Getting into a Pittsburgh Penguins game early is key for fans who want the full experience. By arriving early, you can soak up the atmosphere, explore the arena, grab food and drinks, and be in your seat for pre-game warmups. Here’s a guide to help you determine how early you should arrive for a Penguins game at PPG Paints Arena.
When Doors Open
The first thing to know is when the doors at PPG Paints Arena open. This will determine when you can first enter the arena for a Penguins game.
On weekdays, the doors typically open 1 hour and 15 minutes before puck drop. So for a 7pm game, you’d be able to enter the arena at 5:45pm. On weekends or special events, the doors tend to open earlier – usually 2 hours before game time. For a 7pm game on a Saturday, you’d be able to get in around 5pm.
You can always check the Penguins website or your ticket for the exact doors open time for any game you plan on attending. Knowing this will allow you to time your arrival accordingly.
When Players Start Warmups
Part of the fun of arriving early is being able to watch the Penguins players warmup on the ice prior to the game. This allows you to see your favorite players up close as they get ready for action.
For most games, warmups start about 30-50 minutes before puck drop and last around 15-20 minutes. So for a typical 7pm weekday game where doors open at 5:45pm, warmups usually run from around 6:10-6:30pm.
On weekends or busier games, the Penguins may take the ice a bit earlier since fans are already in their seats. But you can typically count on warmups happening 30-50 minutes prior to game time.
Best Time for Avid Fans
If you really want the full experience, consider arriving when doors open or shortly after. This allows you to:
- Walk around the arena and take in the sights
- Check out the team store merchandise
- Grab food and drinks at concession stands
- Watch warmups from ice level or your seats
- See player introductions and opening ceremonies
Hardcore Penguins fans will want to be there when doors open to enjoy everything PPG Paints Arena has to offer. You’ll have plenty of time to eat, explore, watch warmups, and be in your seat well before the game starts.
Arriving for Warmups
Casual fans may want to aim for arriving about 45 minutes before game time. This ensures you’ll be in your seat with time to spare before warmups start.
If you cut it closer than that, you risk missing part or all of warmups. And battling Pittsburgh traffic and lines getting into the arena can eat into your time. Give yourself a cushion so you don’t feel rushed.
Just Before Puck Drop
If you simply want to get to your seat with a few minutes to spare before the game, plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early. This will allow time to get through security, find your section, and settle in.
Keep in mind you’ll miss warmups and won’t have time to grab food or drinks without missing game action. But if you just want to see the full game, arriving 15-20 minutes early is sufficient.
Tip: Weekday vs Weekend
A good rule of thumb is to arrive earlier for weekend or playoff games. These tend to see bigger crowds which can lead to longer lines getting into the arena.
For a relaxed experience, arriving 1 hour before puck drop on a weekday or 2 hours early on a weekend is ideal. This built in buffer ensures you’ll get to see warmups and won’t feel rushed.
Getting Through Security
All fans need to pass through arena security screening when entering PPG Paints Arena. This can involve metal detectors, bag checks, and security wandings.
To allow time for security, factor an extra 30-60 minutes beyond when doors open. If doors open 90 minutes before the game, plan to arrive 30-60 minutes prior to doors opening to move through security.
Having your game ticket ready speeds up the process. But it’s better to allot extra time in case of long security lines.
Parking and Traffic
Driving to the game? Be sure to account for traffic around the arena at peak times. Pittsburgh traffic and road closures can impact the flow around PPG Paints Arena.
If possible, arrive early and grab a bite to eat in the area while waiting for the arena to open. Or take public transportation like the T to avoid parking altogether.
If driving, give yourself an extra 30-60 minutes for traffic jams, parking, and the walk to the arena. This prevents stress if you hit unexpected delays on the road or at parking garages close to game time.
Where to Grab Food and Drinks
Arriving early allows time to grab great food and drinks at the many concession stands within PPG Paints Arena. Prime spots include:
Location | Offerings |
---|---|
Carl’s Jr.TM | Burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries |
Dunkin’ | Coffee, donuts, breakfast sandwiches |
Dasani Zone | Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages |
Milkshake Factory | Gourmet milkshakes |
There are gluten-free, vegetarian, and healthier options available too. Having your food and drinks before the game starts means no waiting in long lines and missing game action.
Where to Shop for Merchandise
The PensGear Team Store is a must-visit for Penguins fans. With 4,000 square feet of merchandise, you’ll find something whether you’re looking for:
- Jerseys
- Hats
- Shirts
- Pucks
- Pens merchandise
Other merchandise locations are scattered around the arena too. Shopping early ensures you’ll secure that must-have item without missing any game time.
Catching Warmups Down Low
Your game ticket may not allow access down low to the glass for warmups. But arriving when doors open gives you a chance to catch warmups from ice level before ushers start checking tickets.
Head down to the lower bowl right away if you want photos and close views of players as they take the ice. Just be prepared to head to your actual seats once the ushers start scanning tickets and clearing fans without lower bowl access.
Exploring Inside the Arena
Along with food and shopping, PPG Paints Arena offers lots of unique spots to explore and sights to see. Arriving when doors open lets you take in attractions like:
- The Highmark Wall of Champions showing Penguins history and facts
- The Mario Lemieux statue
- Photo op cut outs and props
- Interactive areas like the fountain and bubble hockey
You can check out the arena sights at your leisure when you give yourself extra time before the game starts.
Beating the Crowds
From food and drinks to gear shopping to exploring, getting to the arena early helps you avoid the biggest crowds. Those extra 1-2 hours make navigating the concourse much easier.
You can take your time checking out vendors instead of feeling rushed. And spots like the Team Store are less chaotic early on versus right before the game.
Arriving early means a more relaxed, enjoyable experience before settling into your seat for the game.
Conclusion
How early you arrive for a Pittsburgh Penguins game at PPG Paints Arena depends on your goals. Avid fans will want to be there when doors open 1-2 hours before game time. This allows full enjoyment of everything from warmups to concessions and gear shopping without feeling rushed.
More casual fans can arrive 30-45 minutes before puck drop to catch warmups from their seats. And those just wanting to get to their seats can arrive 15-20 minutes early.
No matter when you aim to get there, build in extra time for traffic, parking, security lines, and walking to the arena. Give yourself a buffer so you don’t feel stressed about missing anything. Then kick back and enjoy soaking up the ambiance before the Penguins take the ice!