THE OFFICIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE OF CONSOL ENERGY CENTER
SUMMER • 2012
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SUMMER 2012 EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE Flying, Fire-Breathing Dragons Star In Epic DreamWorks Arena Adventure ..........................................5 Calendar of Events ....................................................................17 Pittsburgh Penguins 2012.13 Season Schedule ........................20 CONSOL Energy Center Building Information .........................23 CONSOL Energy Center Seating Chart ....................................26 CONSOL Energy Center Concessions ......................................28 Eric Church “The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour” To “Empty It” For Pittsburgh Crowd .........................................30 Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Boosts Future of Youth Hockey .................................................43 Plenty of “Stick Action” On Links For Penguins During Off-Season .....................................................50 Flavorful Food and Catering Options Abound At CONSOL Energy Center.........................................61
ShowTime is published quarterly for free distribution on a first-come, first-served basis to fans and guests at events. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of CONSOL Energy Center is prohibited. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in ShowTime, please contact David Peart at 412.255.1936 or dpeart@pittsburghpenguins.com to discuss available opportunities.
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©2012 CONSOL Energy Center
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Limited edition Civic Arena Roof Photo Album-
$10 OFF
with promo code PENALBUM12
Before you head out on the green, check out the Trib Store for your Pittsburgh Penguins®- themed golf gear! From balls to towels to bags, we’ve got everything you need to finish the golf season in style! For the full selection of available items log on to
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FLYING, FIRE-BREATHING DRAGONS STAR IN EPIC DREAMWORKS ARENA ADVENTURE Flying, fire-breathing dragons, accompanied by voodoo puppeteers, hip-hop and break-dancers, and martial arts champions, invade CONSOL Energy Center this summer when DreamWorks’ HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR, a one-of-a-kind event, rolls into Pittsburgh on its North American tour. Eric Stevens, DreamWorks’ Head of Live Entertainment, discussed the ambitious arena show with “Show Time.” “It’s something that hasn’t been done before,” Stevens says. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR made its critically acclaimed debut in Australia and New Zealand. Its worldwide tour began in June. DreamWorks has announced performances in 29 cities through January 2013. DreamWorks Animation is the largest animation studio in the world. It established DreamWorks Theatricals in 2007 to develop and produce live stage and arena show productions inspired by the company’s franchise properties. Sponsored by HP, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR is brought to life through state-of-the-art technology unlike anything ever seen before in a live event.
“I think the reality is that we’re doing something special based on the highly successful movie to create a unique live experience,” says Stevens.
continued on page 8
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DreamWorks has announced performances in 29 cities through January 2013.
continued from page 5
“It’s the blending of things that brings it alive and enables us to present a story that will take your breath away,” Stevens says. He cites four primary components that combine to make HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR, well, spectacular: • Projection onto a mega-sized wall plus the arena floor • The dragon technology • The proprietary flight systems, and • The live cast Based on a book by Cressida Cowell, the live show is barely contained within the arena, according to its creators. Using state-of-the-art animatronic technology, large-scale cinematic projections and live performers, the production immerses the audience into the mythical world of dragons and Vikings to tell the story made famous in the Academy-Award®-nominated film “How to Train Your Dragon.” The live event, four years in the making, embraces all that the movie did so well and combines the story-telling with technology in an arena setting that uses the entire space, a wall the size of nine movie screens, plus all of the space above the floor for the flight track system, Stevens explains. Sonny Tilders and his team at The Creature Technology Company, the animatronics arm of Global Creatures, created the dragons. Their work also includes “Walking With Dinosaurs – the Arena Spectacular,” which was the number one tour worldwide in 2010. Global Creatures will stage the World Premiere of “King Kong,” produced in co-operation with the estate of “Kong” creator Merian C. Cooper, in Melbourne in June 2013. “Global Creatures has outdone themselves,” Stevens says, pointing out that the dragons are the largest animatronic animals ever built. Tilders says, “DRAGONS is like Dinosaurs on steroids.” ~Eric Stevens Breathing fire and flying above the audience aside, the dragons, 23 of them, are grand in many ways.
It’s the “ blending of
things that brings it alive and enables us to present a story that will take your breath away.
”
continued on page 10
[8
Official Resort of the Pittsburgh Penguins®.
Expect to make great memories.
