One thing is for sure that it will be easier to get around the Consol Energy Center than the old Igloo. The Concourses are huge and there are none of the annoying vendor carts impeding progress! Take a look:
Consol Energy Center Concourse Area
I forget exactly where this was but I think it was the First Niagra Club:
In Arena Restaurant area
One thing that really disappointed me (aside from the lack of leg room in the seats) is the Highmark Kid’s Zone. This area is down right small and cramped and if there are any number of people in it at any time you can see how crammed it gets. And there isn’t even that much in there. Plus, the way it is arranged you almost cannot help but walk in front of people trying to take pictures of their kids putting their heads on dummies wearing Penguins uniforms. One is on one side of the narrow area and the other is on the opposite wall meaning either you have to do a lot of weaving through these two popular items or walk in front of people trying to take pictures.
The Highmark Kid's Zone
Please, and I hope the Penguins will listen, fix the layout of this area!
The gift shops are no longer kiosks taking up space but have their own little cubbies! Problem seems to be they have crammed too much stuff into these areas if you ask me:
A Consol Energy Center Gift Shop
Now if you are wondering what food and drinks are going to cost well I have a picture of what they were charging at the open house:
The Snack bar menu at the Consol Energy Center
Some things (like the chicken fingers basket) went up while other things (like Nachos) are so far the same price and yet others (like beer) seemed to go down a hair. I remember at the old arena beers were $8. They had them listed here as $7.75. I don’t know if they are the same size or not because I did not buy one. Oh, and FYI the Nacho at the open house were stale as stale can be. That was just not very classy if you ask me as it seemed like the Penguins were trying to rid themselves of last year’s inventory rather than providing quality snacks.
Up next, part IV … and yes this one will include lower bowl pics I promise!