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PPG Paints Arena Guide

NHL · Pittsburgh · 18,387 capacity

Last updated: 3/4/2026

Getting to the arena is a breeze from downtown, with many visitors arriving on foot or via a quick 10-minute walk from the Steel Plaza T station. If you're bringing a car, make sure to book your spot on ParkWhiz in advance—the lots are all cashless.

At a glance

Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Public transportation options include Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PAT) buses, with routes such as 61A, 61B, 71A, and 71C serving the area.
Family friendly
Children under the age of two do not typically require a ticket for Pittsburgh Penguins games if they are sitting on an adult's lap.
Capacity
18,387

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring PPG Paints Arena on the calendar. See Pittsburgh home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for PPG Paints Arena

Downtown Pittsburgh

Downtown/Cultural District

Downtown is the city's vibrant and walkable heart, offering numerous dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Downtown Pittsburgh boasts an excellent Transit Score. Most light rail and bus lines converge here. The 'T' light rail connects Downtown to the North Shore (free travel) and the South Hills. Downtown 'T' stations include Steel Plaza, Wood Street, and First Avenue, with Steel Plaza being the closest to PPG Paints Arena.

South Side (Station Square)

This lively neighborhood features a diverse array of restaurants, bars, live music venues, and art galleries, particularly along East Carson Street. Station Square itself is a complex of shops and entertainment.

The 'T' light rail system serves Station Square, connecting it to Downtown and the North Shore. The Monongahela Incline also provides access to Mount Washington.

Strip District

Once an industrial hub, the Strip District has transformed into a trendy and exciting neighborhood known for its unique shops, diverse dining, and vibrant atmosphere.

The 54 bus route offers direct service from the Strip District (Chestnut St + Progress Fs) to Acrisure Stadium (Allegheny Ave + Reedsdale Fs). Many bus routes connect the Strip District to Downtown, providing access to the 'T' light rail for PPG Paints Arena and North Shore venues.

Oakland

Oakland is a vibrant, collegiate neighborhood, home to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, and features the Petersen Events Center.

Oakland is served by multiple bus routes. For Acrisure Stadium, the 57 bus route (e.g., from Second Ave + Technology Dr) connects towards Downtown, where transfers can be made to the 'T' for North Shore venues. Various bus routes (61A, 61B, 61C, 71A, 71C, 71D, 81, 82, 83) serve the area around PPG Paints Arena.

See full Pittsburgh stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Public transportation options include Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PAT) buses, with routes such as 61A, 61B, 71A, and 71C serving the area. The T Light Rail's closest stop is Steel Plaza Station, approximately a 10-minute walk from the arena, offering free service within the Golden Triangle. [cite: 5 from previous search, 10 from previous search, 13 from previous search, 8]

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: The designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off location for PPG Paints Arena is situated at the corner of Wylie Avenue and Fullerton Street. [cite: 2 from previous search, 10 from previous search, 19 from previous search]

Parking: Parking is available in PPG Paints Arena Lots, which are cashless. Pre-purchasing parking in advance via ParkWhiz is strongly encouraged. Accessible parking is provided in lots such as East Lot, Fullerton Lot, South Lot, and West Lot, as well as in the attached parking garage for non-hockey events; these spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. [cite: 2 from previous search, 19 from previous search, 29 from previous search]

After the event

City Works Eatery & Pour House

Works well with these Pittsburgh venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Located just east of downtown Pittsburgh, the arena is situated in the Uptown neighborhood, sometimes referred to as the Lower Hill District. The address is 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. [cite: 2 from previous search, 19 from previous search, 5]
  • Signature food: The iconic Primanti Brothers sandwiches, known for being piled high with coleslaw and french fries, are a significant Pittsburgh specialty and an integral part of the game day experience. [cite: 15 from previous search, 19 from previous search, 20 from previous search, 5]
  • Fan tradition: Notable local fan traditions include throwing hats onto the ice when a Pittsburgh Penguins player scores a hat trick, enjoying Primanti Brothers sandwiches as a game day ritual, and the enduring legend of the 'Lucky Penguin' bringing good fortune to the team. Chants of 'Let's go Pens!' are also common. [cite: 15 from previous search, 20 from previous search, 25 from previous search, 26 from previous search]
  • Pregame institution: Meat & Potatoes (649 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Tom's Watch Bar
    220 Federal St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 · North Shore

    Offers an immersive 360-degree viewing experience with oversized stadium screens and personalized audio at each table. It's the official pregame, postgame, and away-game headquarters for Penguins fans and a go-to spot for Steelers, Pirates, and Pitt Panthers fans.

    What to order: Jumbo wings, signature prime rib dip sandwich, locally inspired game-day bites.

  • Primanti Bros. (Downtown)
    2 Market Sq, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · Downtown

    A Pittsburgh classic famous for its unique sandwiches with fries and coleslaw piled high. With multiple locations, it's a staple for locals and visitors alike.

    What to order: Sandwiches with fries and coleslaw on them.

  • Souper Bowl
    910 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 · Downtown

    A classic Pens pregame spot conveniently located near PPG Paints Arena. It offers a nostalgic sports bar atmosphere with classic Pens decor, quick service, and game-day specials.

    What to order: Game-day specials.

  • City Works Eatery & Pour House
    2 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 · Downtown

    An 'ultimate sports bar meets delightful restaurant' with 90 craft beers, 8 wines on tap (highlighting 30+ local breweries), and 15 extra-large HDTVs with state-of-the-art audio. It's located in the iconic PPG Place in Market Square.

    What to order: Wide menu of beers on draft, cocktails, sharables, and modern American classics with a twist.