Expect the Unexpected. A getaway here can be different every time you visit. But there’s one thing that will stay the same – you’ll always be looking forward to coming back again.To book your getaway, call 866.439.6957 or visit nemacolin.com.
continued from page 8
The “ creatures are
Some have wing-spans up to 46 feet. Others stand 20 feet tall. Some of the dragons weigh more than 2-1/2 tons. An adult Nadder is roughly the size of a city bus. The types of dragons – called Gronkle, Nadder, Nightmare and Night Fury – have colorful, hand painted bodies. In essence they are puppets – some very large puppets. They are brought to life with technology, artistry and theatrics. Some require three people to operate them, including concealed drivers and “voodoo puppeteers.” A team of voodoo puppeteers use innovative technology to bring nuance to the movement and gestures of the massive animatronic dragons. With a tilt of a puppeteer’s hand, an electronic signal to a dragon cocks its head, blinks eyes and creates other actions that make audiences believe ~Eric Stevens that they are watching living creatures. The voodoo puppeteers are performers themselves. It is not a computer program bringing the dragons to life. As in a traditional puppet show, a behind-the-scenes actor enlivens the puppet characters. Stevens says, “You see what you see. The technology disappears before your eyes. From the first time Toothless flies, it takes your breath away.” Toothless, a Night Fury dragon and the animatronic hero of the tale, flies more than a mile during each performance. “The creatures are cast members. They come alive. Emotions are conveyed. Technology has been taken to the next level to tell the story,” Stevens says. “It’s fun to put on,” he says. “We have great actors and acrobatics to complete the show.” The cast, crew and technical team were assembled from around the globe. Director Nigel Jamieson, Production Designer Peter England and Costume/Projection Designer Dan Potra have collectively created many of the world’s most memorable spectacles.
cast members. They come alive. Emotions are conveyed. Technology has been taken to the next level to tell the story...
”
continued on page 13
[ 10
“
You see what you see. The technology disappears before your eyes. From the first time Toothless flies, it takes your breath away.
�
~Eric Stevens
continued from page 10
The score features compositions from Icelandic singer-songwriter Jonsi from Sigur Ros and Oscar-nominated British film composer John Powell, who created the original score for the feature film. A cast and crew of 85 complements the largest animatronic cast ever presented. • The lead role of Hiccup is shared by Riley Miner, a dancer and musical theater performer from Hollywood, and Rarmian Newton, who won a Helpmann Award for his performance in the Australian production of “Billy Elliot The Musical” (2008). • American stunt performer Gemma Nguyen, a third degree Black Belt and six-time world champion in Tae Kwon Do, shares the role of Astrid with 19-year-old Queenslander Sarah McCreanor, a performer in musicals and comedies. • Australian actor Robert Morgan plays Stoick, Hiccup’s father, the chieftain of the Viking tribe. • American Will Watkins, an accomplished fencer, stars as Gobber. • French Kung Fu champion and stuntman Godefroy Ryckewaert plays Snotlout. • Texan hip-hop dancer and rapper Dexter Mayfield plays Fishlegs. • Australian hip-hop and break-dancer Virackhaly Ngeth portrays Ruffnut. • Sydney break-dancer Frace Luke Mercado portrays Tuffnut. Discussing host venues for the production, Stevens says, “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR is a large show with lots of moving parts and rigging. It needs venues that have the capability of handling the setup.” “It is built to tour most venues in the U.S. and the world. “Setup takes about 1-1/2 days,” according to Stevens who notes that it takes less time to take down the set.
Riley Miner, a young dancer and musical theater performer from Hollywood is one of the actors sharing the role of Hiccup.
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MISSION STATEMENT: To actively promote physical well being, encourage teamwork, stress the value of education and provide essential life skills to young people in our community through youth hockey and other activities.
HEADS UP PITTSBURGH 6,000 players scheduled to receive free baseline concussion testing and education
PROJECT POWER PLAY Construction and donation of Multi-Sports Deks to various communities in the city of Pittsburgh
PENGUINS ASSIST 300 sets of free street hockey equipment delivered to qualifying elementary schools in Allegheny County in Fall 2012
HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE Our goal is to expand the participation in each of these programs: - Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey - Steel City Icebergs — special needs hockey - Pittsburgh Ice — our diversity hockey program
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT pittsburghpenguinsfoundation.org
continued from page 13
Thirty 52-foot trucks tote the physical set from venue to venue rolling together in a convoy. Keep an eye out for its arrival in Pittsburgh. Stevens says that they are looking into the possibility of decorating some of the trucks to identify the load. (Maybe they just need “Dragons on Board” placards.) Stevens was asked if the North American tour will differ from what was introduced down under. “For North America, we’ll rehearse to improve on what we’ve done. It will be noticeable to us but all in all, it is the same show,” he says. “There are amazing wow moments and the same perfection.” Audiences will experience a lot of breath-taking moments, according to Stevens. “VIP packages will be offered to a select number of people. We are trying to manage the numbers and trying to make it a once in a lifetime experience,” he says. A choice of three VIP packages – “Meet the Dragons,” “A Hero’s Welcome,” and “Dragon Trainer Enhanced Experience” – will be available in Pittsburgh. All include preferred seating, personalized photo, gift bag and a special entrance. Options are available for a welcome from Hiccup and Astrid, a tech talk, or meet the dragons session.
