longer exists, the legacy of the $45 million debt and stadium website with the infamous words of former Mayor Tom Murphy do. In hypocritical fashion, Mayor Tom Murphy called Three Rivers Stadium a “First Rate Venue”.

See: [21]

That was 2001, today we’re about to lose another “regional asset”, one of historic proportions, the Civic Arena. Similarly, more hypocrisy exists. A cursory review of the SEA’s Civic Arena website states: “The Mellon Arena has exemplified every trait of a world class entertainment facility.”

See: [22]

Combined, Three Rivers Stadium and the Civic Arena have received over $87 million in RAD funds. That exceeds the 2011 RAD Budget of $81,074,530 for funding all regional assets this year.

See: [23]

Back to the SEA’s historic review, we had previously posted the 2005 report that HOK Sports produced condemning the Civic Arena for being old, decrepit and outmoded. So one must question; did the SEA fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities to the taxpayer in taking care of this “regional asset”?

Not only did the SEA misappropriate $37 million in RAD funds, they had previously given away $18 million in naming rights revenue to the tenant, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Changing the venue name from the Civic Arena to the Mellon Arena, meant changing all of the highway signage. The naming rights belonged to the taxpayers, benefited the Pittsburgh Penguins and highway signage changeover cost was paid by the taxpayers once again.

On May 13, 2010, the SEA conducted their only public meeting. It was held in the Hill District at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

See: [24]

With the negative reputation that the area has, the location didn’t instill public participation and few showed for the meeting. There were 40 people that attended that I could not identify with absolute ties with the SEA, contractors or the media. One meeting with so few is not adequate representation for the 1.2 million county residents that own this facility.

I asked for meetings in all thirteen county council districts since the Civic Arena is owned by the taxpayers of Allegheny County. If not in all 13 council districts, why not hold the meeting at the Civic Arena and offer free parking for all of those that attend? How appropriate, hold a meeting in the very facility that we’re deciding the fate on. Those parameters would promote public participation.

On May 21, 2010, the SEA was moving forward and started selling off Civic Arena assets before the decision on preservation or redevelopment was made. The SEA sold off the Civic Arena floor four months before they Board voted on its fate.

See: [25]

In June of 2010, the SEA Consultants made wrong assumptions of the “Interested Party” Committee in which we vehemently objected to. The assumption asserted that the IP Committee made a recommendation for demolition which was an outright lie.

As an eyewitness, and reported in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Representatives from two groups seeking alternatives to demolition walked out of last night's closed-door meeting with SEA officials and other interested parties because they said the historic preservation process is not being followed.”

See: [26]

On June 16, 2010, SEA consultant, Oxford Development produced a bogus holding cost report. The report was generated to sway the public on the cost of holding on to an empty arena. I asked the SEA consultant, Timothy Zinn if Oxford Development would recuse / abstain from future demolition and construction contracts to avoid a conflict of interest. Mr. Zinn replied, “Your comment is noted”. Another conflict exists and Oxford Development is lining up for more contracts based on that report supporting demolition.

See: [27]

The “Mothball” report suggests the cost to keeping an empty arena would be $76-$122K per month.

The report was bogus. Monthly expenses include 12 months of snow removal, including those “dog days of summer” when temperatures can reach well above the freezing mark. There was $1,200 in monthly garbage removal too, even though no garbage would be produced in an empty arena. The report also cited monthly phone expenses of $2,400 and utility costs of $41,667.

So I used the PA Right To Know law and obtain copies of the actual bills. The August phone bill was not $2,400, rather $90.66. The water, sewer, gas and electric were not $41,887, rather $15,123. Realize that if the SEA was to “mothball” the arena, the waterlines would be drained, heat turned off and the utilities would be substantially less until a re-use was determined.

However, that was not the plans of the SEA. Even the vast disparity, rather embellished expenses not explain the missing revenue side of the ledger. The report omitted the daily income from downtown commuters that use the Civic Arena parking lots. The report conveniently omitted the parking revenues generated from events held at the new Consol Energy Center. The public does not realize that the Consol Energy Center, wants, rather needs the precious parking at the Civic Arena. So Oxford’s report inflated expenses omitted the revenues to exaggerate the cost to the taxpayers.

In my presentations to the SEA IP Committee, I identified 15 different revenue streams that would not require any new taxes, with the exception of one. I’ve advocated a “player tax” on any athlete using a publicly funded sports venue, home or visiting teams, to help defray the facility costs to the public. Those comments can be seen at:

[28]

Meanwhile, the SEA had already begun removing all signage from the Civic Arena land and highway signs directing you to the facility, all in advance of the September 16th vote on demolition or preservation.

