I don't attend many hockey games or even live sporting events simply because of my collective dislike of large cities. That said, every now and again someone will entice me to take a trip into town for a hockey game, especailly if the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing in a big matchup.
So, back in 2015, I first entered PPG Paints Arena when the Penguins squared off against the Winnipeg Jets of all teams. I'd gotten there just as the opening face-off commenced, popped in my earbuds so I could listen in on the broadcast, and, being my usual, people-watching self, found my attention split between what was going on in front of me to what was going on around me.
And, in the lower bowl of the arena, the atmsophere was more relaxed than anything else. Other than the usual groans when the Jets scored, and the cheers when the Pens put one in the back of the net, the only yelling happened when the fans disagreed with a bad call.
But other than that, it was a pretty relaxed time, and a game I had a lot of fun attending because it made me forget I was in the heart of downtown for a while.
PPG Paints Arena can turn up the temp the higher you get in the place
If you want to feel more energized when you're at the game, hit the upper bowl. This is where a lot of my friends who are die-hard Penguins fans sit, and it took me about five seconds to realize why that was.
This is where the louder fans reside and, while I'm one who prefers a calmer atmosphere, I do prefer the upper bowl ironically because of the view I get from this angle. For these games, which occurred in 2016-17, the Pens and Devils squared off.
Once again, I had the earbuds plugged in, listening to the broadcast while the game was going on, and definitely heard some Pens fans chirping at Devils fans. Often, making fun of the player whose jersey these fans wore.
That being said, the opposing fans took it in stride, and there were no conflicts or anything like that breaking out. It was fun to be around the place erupting in cheers after a Penguins goal, and if I remember it right, one of those contests was a come-from-behind win.
So, would I watch a game at PPG Paints Arena again? Yeah, if I had a reason to venture back into the Steel City for anything, I'd go. It's a good atmosphere that doesn't get too rowdy during the regular season. But as for the postseason? I may've had a different experience.
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