Eight Pittsburgh shows are scheduled: August 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., August 24 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., August 25 at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m., and August 26 at 1 p.m.
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The same leading doctors, researchers, nurses and therapists trusted by the Penguins® are also trusted by their loyal fans.To learn more, visit UPMC.com.
Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUMMER 2012
ROD STEWART & STEVIE NICKS July 28 | 7:30 PM
ROGER WATERS
July 3 | 8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH POWER VS. TAMPA BAY STORM
July 7 | 7:30 PM
SUMMER JAM 2012
July 21 | 4:30 PM
PITTSBURGH POWER VS. JACKSONVILLE SHARKS
July 20 | 8:00 PM
WEDDING CLICKERS BRIDAL SHOW
July 22 | 11:00 AM
AMERICAN IDOL LIVE!
August 14 | 7:00 PM
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR
August 22 – 26 | 8 Shows continued on page 19
For all upcoming CONSOL Energy Center events visit www.consolenergycenter.com 17 ]
[ 18
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FALL AND WINTER 2012
CARRIE UNDERWOOD November 27 | 7:30 PM
RUSH
September 11 | 7:30 PM
ERIC CHURCH
September 15 | 7:30 PM
BARRY MANILOW
September 16 | 7:30 PM
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS
Nov. 1 – Nov. 4 | 7 Shows
MADONNA
November 6 | 7:30 PM
KELLOGG’S TOUR OF GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONS
November 16 | TBA
JUSTIN BIEBER
November 20 | 7:00 PM
DOO WOP HOLIDAY REUNION SHOW XI
December 7 | 7:00 PM
TOBYMAC
December 15 | 7:00 PM
For all upcoming CONSOL Energy Center events visit www.consolenergycenter.com 19 ]
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
2012.13 SCHEDULE Game dates, times and opponents subject to change.
PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE Monday, Sept. 24 Wednesday, Sept. 26 Saturday, Sept. 29 Sunday, Sept. 30 Wednesday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 5
[ 20
at Columbus DETROIT COLUMBUS at Chicago at Detroit CHICAGO
7 PM 7 PM 3 PM 7 PM 7 PM 7 PM
P NC WE ALTH M ANAGEM ENT
15 0 Y E A R S OF WE A LT H EXPERTISE H E L P YO U L I VE AC H I EVE M E NT
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*Barron’s, September 20, 2010, based on AUM as of June 30, 2010. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) uses “PNC Wealth Management®,” and “Hawthorn PNC Family WealthSM” to provide investment and wealth management, fiduciary services, FDIC-Insured banking products and services and lending of funds through its subsidiary, PNC Bank, National Association, which is a Member FDIC, and uses “PNC Wealth Management®” and “Hawthorn PNC Family WealthSM” to provide certain fiduciary and agency services through its subsidiary, PNC Delaware Trust Company. PNC does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. “Hawthorn PNC Family Wealth” is a service mark and “PNC Wealth Management” is a registered trademarks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. ©2012 The PNC Financial ADV PDF 0612-003-97713 Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Nothing but Flavor. No calories. No/low sodium. No sweeteners. Just great-tasting, naturally flavored sparkling seltzer water.
Contains no juice. CANADA DRY is a registered trademark of Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc. Š2012 Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc. CD-15876
CONSOL ENERGY CENTER
BUILDING INFORMATION ACCESSIBLE PARKING/SEATING Accessible spaces are available in the parking garage adjacent to CONSOL Energy Center. Parking is first-come, first-served and spaces are limited. An early arrival is strongly recommended. Accessible seating is available on all levels for all events at CONSOL Energy Center.
