The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Thursday that they will offer free selected concession items and a 50 percent discount on merchandise at the team’s first four games of the 2013 season at the Consol Energy Center.

According to the team’s website, the Penguins said every fan attending any of the first four home games will receive a voucher for three free concession items. Fans may choose from among hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, salads and fountain drinks.

In addition to the free concession items, the Penguins announced that all merchandise at PensGear stores will be 50 percent off during the first four games.

The PensGear store in the main lobby of the Consol Energy Center, as well as the stores at the South Side Works, will offer the discount throughout the day on the first four home dates.

The Penguins said they also plan on holding a week-long program of contest for fans to win prizes leading up to the home opener. The contests will be held via social media and the team’s website.

Prizes include:

• A pair of tickets to every home game during the 2013 regular season
• A road trip for two to see the Penguins play the Rangers in New York City (airfare, accommodations, tickets)
• Three autographed jerseys -- one each from Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marc Andre Fleury
• Four seats in the first row at the home opener, including dinner in the Lexus Club and limo service to and from the game
• Two five-game mini-plans
• Six lower bowl tickets to any regular season game
• Merchandise at PensGear

Training camp sessions at the Consol Energy Center will be open to the public and free of charge, the Penguins said.

The team plans to distribute promotional items at each of the first 15 home games. All fans attending the home opener will receive a gold “Great Day For Hockey” T-shirt.

The team said it will provide single-game ticket information as soon as the NHL schedule is released.