In July of 2010, the SEA released the “Effects Report” that recommended demolition. Comments were being taken until 5pm, Friday, August 6, 2010. Two citizens responded to the “Effects Report”, Cindi Freeman and Lisa Morrow. Both of their letters were censored and never posted on the SEA’s “Comments to the Effects Report”:

See: [29]

On July 7, 2010, the SEA made the claims that the Civic Arena had leaks in the dome. We never read one report on that issue during the winter of 2010 that had record snowfalls that would have created many leaks during the hockey season.

Lisa Freeman wrote to the SEA and special counsel, Rosemary Carroll and asked if cost analysis was conducted to see if (suspect) dome repair costs were done to see if it was more cost effective to repair the dome than to spend $5 million in demolition costs. Rosemary Carroll responded, “You ask specifically if the SEA has determined that the cost of roof repair is less than the cost of demolition of the Mellon Arena. In answer, the SEA has not made this determination.”

Again, the handwriting was on the wall, no attempt was made because the SEA never had any intentions of keeping the Civic Arena since the 2007 “Term Sheet” was signed.

On July 13, 2010, I gave a second presentation to the SEA’s Interested Party Committee. It was never posted on the SEA”s website and I complained repeatedly by email. So I made censorship as part of my presentation at the D. L. Lawrence Convention Center taking public comment meeting on August 23rd. It was posted the following day, August 24th, 41 days later, keeping the information away from the public and making the information moot. That’s censorship.

While too late, the presentation can now be viewed on Meeting #8 at:

[30]

On Monday, August 23, 2010, the SEA held only the second public meeting on the Civic Arena to take public comment. It was held at 10:30 in the morning during a weekday instead of the evening, when most are available to attend and comment. The Post-Gazette editorialized that this “so-called historic jewel, empty, outmoded arena” only attracted 49 citizens to comment and “all southwestern Pennsylvania did was shrug.”

[31]

Reality, the meeting had standing room only. The majority spoke on preservation again. Those that spoke on demolition and redevelopment were paid employees, representing companies that were seeking government contracts.

On September 16, 2010, the SEA Board voted on the fate of the Civic Arena. Again, a majority turned out speaking in favor of preservation. The vote occurred without any discussion from board members and it was unanimous. SEA Board Chairman, Senator Wayne Fontana said "I think I made a vote that was deliberative and that I was informed about," and said “I voted in favor of demolition because of reports that indicated it would cost half a million dollars to mothball the structure.”

See: [32]

The vote took place without discussion because it was a “done deal” three years prior. Agreements were signed that agreed to demolition. Senator Fontana’s comment about the cost to mothball was based on a bogus report and the SEA knew it.

It’s nice to know that Senator Fontana has a concern for the taxpayers’ monthly “holding costs” based on a bogus report. If he’s so concerned, why would the SEA give away future parking revenues in the “Term Sheet”? This would disable the SEA from being able to pay for the holding costs. What about the $9.3 million we still owe on the Civic Arena?

See: [33]

What about the $5 million it will cost the taxpayers to raze the Civic Arena?

Last paragraph: [34]

Then there are a multitude of federal earmarks for redevelopment, raising our national debt while tearing down a historic landmark:

Sen. Specter’s $28 million: [35]

Sen. Casey’s $974,000: [36]

There are also more earmarks from Senator Casey, Congressman Doyle and Altmire; combined total over $61 million.

On November 5, 2010, both the Post-Gazette and Tribune-Review reported that the Civic Arena seats are now being auctioned off. Civic Arena will be sold piece by piece

[37]

Penguins fans able to chill in own Igloo seats

[38]

The report states that the Pittsburgh Penguins will get about $800,000 from the sale. Why? They have no financial interest in the Civic Arena; it belongs to the taxpayers via the SEA. The Penguins were merely tenants. Which now leads us to the next chapter, the City Planning Meeting.

On November 9, 2010, Pittsburgh City Planning Commission held a meeting and briefing. The briefing was a “dog-n-pony” show conducted by Sports & Exhibition Authority officials. After a 45 minute presentation, the Commission would not allow public comment and refused to accept my written documentation.

November 23, 2010, the day of the City Planning Commission hearing, it was telling what was reported in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. More than 130 letters urging the Sports & Exhibition Authority to preserve the Civic Arena or at least delay its demise couldn't compete with the message the Pittsburgh Penguins sent.

