The Penguins submitted their formal bid yesterday to host the 2011 NHL All-Star Game at their new arena, the Consol Energy Center. As most people know, there will be no All-Star game this year due to the upcoming Olympics, making the 2011 game a highly anticipated event. Pittsburgh is considered the frontrunner for the 2011 game because of their new building and high profile around the league, namely the face of the league, Sydney Crosby. The full story could be found here in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: www.post-gazette.com/pg/10040/1034599-100.stm.
Think back to a couple of years ago when the political banter around town and the lack of progress on getting a new arena had the Penguins flirting with relocation, particularly with Kansas City and their new arena which was all set to open. The idea of the Pens leaving seemed crazy at the time, and even more ludicrous now. The city, with or without the Penguins, needed a new arena to replace the outdated Mellon Arena. The thought of not building one and losing the Penguins, the marquee attraction and primary tenant for a new arena, was borderline insane. A new arena was needed to attract events such as the All-Star game, the NCAA Frozen Four, future NCAA tournament games, and the NCAA Wrestling Championships among other things that have been mentioned to take place at the new arena. Well the arena is nearing completion, the Pens are hoisting the Stanley Cup, and great events for the residents of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas are soon on their way. To think, these things could have been non-existent…
You may also have noticed a lack of Penguins talk here on the blog, and that has been with reason. I will do some Penguins talk tomorrow after their game tonight against the Islanders at Mellon Arena. A quick snapshot is that I believe the Penguins are in fine position and once again the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Check back tomorrow for why I have not written more about the Pens and the reasons I think they are still in a great position.
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The anticipation and suspense is killing me. Where's the new post on your thoughts of the Pens?
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