Pittsburgh Penguins 5 ---Red Wings 1

I managed to be first in line for the first ever hockey game at the Console Energy Center
 

Last night the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings 5 to 1 in the first preseason game at the Console Energy Center.  I went down early and did a little tailgating prior to the game, then went over to check out the new Center.

After discovering it would be another 45 minutes till the doors opened, I had to make other arrangements to get inside.  I went around to another VIP gate and rolled through the doors to be greeted with this view.

What a beautiful sight

I was greeted with a fantastic view of the Penguins new home ice. It truly is a beautiful facility. I rolled around the center checking out all it has to offer. Then I went to check out my season tickets section.

I met two really nice guys Michael and Dany who will be the ushers in my section this year. Dany was really knowledgeable about the center and even pointed out were the golden beam  was located. I can't wait to discover all the little nuances like this throughout the center.

It was finally time for the players to take the ice and start the pregame warm-up, check out some of these pictures....

Then the lights went down and the buildings energy began to surge to an incredible level. When the puck dropped the place went crazy. I was so happy to be a part of it and kick off the start to the Penguins run for the Stanley Cup.

Now for a very short review of the accessibility, amenities and overall thoughts regarding the Console Energy Center.....

Accessibility: I found the building to be extremely accessible and the views from the accessible seating sections were fantastic. Previously when the crowd would stand up at the Civic Arena it would routinely block the view of the accessible section. It's not the case at the center, I always had a clear view of the ice.

The only issue I did have with accessibility was with the elevators. There are eight elevators in the center, which to me does not sound like a lot. I encountered a few able-bodied individuals using the elevators instead of the escalators...... If you do not need the elevators, please reserve them for individuals who do!

Amenities: There's literally everything you would ever expect to eat and drink at a sporting event.  I had a draft beer and an order of nochos.  My only complaint was the jalapeno peppers were a little soft... 

Overall Impressions: I absolutely love the experience of being at the Console Energy Center. I can't wait to see the home opener against the Philadelphia Flyers. Let's Go Pens!