Senator Wayne Fontana, the SEA Chairman was quoted, "If we went the other way, the Penguins would have sued us," and also stated, "If the Penguins wanted it up, then we'd keep it up," Fontana said. "But we gave our word through the (option agreement) to give them the development rights, and part of that was to bring it down."

If that isn’t incriminating, what is? A done deal, public be damned and the hell with RAD Law, Preservation Law, Historic Review, Demolition Law and due process.

Cite: [39]

On November 23, 2010, Pittsburgh City Planning Commission held the hearing on the demolition permit for the Civic Arena. If you missed it, the demolition had already begun with the auctioning off of the Civic Arena seats prior to getting a demolition permit approved by the City Planning Commission.

The SEA was lining up; five members representing the demolition interests began another “dog-n-pony” show. Among the contingent were two lawyers for the SEA, one lawyer for the Pittsburgh Penguins and representatives from Oxford Development. Great latitudes were given to make their case, yet they had been given that time in a briefing two weeks ago and the public was not allowed to comment.

The Board then noted and passed around documentation that was submitted previously. Some of the information came from preservation groups. The Board didn’t really look at it, didn’t have the time, but had over two weeks to review the information from the “Briefing” the SEA had given on November 9th. Call it bias and being ill-prepared.

Finally, the Board made a motion for public testimony and invited dignitaries to speak first. Among that contingent were Senator Jim Ferlo and Councilman Peduto, who spoke in favor of preservation. Twenty-four followed with testimony. Only three of the twenty-six spoke in favor of demolition. The scant few were to representatives from trade unions and an employee of Oxford Development, the lead consultant running the show.

Some of the main testimony given focused on; 1. overwhelming majority of citizens that favored preservation, as evidenced by the letters in the SEA “Effects Report”, 2. media polls favoring preservation, 3. the approved PHMC historic application, 4. the 2007 “Term Sheet” that gave premature demolition approval, 5. and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation letter that enforces the nation’s historic preservation laws.

All these points should have been enough to hold of demolition. The Advisory Council cited that the SEA could lose federal funding for redevelopment because a section 106 review never took place. There was obvious anticipatory demolition and the SEA had already sought federal funds for redevelopment. The information about the letter is located at:

[40]

The Planning Commission took a 15-minute recess before reconvening. There were a few questions asked, one involved how much was the demolition going to cost and how the SEA was going to pay for it. The cost is $5 million and the SEA response to how they were going to pay for it was, “various sources”. The question was never really answered and I got up to answer the question and they refused.

The fact of the matter is that it would cost the taxpayers more and I wanted to point out. On June 17, 2010, the Tribune-Review reported that the SEA was operating the D.L. Convention Center with a projected loss this year of $409,631. The height of hypocrisy was illustrated in the article when it closed with, “The convention center's electricity and other utilities cost less than expected, the report said, because "with fewer events, less utilities are consumed."

[41]

Reality, if there are fewer conventions and therefore, less utilities consumed, then why is there still a deficit? I saw no justification to their reasoning and I sought out some answers and found it.

A cursory review to the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) website provides some answers and more questions:

[42]

There are five search window parameters on the DCED website. Only use #4 – Applicant Name and enter “Sports and Exhibition Authority” and click on “Run Report” button at the bottom of the page.

Two reports are generated. The SEA needs to explain the first DCED Grant for $1.5 million. This grant went to their fiscal malfeasance, paying themselves with more tax dollars while operating the Convention Center with a deficit. They also used the grant to pay for the utilities that were supposedly less since there were fewer conventions.

If the SEA Board can not pay for their own salaries and utility bills for the Convention Center it is fair to ask; where they were going to come up with $5 million for demolition costs?

The Planning Commission ignored my plea and the vote was unanimous, ignoring the three points as well as an overwhelming majority in favor of preservation.

Immediately following the vote, Eloise McDonald, an African-American residing in the Hill District arose. She asked to submit some paperwork. The Board said the meeting had ended. Reality, there were two more items still on the agenda and a ruckus ensued. Eventually, she was able to get Susan Tymoczko, a city zoning administrator to accept the papers.

Ms. McDonald submitted the “Historic Nomination” application for the Civic Arena and the fight for preservation has taken on another battle.

This issue is all about money. Near the beginning of this letter, the “January 2010” I mentioned the SEA Board appointments made by County Executive Dan Onorato.

So now the ties come in with campaign donations. Dan Onorato was running for Governor and would reap the demolition spoils with donations coming from corporations and unions all seeking contracts/jobs.

That would take a lot of work to trace, but I can cite a contribution from one of the biggest beneficiaries of the arena deal, Pittsburgh Penguin’s owner, Ron Burkle.