ATM MACHINES For the convenience of our fans, ATMs are available in CONSOL Energy Center: First Niagara Bank - Outside section 119 and 230, and in the lobby of the Trib Total Media Gate PNC Bank on PNC Legends Level - Outside of party suite 44 and suite 13
BANNERS AND SIGNS Banners and signs are permitted for most events, providing they are appropriate, as deemed by building management.
CREDIT CARDS VISA, Discover, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are accepted at all merchandise and concession stands.
ENTRANCES AND EXITS There are four (4) points of entry into CONSOL Energy Center: American Eagle Gate (Fifth Avenue and Washington Place), Trib Total Media Gate (Centre Avenue Lower Entrance), Verizon Gate (Centre Avenue Upper Entrance), and a private parking garage entrance for suite ticket holders.
FIRST AID There are two (2) UPMC First Aid Stations, one on each level of CONSOL Energy Center. UPMC First Aid is located adjacent to the Guest Services office outside section 104 and behind the concession stand at section 232.
LOST AND FOUND If an item is lost or found during an event please see the Guest Services office located outside section 104 or call 412.804.7903 after the event.
PROHIBITED ITEMS Bags, back packs, air horns, coolers (hard/ soft sided), thermoses, large purses, cans, bottles, flasks, alcoholic beverages, laser pointers, video or audio recording devices, professional cameras/lens, tripods, banners or signs on poles, weapons or any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate are strictly prohibited. Small purses, camera cases, binocular cases and diaper bags will be permitted, however, all items that do not pass security must be returned to vehicles.
QUESTIONS For general questions, please call 412.642.1800 or e-mail info@consolenergycenter.com.
RE-ENTRY POLICY Exit and re-entry is not permitted at CONSOL Energy Center.
SECURITY In the interest of guests and staff safety, a search process is required for all events in order to prevent guests from bringing unauthorized and prohibited items into the arena.
SMOKING POLICY Smoking is not permitted inside CONSOL Energy Center.
SOLICITATION The distribution of promotional items, continued on page 25
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live
BOlD Because the sky is the Only limit tO yOur success.
WELLNESS AND SPORTS NUTRITION TO FUEL YOUR LIFE. Proud to be the official vitamin and sports nutrition retailer of the Pittsburgh Penguins速.
continued from page 23
handbills, flyers, pamphlets, printed materials, as well as the solicitation of signatures, is not permitted on CONSOL Energy Center property without proper authorization from management.
TAG-A-KID In the event a parent and child might be separated at a CONSOL Energy Center event, parents can register their child with the Tag-A-Kid program. A wristband with the parent’s seat location and contact number will be given to the child. Registration is available at the Guest Services office located outside section 104.
VIDEO CAMERAS Use of video or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited. CONSOL Energy Center reserves the right to confiscate any tape or film and remove the patron from the building.
WHEELCHAIRS A limited number of wheelchairs are available for transporting guests that are disabled to their seating location. Guests can be transported from the gates to their seats. If a wheelchair is needed for the duration of the event, guests must supply their own wheelchairs. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved in advance. Upon arrival, guests can arrange for a wheelchair at any entrance of CONSOL Energy Center. Please see a CONSOL Energy Center employee to assist with wheelchair transportation.
WILL CALL Tickets ordered or prepaid can be picked up at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Box Office, located in the lobby of the Trib Total Media Gate. Will Call windows open one (1) hour prior to events and patrons must present valid photo identification and the credit card of record when picking up tickets.
