PPG Paints Arena: Guide for Visiting Fans

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is about 20 miles from the arena, a drive of roughly 26 minutes without traffic — add 15–20 minutes if you're arriving on a game night. A Lyft or Uber from PIT will run you $35–55 depending on surge.

The best transit option is Pittsburgh's "T" light rail. Pittsburgh Regional Transit light rail connects three downtown stations with the North Shore and South Hills; Steel Plaza station is the closest to PPG Paints Arena, at Ross Street and 6th Avenue, and service within the Golden Triangle is free at all times. Steel Plaza is just a 10-minute walk from the arena. From Steel Plaza, head southwest on Oliver Avenue toward Ross Street — it's flat and well-lit.

Bus routes 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 71A, 71C, 71D, 81, 82, and 83 all have stops at or near the stadium. Bus fare is $2.75. If you're driving in from the suburbs, Interstates 376 and 579 pass close to the arena. Lyft is the official rideshare partner of PPG Paints Arena. Designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zones are located along Centre Avenue and 5th Avenue, steps from the arena's main entrances.

Parking near PPG is surprisingly plentiful compared to many NHL cities. Parking in the area is plentiful thanks to a few undeveloped tracts of land north of Centre Avenue. There's a parking garage attached to the arena's east side, with no less than five additional lots across the street — all named after car dealerships owned by local entrepreneur Jim Shorkey. The PPG Paints Arena South Lot at 1413 Centre Avenue is a popular choice.

The arena is surrounded by over 10 parking lots and garages, with rates typically ranging from $15 to $30 depending on the event. Early arrival is key, as spaces fill quickly. For big matchups or playoff games, budget for the top of that range. You can secure parking in advance by visiting ParkWhiz to view availability for PPG Paints Arena events. Pre-booking a spot via SpotHero or ParkWhiz and arriving 60–75 minutes before puck drop will save you from circling. Street parking on the surrounding blocks is tightly enforced on event nights — don't risk it.

The Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, directly across Washington Place from the arena, is about as convenient as it gets — you can practically roll out of bed and into the building. It's a full-service hotel and pricing reflects the location, usually $150–250 a night on game nights. The Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh is also within short walking distance and generally a notch below in price.

If you want to be in a more lively area before and after the game, book something in Downtown proper — the blocks around Market Square and the Cultural District are a 15–20 minute walk to the arena, but you'll have far more dining and bar options at your feet. The western part of downtown has plenty of good places to eat and is a 20-or-so-minute walk to PPG, or a quick trip on a bus. For budget travelers, the North Shore has mid-range chain hotels near PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium, and the T's free downtown zone gets you to the arena without a car.

City Works (Market Square): Nestled in the base of the iconic PPG Place, City Works is a craft beer spot with more than 90 beers on its menu, an expansive indoor space, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio overlooking Market Square — a perfect spot for pregame festivities. It's about a 10-minute walk to the arena and won't be exclusively Penguins fans.

Primanti Brothers (multiple downtown locations): The Pittsburgh institution. You can get Primanti Brothers sandwiches — their famous coleslaw-and-fries-stuffed creations — right at PPG itself , but the original downtown location before the game hits differently. Loud, unpretentious, and packed with locals on game nights.

Moonlit Burgers (near Duquesne University): A second location of the popular Dormont smashburger shop right on Duquesne's campus — don't let the college atmosphere fool you, as this colorful spot offers cocktails, drafts, and shots alongside bacon double cheeseburgers and pickle-brined chicken sandwiches. It's right along the walk to the arena from downtown.

The Commoner (William Penn Hotel, Downtown): The Commoner is in the Kimpton Monaco hotel at William Penn Place and 6th Avenue, two short blocks from the Embassy Suites. A polished gastropub with good cocktails and food substantial enough to keep you going through three periods. Make a reservation on game nights.

Read this one carefully — PPG has one of the stricter policies in the league. No bags will be permitted in PPG Paints Arena. Exceptions after inspection will be made for medical bags, diaper bags, and wristlets or wallets no larger than 4" × 6" × 1.5". There is no bag check or storage on-site for prohibited items. Leave your backpack at the hotel — there are no workarounds.

Doors generally open one hour prior to the start of an event, including Pittsburgh Penguins games. There are four points of entry: Peoples Gate (Fifth Avenue and Washington Place), Highmark Gate (Centre Avenue Lower Entrance), F.N.B. Gate (Centre Avenue Upper Entrance), and a private parking garage entrance for suite ticket holders. For away fans walking from the T or downtown, Peoples Gate off Fifth Avenue is the most natural approach. PPG Paints Arena is a mobile-only facility — a mobile ticket must be displayed on a smartphone for game entry. All mobile tickets feature a rotating barcode, so camera screenshots or paper printouts will not work. Download your ticket to the app before you leave the hotel. PPG Paints Arena has a no re-entry policy; once you leave the building during an event, you will not be permitted to return.

Accessible seating is available on all seating levels of PPG Paints Arena. Seating locations vary depending on the event, and when ordering accessible tickets it's important to indicate the type of accessible seat required. The accessible drop-off location is on Fifth Avenue near the EQT Gate at the southwest corner of the arena. Twelve escalators are located throughout the building and lead to all seating levels. Elevators are also available throughout the concourse levels for guests who cannot use escalators or stairs.

