Consol Energy Center To Be Renamed PPG Paints Arena
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Say good-bye to the Consol Energy Center.
It is no more.
"It's exciting to be the first to say, 'Welcome to the PPG Paints Arena," said David Morehouse, president of the Pittsburgh Penguins, at a press event on Tuesday.
With an economic downturn in both coal and natural gas, Consol is dropping out of the naming rights business.
And PPG, which has sold off its glass business to focus on paints and coatings, has stepped in.
"David, did Consol want out, or did you go to them and say, 'Hey, we'd prefer to work with PPG?'" KDKA money editor Jon Delano asked Morehouse.
Morehouse: "We didn't say we'd prefer to work with PPG. We knew they had changing priorities in their business."
It's a 20-year deal with PPG.
The financial terms are undisclosed, but PPG says it's no stranger to hockey.
"PPG paints and coatings are protecting and beautifying hockey arenas from Los Angeles, California, to Quebec, Canada," said Viktor Sekmakas, executive vice president at PPG.
Operating in 70 countries, PPG sees identifying with the Pens as a great marketing opportunity.
"What this will present for the fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the opportunity to interact with a brand on the consumer side when they're looking to paint their house, or their living room, or their man cave," says Bryan Iams, PPG vice president of corporate and government affairs.
PPG is promising discount coupons and great promotions in the process.
So the Consol Energy Center is now the PPG Paints Arena, and the officials say the signage will be changed almost immediately.
But what will fans call this place?
Some on social media suggested the Paint Can.
Morehouse: "We will always call it what it's called -- the PPG Paints Arena, and it won't have a nickname when it comes to the Pittsburgh Penguins."
Delano: "Do you agree, Bryan? Paint Can work for you?"
Iams: "PPG Paints Arena is the official name. We think it is a really great name for this arena. We do sell a lot of paint in cans. As I always say, the fans are creative."
Whatever fans end up calling the place, PPG Paints Arena is already on the ice and expected to be on the building before the hockey home opener on Oct. 13.
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