Pens Fans Celebrating Stanley Cup Title As New Season Begins
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Tonight is the night.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will play their first home game of the season at the newly re-named PPG Paints Arena.
There are several events planned before tonight's game to celebrate the Pens winning the Stanley Cup.
"For them to be able to celebrate with them on the ice with the team and see the banner raised to the rafters, it's gonna be an electric moment," Pittsburgh Penguins COO Travis Williams said.
Williams said there's been a lot of effort to welcome the team back this season. Part of that effort is a meticulously crafted banner raising ceremony.
"I think there will be a tearjerker moment or two in terms of the emotion that goes into the presentation. I think it'll be fabulous," Williams said.
Along with the new banner to add to the top of the arena comes a brand new logo.
PPG Paints Arena is now displayed on the outside and inside.
The plans to change the name from Consol Energy Center have been in the works for months. The actual execution forced crews to work 24/7 to get everything switched.
"We've only had nine days from the announcement until opening night to make this transformation,"
Meanwhile, fans got the opportunity to take pictures with the Stanley Cup at the City-County Building.
"I was quite excited because I've been waiting all year to see it. I am not a season ticket holder so I was kind of disappointed for a while," said Stacie Barko of Bethel Park.
At times, the line wrapped all the way around the building.
"We just found out last night when we flew in the cup was on display today and we couldn't be happier," said Herman Grewal of Canada.
"I've been thinking about this all summer long. Literally praying that I would interact with the Stanley Cup," said Robert Hestor of Braddock.
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