In a true political fashion, a "quid, pro, quo" contribution was given to Dan Onorato in the amount of $100,000. For those that have forgotten the connection, Onorato appoints the members to the SEA Board, who slam dunked this decision for him as "at will" appointments.

Onorato’s partner in crime, SEA Board Member he appointed, Senator Sean Logan, who was also cutting deals. Senator Logan secured state grants for UPMC for the new hospital in Monroeville, after securing the demolition of the Braddock Hospital. In return, Logan left the political fray and got a sweetheart plum job with UPMC. Now his campaign cash is no longer needed and he gave $110,000 to Onorato.

The final contributor and partner in crime, was Governor Ed Rendell. Remember, Governor Rendell signed the “Term Sheet” with Onorato in 2007. Rendell “ponied up” $275,000 for Onorato.

See: [43]

The Penguins got a real sweetheart deal. The 29.5 year lease was designed to avoid paying the tax value on the lease. The Penguins get all of the revenues from hockey, concerts and parking, the taxpayers get nothing. Rather, the taxpayers were short changed again, as the gaming monies promised for property tax relief were used to finance the new Consol Energy Center.

Yes, that’s politics. Now to start adding up the costs.

$450 million+ in Consol Energy Center public costs for development

$2 million in tax dollars given to the Pittsburgh Penguins to promote their new hockey palace. The media did it for free, as evidenced by the plethora of articles written on a daily basis.

$450 million in Civic Arena replacement cost value, equal to or greater than the Consol Energy Center that doesn’t have the retractable roof or valuable parking space

$37 million in RAD funds going to the Civic Arena to preserve this “regional asset” of historic proportions

$9.3 million in current Civic Arena debt

$5 million more added to the public debt in demolition costs

$61 million in federal earmarks for redevelopment

$X million in state grants for redevelopment; RCAP and DCED monies

$X million in city/county matching funds

$X million in tax giveaways better known as Tax Increment Financing

Whether you support preservation or not, the costs to the taxpayer are phenomenal and the discourse of the arena debate has been more than deceitful.

This is a classic, “Bread and Circuses”. See: [44]

Priorities of shiny new sports venues but the city is in state receivership (bankruptcy) while we’re left with:

Bridges: [45]

Roads: [46]

Dams: [47]

Steps: [48]

56th & Carnegie Street - Lawrenceville [49]

Greenwood Street – Stanton Heights [50]

Anthony Street – Greenfield - Closed [51]

Beelen Street – Uptown [52]

2003: Failure to address drainage/Ice Removal leads to death [53]

2011: Failure to have adequate drainage leads to deaths [54]

2011: City Maintenance Failures Continue: [55]

1951: Washington Boulevard flooding claims victim [56]

I tried getting answers from Governor Rendell in his last 6 months in office, only to have calls and emails ignored. I asked how can the 2007 “Term Sheet” (Governor Rendell) wrote and signed off on contain a demolition agreement PRIOR to the Sports & Exhibition Authority holding a (bogus) historic review by the SEA in 2010?

Ed Rendell has left office and the fight now continues with the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission, Pittsburgh City Planning and Pittsburgh City Council, who will ultimately will make the final decision. I hope you’ll attend these meetings, make calls to these elected officials and become involved.

Thanks for taking the time for the read. We’ll keep posting addendums below and work it into this chronicle when time permits. (Important Addendums Below)

IMPORTANT ADDENDUMS:

As the process of the historic designation proceeds, here are some comments and stories related to the process;

February 2, 2011 Landmarks foundation waits for word on $4 million state grant

[57]

They say, “Timing is everything” and ironic in the timing of this article. It coincided with the Pittsburgh Historic Review hearing on designation of the Civic Arena.

Art Ziegler who touts himself as a preservationist for the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, has never attended one meeting on the preservation of the Civic Arena. Not one appearance at the Sports & Exhibition Authority’s historic review or at the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission on February 2, 2011.

Ex-Governor Rendell has been behind the destruction of this historic landmark with the 2007 “Term Sheet”.

It’s also interesting that Art Ziegler’s silence seems to coincide with a $4 million grant from Governor Rendell. It has every appearance that this grant equates to “Hush Money”.

February 3, 2011 Fate of Civic Arena debated [58]

Shawn Gallagher, the SEA's attorney, said the agency doesn't believe the arena meets even one of the 10 criteria for nomination.

He and others who support demolition said the arena requires millions of dollars in capital improvements, doesn't meet accessibility standards and has no viable future as an entertainment venue.

