Quick Answer
PPG Paints Arena generally opens 1.5-2 hours before the scheduled start time of an event. For a 7pm event start time, doors would open between 5:30pm and 6pm. Event start times vary, so the exact door opening time changes depending on when the event is scheduled to begin. Check your ticket or the PPG Paints Arena website for the exact door time for a specific event.
What Time Do the Doors Open at PPG Paints Arena?
The doors at PPG Paints Arena typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours prior to the scheduled start time of an event. This allows attendees ample time to pass through security screening, find their seats, visit concession stands, and settle in before the event begins.
Some key points about PPG Paints Arena door opening times:
- For a 7pm event start time, doors often open between 5:30pm and 6pm
- For an 8pm event, doors may open as early as 6:30pm or as late as 7pm
- Events on weeknights usually open doors 90 minutes early (7pm event = 5:30pm door time)
- Weekend events may open doors 2 hours early (8pm Saturday event = 6pm door time)
- Special events like playoffs or concerts may have earlier door times
- Check your ticket or the arena website for the exact door opening time for your event
The arena staff needs sufficient time to get attendees through security checks and settled in the arena before showtime. Opening the doors 90-120 minutes prior to start time allows efficient processing of the large crowds. Attendees should plan to arrive early, as lines at security and ticket scanning can back up near event start times.
Arrive Early to Avoid Lines
While PPG Paints Arena doors open 1.5-2 hours pre-event, it’s recommended you arrive even earlier than the posted door time if possible. Large crowds all arriving at the same posted door time can lead to long security lines, ticket scanning delays, and congestion entering the arena.
Giving yourself an extra 30-60 minutes before the posted door opening time will help ensure you’re settled in your seat well before tipoff or the opening act. Here are some tips for easy entry:
- Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before doors open to avoid the biggest crowds
- Print tickets in advance or have them ready on your phone to allow quick scanning
- Only bring essential items to speed up bag checks
- Know the arena layout to find your seat quickly upon entering
- Scope out parking/transit options near the arena to avoid delays
With over 18,500 seats in the arena, thousands of people will be arriving around the same posted door time. Arriving early gives you a cushion for any unexpected delays and less stressful entry into the venue.
Exceptions to Standard Door Times
While most PPG Paints Arena events follow the standard policy of opening doors 90 minutes to 2 hours early, there are some exceptions:
- Playoff games – Doors may open earlier for playoffs or other high-profile games to accommodate extra fans
- Weekday matinees – Daytime events on weekdays may open doors just 60-90 minutes prior
- Sellout crowds – Events forecast to sell out may open doors earlier
- Concerts – Show doors sometimes open later for concerts, around just 60-90 minutes pre-show
- Special events – Unique public events may follow modified door times
Consult the PPG Paints Arena website or your ticket to confirm for anomalies to the standard policy for your specific event date and start time. This will provide the definitive door opening time for arrivals.
Early Arrivals Can Explore Outside Until Doors Open
For fans arriving extremely early before the scheduled door opening time, there are shops and restaurants surrounding PPG Paints Arena to visit. Pass time at:
- The Highmark Gate outdoor plaza with food and drink eateries
- Restaurants like Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 and Cappy’s Cafe
- Stores in the arena district like team gear shop 412 Fanatics
The arena exterior typically opens earlier than event doors, so fans have somewhere to congregate. Just be sure to get in the door queue at least 30-45 minutes before the posted door time to ensure timely entry.
Use Ticket Barcodes for Quick Entry
PPG Paints Arena has electronic ticket scanners at every entrance to speed up admissions. Printed paper tickets will have a barcode for scanning. Mobile tickets also feature quick response (QR) codes that can be scanned directly from your phone screen.
Have your ticket barcode/QR code ready in hand before reaching the scanner to keep the line moving quickly. Taking extra time to dig out your ticket will frustrate those in line behind you.
Security Screening Stations Bottle Neck Entry
While the arena has numerous entry doors, all fans must pass through security screening stations before being allowed entry to events. This mandatory checkpoint can slow down the flow of people into the arena.
Trying to enter right at the posted door time often means waiting in a long security line, potentially delaying reaching your seat for the start of the event. Arrive ahead of the crowd to move quickly through security and onto the concourse.
Conclusion
PPG Paints Arena opens doors between 90 minutes and 2 hours before the scheduled start time of events. Arrive early, at least 45-60 minutes before doors open, to avoid delays at security and ticket scanning. Have tickets ready and only bring essential items to quicken gate entry. While doors open 1.5-2 hours before, arriving 2-2.5 hours early ensures you’re in your seat well ahead of tipoff or the opening act. Check your specific event for the exact door opening time.
Event Start Time | Door Opening Time | Recommended Arrival |
---|---|---|
7:00pm | 5:30pm | 4:30-4:45pm |
8:00pm | 6:00-6:30pm | 5:00-5:30pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should you arrive for a Penguins game?
For a 7pm Penguins game, arrive between 4:30-4:45pm. Doors open 90 minutes early at 5:30pm for weekday games, so coming 60-75 minutes before doors leads to easy entry. Arriving later risks waiting in long lines.
What time do doors open for concerts?
Concert door opening times are typically only 60-90 minutes before showtime. An 8pm concert may not open doors until 6:30 or 7pm. Arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of the posted time to navigate crowds smoothly.
Can you enter PPG Paints Arena late after the event starts?
Yes, you can enter late but may need to wait for a stoppage in play for hockey games. Concerts will allow late entry in between sets/songs. However, arriving late means potentially waiting in longer security lines and missing part of the show.
How early should you get there for sold out shows?
Arrive 2-2.5 hours before the posted door time for sold out events. Extra crowds will create delays so coming very early ensures you’ll be inside in time for the start.
Are there restaurants and bars open outside before doors open?
Yes, the Highmark Gate plaza and arena restaurants like Cappy’s Cafe and Jerome Bettis’ Grille 36 open early before events. These give early arrivals a place to eat, drink, and stay nearby until entry.
Final Thoughts
Knowing when you can enter PPG Paints Arena takes some of the guesswork out of attending an event. While every show will be slightly different, you can expect doors to open 1.5-2 hours pre-start. Arrive even earlier, at least 45-60 minutes before the posted door time, to sail smoothly through security. Too many wait until the last minute and risk missing the opening moments scrambling to their seat. Now that you know when you can enter the arena for you event, you can show up prepared and on time for a seamless start to a great experience!