There are two UPMC First Aid Stations — one on each level — with one located adjacent to Guest Services near Section 104 and another behind the concession stand at Section 232. For accessibility inquiries specific to the arena's management, contact the Sports & Exhibition Authority at 412.393.0200.

PPG doesn't designate a formal away section, so visiting fans typically scatter across the arena. The steep sightlines and luxury amenities make this a strong venue regardless of where you sit. The arena boasts 1,950 club seats at center ice offering unmatched sightlines.

For away fans who want to cluster together and cheer without being completely surrounded, the upper corners in the 200s — sections 208–214 or 218–224 on the far ends — tend to attract a more mixed crowd and have slightly lower energy from the home side. The lower bowl end-zone sections (101–104 and 117–120) offer great proximity to the ice and are worth the upgrade if your team is shooting toward that end twice. Avoid center-ice lower bowl sections 107–113 if you plan to be vocal — that's prime Penguins country.

PPG Paints Arena has a variety of concessions including Pittsburgh favorites like Primanti's sandwiches and Quaker Steak wings. For the 2024–25 season, eight new food concepts were added, with fans able to enjoy smashburgers, tacos, pierogies, and Mike Lange-inspired sandwiches, washed down with a 24-ounce beer served in a plastic hockey stick. Beer runs about $15 and water $5 — pretty standard for NHL arenas. The venue is fully cashless; credit and debit cards as well as Apple/Google Pay are accepted, and reverse ATMs are available to convert cash to a prepaid debit card.

Pittsburgh fans are genuinely knowledgeable hockey people, and they'll let you know when you celebrate a goal — but they're not the type to make your night physically unpleasant. PPG Paints Arena is tucked away in a less-touristy part of the city, east of downtown and right next to Duquesne University , which means the crowd skews local and passionate rather than corporate and distracted. What's worth knowing: the arena sits on an actual hill, so the different gates enter at different levels of the building — if you enter through Highmark Gate on Centre Avenue, you're already on the lower concourse; Peoples Gate on Fifth Avenue puts you at a higher entry point. Away fans who don't know this get confused fast. The bowl itself is steep and loud — seats are up to 24 inches wide with generous legroom , and you're never far from the ice no matter where you sit. One more thing: the goal horn, brought over from the old Civic Arena when it was introduced for Crosby's arrival in 2005 , is the real thing — when the Penguins score, it's wall-shaking.

Light Rail (T): The Steel Plaza station is the closest T stop and connects to the South Hills and North Shore. The train runs post-game, but expect a crowd. Wait 10–15 minutes after the final whistle and let the first wave of fans funnel out before heading to Steel Plaza. The free downtown zone means no fumbling for fare — just board.

Driving: The lots north of Centre Avenue tend to empty faster than the arena garage, simply because there are more exits spread across multiple streets. Plan for 20–30 minutes to reach a freely moving road after a packed game. Interstates 376 and 579 pass close to the arena — I-579 northbound toward the Crosstown Boulevard is generally the fastest escape route toward downtown and the airport.

Rideshare: After the game, rideshare demand increases, leading to longer wait times and higher prices. To avoid surge pricing, consider walking a few blocks away from the arena before requesting your ride, or enjoy a nearby bar while waiting for the crowd to clear. The best move: walk two blocks down Fifth Avenue toward Grant Street, away from the immediate arena crush, and request there. Post-game, crossing Washington Place to the Marriott lobby is a useful trick to request a pickup from a calmer spot.

Opinionated tip: If you have the flexibility, stay for 10 minutes after the final buzzer and browse the concourse — the crowd thins dramatically in that window, and you'll step out into a half-empty street instead of a wall of people.

What is the closest transit station to PPG Paints Arena?

Steel Plaza station, at Ross Street and 6th Avenue, is the closest T light rail stop. It is about a 10-minute walk from the arena, and the light rail is free within the downtown zone.

Can I bring a bag into PPG Paints Arena?

No bags are permitted. Exceptions after inspection are made for medical bags, diaper bags, and wristlets or wallets no larger than 4" × 6" × 1.5".

Is PPG Paints Arena cashless?

Yes — PPG Paints Arena is a cashless venue. Credit and debit cards as well as Apple/Google Pay are accepted. Reverse ATMs are available to convert cash to a prepaid debit card.

How much does parking cost near PPG Paints Arena?

Parking in the surrounding lots and garages typically ranges from $15 to $30 depending on the event. Pre-booking via ParkWhiz or SpotHero is strongly recommended for popular games.

When do gates open at PPG Paints Arena?

Doors generally open one hour prior to the start of an event, including Pittsburgh Penguins games.

What are the best seats for away fans at PPG Paints Arena? There is no designated away section. Upper-bowl corner sections (208–214, 218–224) tend to be lower intensity from the home crowd. Lower-bowl end-zone sections (101–104, 117–120) offer excellent sightlines at a lower price than center ice.

How far is Pittsburgh International Airport from PPG Paints Arena?

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is about 20 miles away, roughly a 26-minute drive in normal conditions. Budget 45–50 minutes on a game night.

Can I print my ticket at home?

PPG Paints Arena is a mobile-only facility. All tickets feature a rotating barcode, and camera screenshots or paper printouts will not be accepted by scanners. Download your ticket to the Penguins app or your Apple/Google Wallet before leaving your hotel.