Truly an understatement. The capital improvements would first start by replacing the seats that the SEA ripped out before getting the SEA acquired the demolition permit. Accessibility standards were fallacy too. The SEA is referencing the HOK Sports report that trashed the arena to get the architect contract for the new arena, a conflict of interest. Curb cuts for handicapped accessibility were made years ago and those with disabilities seated in the last row of Section B, some of the best seats in the house! Again, the viable future as an entertainment venue was violated when ripping out the seats. As it stands, one would have to bring their lawn chair to attend such an event.

"It clearly is not worthy of preservation," Mr. Gallagher said.

An attorney that doesn’t have the expertise of historic preservation who’s opinion trumps the findings of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

Hypocrisy: Three Rivers Stadium – Mayor Tom Murphy called Three Rivers Stadium “A First-Rate Venue”

cite: [59]

Receiving $50 million in RAD and demolished with $40 million debt

History Repeated: Civic Arena – “The Mellon Arena has exemplified every trait of a world class entertainment facility.”

Cite: [60]

Receiving $37 million in RAD and under demolition with $9.3 million debt and costing $5 million for demolition

These two entities receive $87 million in RAD, exceeded the 2011 RAD Budget ($81 million) for all regional assets.

February 8, 2011 Penguins, city discuss redevelopment [61]

Penguins’ management, Travis Williams said, “…it is not certain the Igloo will come down”.

As certain as the sun will rise tomorrow, the Igloo will come down in 2011. The 2007 “Term Sheet” is that guarantee, contractually obligating the demolition, development rights and all current and future parking revenues to the Penguins.

Williams also said, “We understand and respect [the historic review] process". Really?

Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Sports & Exhibition Authority have gone out of their way to scuttle the historic designation nomination hearing on February 2, 2011. They had two attorneys from two of the most prestigious law firms in Western PA, going up against an African American woman from the Hill District with very limited means. Their zeal was an attempt to disqualify the historic nomination as “frivolous”.

The SEA and the Penguins don’t have one ounce of respect for the process. Meanwhile, they’re gutting the Civic Arena and profiting from it while the bogus historic review proceeds. _________________________________

When You Need A Demolition Permit: A Demolition Permit must be obtained prior to the removal or demolition of any building, structure, or part thereof.

[62]

Seats being ripped out for auction November 4, 2010

Permit approved November 23, 2010

Permit immediately halted with historic designation November 23, 2010 but it never happened.

I contacted Paul Loy of the Bureau of Building Inspection in early March of 2011 after reading the BBI website on demolition requirements. I asked if you need a permit on anticipatory demolition. Specifically, do you need one to start the demolition process by removing doors and windows. Mr. Loy stated unequivocally, yes.

I proceeded to tell Mr. Loy I would like to file a complaint and was immediately asked for the property address. I responded, “66 Mario Lemieux Place”.

I was met with a pause of silence then a terse reply, “Do you mean the old arena?”

I responded, “Yes”. They have removed seating, doors, windows, turnstiles, sinks, fixtures, signage and more.

Mr. Loy’s response, “You’ll need to contact the Mayor’s Office” and in short order disconnected the call.

I have since contacted the Mayor Office, left voice mail messages. I left phone messages and sent emails that were carbon copied, as well as regular U.S. Mail. When I finally got in touch with Ms. Demme, she referred me back to the Bureau of Building Inspection.

I talked to the Director, Chief John Jennings at: 412-255-2175. He said he was a busy man, receives 300 emails a day as well as 50 phone calls. He said he would get back to me. Two months later I have not received an answer.

It is now September 14, 2011 and the decision is left the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, but I hope my contribution gives you a better understand of what really took place.

And now you know the rest of the story

Gary J. English avigilantone AT Yahoo Dot com

Construction and design

The Civic Arena during a Penguins game in 2008

The US$22 million ($224 million in 2024 dollars) arena was built for the CLO in 1961. Funding was provided by a combination of public and private money, including grants from Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, and Edgar J. Kaufmann owner of Kaufmann's department store. The arena's design incorporated 2,950 tons of stainless steel from Pittsburgh. The Arena was designed for the CLO, which previously held productions at Pitt Stadium. The roof, which is supported by a 260-foot (79 m) arch, is free of internal support leaving no obstruction for the seats within. The roof, which has a diameter of 415 feet (126 m), is divided into eight sections. Six of the sections could fold underneath two—in 2½ minutes—making the Civic Arena the world's first major indoor sports stadium with a retractable roof. A total of 42 trucks mounted on 78 wheels, 30 of which are individually driven, support and move the six moveable sections. The trucks, gear motors and 480-volt AC motor drive that moves the roof sections were designed and manufactured by Heyl & Patterson Inc., a local specialist engineering firm. The stadium's capacity fluctuates depending on the event being hosted, but has increased due to additions between 1972 and 1991. The arena originally consisted only of lower bowl seating, but over time, upper decks were installed in the arena's "end zones" to increase capacity. In December 1999, Mellon Financial purchased the Arena's naming rights in a 10 year, $18 million agreement, which renamed the arena Mellon Arena.

