PITTSBURGH,None — The Pittsburgh Penguins took the ice for a morning practice Wednesday before their first-ever game at the Consol Energy Center.
SLIDESHOW: Pens Practice Before First Pre-Season Game At Consol Energy Center
Many of the players said they're excited to begin their season at a new home, but many admit it dosen't feel like home just yet.
Coach Dan Bylsma said he's happy with how close the new arena is to the Pens' old home, the Civic Arena.
The Consol Energy Center opened more than a month ago, but many considered Wednesday night the official grand opening.
Penguins vice president of communications said the arena offers a whole new way to watch hockey.
"What you get is, it's an open concourse. You're part of the event, the game, when you're in the concourse. You can see in and see out there are really not a lot of walls," said Tom McMillan.
McMillan said fans will be pleased with their view from any of the 18,000 seats.
"It's kind of a cliché but I don't see a bad seat here. Mellon Arena, when it was expanded, we had balconies. We had 3,500 seats under balconies and you couldn't see the scoreboard," said McMillan.
The jumbo-tron is something else McMillan said fans will be excited to see.
"This scoreboard screen is bigger than that entire scoreboard, let alone the latest HD technology," said McMillan. "I can't wait to see the replays; the refs better never make a bad call."
Fans can also enjoy a display of Mario Lemieux's personal trophy case.
"This is like a little hall of fame here it is. It shows how excited Mario is," McMillan said.
McMillan said crews tested out the lighting system sound system and scoreboard during an amateur game earlier this week.
Previous Stories: September 17, 2010: Penguins Start Training Camp; Sidney Crosby Talks August 6, 2010: Pens Name All-Time Team; See Who Made The Cut July 12, 2010: Pens Leaders Move In To Consol Energy Center June 22, 2010: NHL Releases Penguins' 2010-11 Schedule June 16, 2010: Penguins Announce Preseason Schedule; Opener Vs. Detroit June 10, 2010: Students 'Flush' Out Potential Problems At Penguins' Consol Energy Center May 4, 2010: Dr Pepper Beats Out Pepsi, Coke For Consol Energy Center Beverage Deal
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