History and events

On September 19, 1961, the Ice Capades hosted the arena's first event.

Major political rallies were part of the early history of the arena with the most attended being the campaign address by Lyndon B. Johnson on October 27, 1964.

Sporting events including roller hockey, boxing matches including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson as well as Roller Derby featuring the hosting New York Chiefs took place at the Arena. America's first high school basketball All-Star game, The Dapper Dan Roundball Classic was held there annually between 1965 and 1992. The University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, Philadelphia 76ers, Pittsburgh Pipers, Pittsburgh Condors, Pittsburgh Rens, Pittsburgh Piranhas, and the Harlem Globetrotters hosted regular-season basketball games at the Arena. World TeamTennis and the Pittsburgh Spirit Major Indoor Soccer League team also hosted matches at the Arena. The 1983 United States Figure Skating Championships and first and second round games of both the 1997 and 2002 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournaments were held at the Arena. World Wrestling Entertainment has frequently been to the Arena over the years. WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown have taken place there. Six pay-per-views have also taken place at the Mellon Arena: SummerSlam (1995), King of the Ring (1998), Unforgiven (2001), No Way Out (2005), Armageddon (2007), and the final pay-per-view; WWE Bragging Rights in 2009. The final WWE event was Raw on May 10, 2010. The weigh-in of the 2005 Bassmaster Classic was held at the arena being globally televised by both ESPN and ESPN2.

Elvis Presley played his final New Year's Eve show at the Civic Arena on December 31, 1976, and played to a sellout on June 25, 1973. The Beatles had their lone Pittsburgh concert to a sellout crowd at the arena on September 14, 1964. The arena has hosted other major concerts by every act from Frank Sinatra to Garth Brooks to Jimmy Page/Robert Plant.

The Grateful Dead's performances, on April 2-3, 1989, were recorded and later released as a live album, entitled, Download Series Volume 9, as well as sparking a riot by "Dead Heads" on the final day of the concert, an event that was national news and featured by Kurt Loder on MTV News following the arrest of 500 by the Pittsburgh Police.[63]

The World Heavyweight Title was fought at the arena on November 6, 1981 between Larry Holmes and Renaldo Snipes.

The final event was to be a Maxwell concert on July 10, 2010. However, the show was canceled. On June 8, 2010, the arena's management group, SMG, announced that James Taylor and Carole King's Troubadour Reunion Tour concert stop would be the final event at Mellon Arena on June 26, 2010.

Hockey

"It was beautiful, I can remember because the roof was round and white and pristine. It was like playing in a cloud. Imagine, it's almost like you're playing in the Vatican. It was very unique."

—Gene Ubriaco, former Forward with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Hornets, recalling his playing days at the Arena

AHL Hornets

The Pittsburgh Hornets, members of the American Hockey League (AHL) played home games at the Duquesne Gardens, located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. The team played 20 seasons in the Gardens prior to its demolition, which made room for an apartment building. The Arena opened on September 17, 1961. With the Arena available, the Hornets resumed play in the 1961–62 season and went on to win the Calder Cup in the 1966–67 season.

Penguins

As part of the 1967 NHL expansion, the city of Pittsburgh was selected to host one of six new franchises. With a hockey seating capacity of 12,508, Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena was eight seats over the NHL's minimum seating benchmark. Due to its outward appearance, the Arena was nicknamed "The Igloo" which led to the naming of the Penguins. The Penguins debuted at the Civic Arena on October 11, 1967 in a 2–1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Andy Bathgate scored the Penguins's first goal in the arena. It was the first NHL game played between an expansion team and an "Original Six" team. The Penguins won their first game at the Arena on October 21, when they became the first expansion team to beat an original NHL franchise—besting the Chicago Blackhawks 4–2. On January 21, 1990, the Civic Arena hosted the 41st National Hockey League All-Star Game. Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux scored three goals on his first three shots—the first coming 21 seconds into the game. He later scored a fourth goal and was named the game's Most Valuable Player. The arena also hosted the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, as well as games of the 1991, 1992, 2008, and 2009 Stanley Cup Finals. The 2008 Finals marked the only occasion that the Stanley Cup was presented on Mellon Arena ice, after the Penguins were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings in six games.

The Penguins originally planned to wear a jersey patch to commemorate their final season in the Igloo, but it was later scrapped.

The Pittsburgh Penguins played their final regular season game at the Mellon Arena on April 8, 2010 when they defeated the New York Islanders 7-3. More than 50 former Penguins were in attendance for a pre-game ceremony and "team picture."

The Pittsburgh Penguins played their last game in Mellon Arena on May 12, 2010; a 5–2 defeat at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens to eliminate them from the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This means the Canadiens both opened and closed the Penguins' career at the arena, handing out defeats at both events.

Panoramic view of the Civic Arena from D-Level in October 2007. The balconies on either end of this photo were not part of the original structure. The lower E-level balcony was added in 1975 and the upper F-level balcony was added in 1993 season to extend seating capacity.

Basketball

NCAA Tournaments

The Civic Arena hosted the first and second round regional games of both the 1997 and 2002 NCAA Men's Tournament. The arena's successor Consol Energy Center is scheduled to host them in 2012. It also hosted the women's first and second round games in 2001.

Eastern Eight Championships

For five seasons the arena hosted the Eastern 8 Conference Men's Basketball Tournament every March. From 1978 to 1982 many of the current Big East Conference powers Atlantic 10 powers fought for their conference crown at the center. For the final season, the Mellon Arena hosted a record crowd of 16,056, the third-largest conference basketball championship crowd in the nation that year.

NBA Regular Season Games

Between 1964 and 1973 the arena hosted 14 regular season NBA games. Primarily as a satellite city for the Philadelphia 76ers. On February 24, 1967 at the arena, Wilt Chamberlain set the all-time record for consecutive NBA field goals as well as single NBA game field goal percentage, a record that still stands. The Arena also hosted dozens of pre-season NBA contests from the 1960s until 2009.

ABA Pipers and Condors

The arena was the home court for the ABA Pittsburgh Pipers from 1967 to 1968 and the Pittsburgh Condors from 1970 to 1972. The Pipers won the first ever ABA Championship, thus becoming the first team ever to win a pro basketball championship game that featured the dunk and three point shot—ABA innovations.

Naming

In 1957, before the arena was opened, the under-construction building was officially known as the Civic Auditorium Amphitheater. By 1961, when it opened, Pittsburgh sign makers had decided that Civic Arena fit better on street signs, and the new, shorter name stuck. Still though, for the few years after it opened, it was sometimes referred to as the Civic Auditorium.

In the early days, The Pittsburgh Dome was also popular name choice, but nothing came of it.

In April 1988, city Councilman Mark Pollock proposed renaming it the Richard S. Caliguiri Arena, after the city's popular mayor who was diagnosed with amyloidosis. Caliguiri died a month later, and nothing came of this name, either.

Allegheny County Commissioner Pete Flaherty believed that officially renaming the arena The Igloo would bring marketing potential in 1992. Again, the Civic Arena name stayed.

In 1997, the Penguins sold naming rights to Allegheny Energy for $5 million, which would've renamed the arena Allegheny Energy Dome. However, the Penguins did not own the building nor its naming rights - the Sports Commission of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County did, and the deal fell through.

But, by 1999, this had changed. When Mario Lemieux bought the Penguins out of bankruptcy, the naming rights were also rewarded to him. They then sold the rights to Mellon Financial for $18 million, and the arena was finally renamed Mellon Arena.

The Mellon Arena name was let to expire on August 1, 2010, with the building now vacant and the Penguins moving to the new Consol Energy Center across the street. The closed building officially became the Civic Arena again.

Replacement and debate

At its closing in 2010, the Civic Arena was the oldest and third smallest arena in the NHL by official capacity (the Islanders and Oilers arenas seat fewer). In later years, the arena's staff was forced to use space for multiple purposes never intended in the building's original design. The Penguins franchise agreed to a deal with city and state officials to fund a new home arena for the franchise in March 2007. The Consol Energy Center is located across the street from the site of Mellon Arena and has a higher seating capacity. The Penguins played their first game at Consol Energy Center October 7, 2010.

The Penguins 3 Stanley Cup Championship Banners displayed at the Arena in 2009-10

On September 16, 2010 The Sports & Exhibition Authority (SEA) voted to demolish the Civic Arena, with no discussion. The vote by the seven-member board was unanimous. Board chairman Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline, said the board's decision doesn't have to be final — if someone comes forward with a better idea. During the first of seven meetings intended to collect and evaluate ideas for developing the 28-acre (110,000 m²) site, the demolition of the arena was stated as just being "one option", according to a SEA spokesman. Historic preservationists want to reuse the building, as a possible park and retail center. However the Penguins want to demolish it and find a developer to create a residential and retail district on the site. Penguins executives have said removing the arena would free up land near the Downtown business district. On January 20, 2010, SEA, the Arena's owner, declined to speculate whether the Penguins could challenge it in court if it decided to reuse the arena instead of demolishing it. SEA stated that if the structure was to be reused, it would be set up in a way that would benefit the redevelopment of the area.

A March 2007 agreement between the SEA and the Penguins states that Civic Arena would be demolished after completion of Consol Energy Center, in July 2010. However, SEA is currently conducting a historic assessment of the arena. It is currently eligible to appear on the National Register of Historic Places mainly because of its unique, retractable dome. A private consultant to SEA was hired to conduct the survey. The consultant is to follow the state Historic and Museum Commission guidelines to determine whether demolishing the arena, or reusing it, would adversely affect historic structures or artifacts in the area. The recommendations of the consultant to SEA were scheduled to be delivered in June 2010.

On September 16, 2010, the Allegheny County Sports and Exhibition Authority voted unanimously to demolish the Civic Arena. However SEA Board chairman, State Senator Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline, said the board's decision will not be final, unless someone comes forward with a better idea on the use of the Arena. Over the next few months, workers will remove asbestos from the building while a demolition plan is designed. The Board will sell assets from inside and likely award a demolition contract in February 2011. Proponents for retaining the building have vowed to fight the demolition decision in court, and continue to seek landmark status. On November 24, 2010, the building's demolition was delayed due to a last-minute nomination as a National Historic Landmark. Also, on January 5, 2011, the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission voted 5-1 in favor for preliminary approval of the arena's historic nomination status. The vote paved the way for a formal hearing on the proposed designation on March 2. The HRC ultimately voted against landmark status on March 2. After also failing to get historic status approval from City Planning and City Council, Preservation Pittsburgh filed a federal lawsuit in an another attempt to save the arena.

Even with its future still pending, seats and various other fixtures from the arena have been put up for sale.

Use as a filming location

Civic Arena has served as a filming location for several major Hollywood productions including:

• The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh, a 1979 basketball film starring Flip Wilson, Stockard Channing, and Julius Erving as members of the fictional Pittsburgh Pisces NBA team.
• Sudden Death, a 1995 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as a retired Pittsburgh firefighter who tries to save the Vice President from terrorists during the pivotal Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.
• Rock Star, a 2001 film starring Mark Wahlberg as a musician heading to the Pittsburgh arena for a concert in 1987.
• Zach and Miri Make a Porno, a 2008 Kevin Smith film; one of the final scenes is shot outside the arena.
• She's Out of My League, a 2010 romantic comedy; the arena and the Pittsburgh Penguins are featured as the backdrop to a date night.

Further reading

• Cooper, Bruce C. (1994). Michael L. LaBlanc (ed.). Professional Sports Team Histories: Hockey. Detroit, Michigan: Gale Research Inc. ISBN 978-0810388628.
• O'Brien, Jim (1994). Penguin Profiles. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: James P. O'Brien – Publishing. ISBN 0916114163.

External links

• Official site
• Pittsburgh Penguins: Mellon Arena
• Pittsburgh Sports & Exhibition Authority: Mellon Arena
• YouTube - Inside the Abandoned Pittsburgh Civic (Mellon) Arena
• Mellon Arena memories from a long-time usher/manager

Events and tenants
Preceded by Franchise created	Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins 1967–2010	Succeeded by Consol Energy Center
Preceded by Duquesne Gardens	Home of the Pittsburgh Hornets 1961–1967	Succeeded by Franchise disbanded
Preceded by Fitzgerald Field House	Home of Duquesne University Men's Basketball 1965-1987	Succeeded by Palumbo Center
Preceded by first arena	Home of the Pittsburgh Gladiators 1987–1990	Succeeded by ThunderDome (Tampa Bay Storm)
Preceded by Inaugural Event	Host of ArenaBowl 1987	Succeeded by Allstate Arena
Preceded by Northlands Coliseum	Host of NHL All-Star Game 1990	Succeeded by Chicago Stadium
Preceded by Charlotte Coliseum	Host of Bassmaster Classic 2005	Succeeded by Silver Spurs Arena
Preceded by Colonial Life Arena	Host of Forrest Wood Cup 2009	Succeeded by Arena at Gwinnett Center
Preceded by first	Host of WWE Bragging Rights 2009	Succeeded by Target Center