CONSOL ENERGY CENTER
SEATING CHART A P
217
216
218
219 220
215
27 28 29 30 31 25 26 25 B F 17 18 24 A D E 23 16 22 21 P 15
214 213
GATE
212
106
209
23
112
113
114
115
225 41 42 43
116 117
DOUBLE ATTACK
118
104
P
120
105
103
102
101 122
121
8
10
208
5
9
207
C
8 5 B 8 A 7 6 5
227 10
228
B
A
7
6
UPMC FIRST AID
3
(Lower Level)
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
4
4 53 59 58 57 56 55 54
52
51
205
204
203 202 201
234
229
48 49 50
230
9
231
232
8
206
226
119
10 9
40
19
47
13 12 11
39
PARTY
14
224 38
46
107
11
22
PARTY
12
15
21
45
210
108
7
20
223
PARTY
211
13
17 16
6
110
14
18
34 35 36 37
44
D
111
109
20 19
33
222
PARTY
P
32
221
233
B UPMC FIRST AID
11 12
1
(Upper Concourse)
2
P
GATE
P
C
GATE
CLUB LOGE BOXES
PNC LEGENDS LEVEL SUITES
UPPER LEVEL SEATING
LOGE BOXES
CLUB SUITES
FEDEX LEVEL SEATING
CANADIAN CLUB PARTY SUITES
CLUB SEATING
ACCESSIBLE SEATING
A
GARAGE ENTRY
B
AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS GATE
C
TRIB TOTAL MEDIA GATE
D
VERIZON GATE
P P P P
PENSGEAR STORES
FIRST NIAGARA ATM
MEN’S RESTROOMS
TRIB TOTAL MEDIA GATE
1
TRIB TOTAL MEDIA ALL-TIME TEAM ZONE AND INTERACTIVE STANLEY CUP DISPLAY
2
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS BOX OFFICE AND WILL CALL
FEDEX LEVEL
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8
LEXUS CLUB
9
CAL U CONFERENCE CENTER
10
CANADIAN CLUB PARTY SUITES
PNC ATM
3
FIRST NIAGARA CLUB
4
BAYER MS SCIENCE & SPORTS EXHIBITS
5
GUEST SERVICES
11
MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE
UPMC FIRST AID
12
SMOKEHOUSE/BURGATORY
WOMEN’S RESTROOMS
FAMILY RESTROOMS
PNC LEGENDS LEVEL
6
HIGHMARK WALL OF CHAMPIONS AND HIGHMARK KIDS ZONE
7
CAPTAIN MORGAN CLUB
UPPER CONCOURSE
UPMC FIRST AID
Official Wireless Provider of theofPittsburgh Penguins Offi cial Telecommunications Provider the Pittsburgh Penguins® ®
Welcome to streaming Penguins highlights faster than ever before. Welcome to life on FiOS. Get all the Penguins news, videos and more on FiOS. Twice as fast as anything you’ve seen before.
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CONSOL ENERGY CENTER
CONCESSIONS
The CONSOL Energy Center menu includes options for every type of fan and event attendee. First stop is a great selection from one of our partners – Pizza Hut® Pizza. Moving forward, a visit is less than complete without trying fan favorites such as our Angus Cheeseburger, Grilled Chicken Ciabatta, Cheese Steak Dippers, Smoked Turkey Wrap, Italian or Vegetarian Panini, and Pretzel Stick with Bacon Cheddar Dip. Traditional favorites such as Nachos Grande, Smith’s Hot Dogs, Caesar Salad, Chicken Tenders & Fries, Fan Favorite Snacks, and a nice selection of Dr. Pepper/Snapple Products are also offered. To those that want the ever-changing option, our Chef’s Carved Sandwich of the day would be the overwhelming choice. Please join us for an experience you won’t easily forget!
PIZZA HUT®
SMOKEHOUSE
Pizza Singles 9” Sections: 103, 107, 113, 120, 212, 232
Beef Brisket, Chicken & Pulled Pork Sandwiches Section: 205
SMITH’S®
MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE
Hotdogs Sections: 101, 103, 107, 109, 111, 113, 116, 121, 206, 212, 223, 230, 231, 232
NAKAMA Sushi Section: 105 Captain Morgan Club
DUNKIN DONUTS
Section: 206
BURGATORY Burgers, Fries, Milkshakes Section: 206
DAIRY QUEEN Dilly Bar, Buster Bar, Stars & Stripes Starkiss Section: 105
Sections: 109, 212
MENU ITEMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, PLEASE VISIT PITTSBURGHPENGUINS.COM/DININGGUIDE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.
[ 28
ERIC CHURCH
“THE BLOOD, SWEAT & BEERS TOUR” TO “EMPTY IT” FOR PITTSBURGH CROWD Talk to Eric Church, the country singer-songwriter, with the rep for being somewhat of a bad boy singing about drinkin’, smokin’ and sinnin’, and he will make a couple of things perfectly clear. He’s got passion. He has it inside, outside, over and under him. He also has a work ethic and a joy for performing, but his words and tone tell you that he is all about the passion.
Passion for performing and writing songs just oozes out of him, and at the same time he conveys gratitude and thoughtfulness. Combine that with unmistakable sincerity, Church could put a motivational speaker to shame. “Eric Church: The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour” comes to CONSOL Energy Center Saturday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. Church will hit the Pittsburgh stage on a Saturday night, and it’s expected that he will receive a rousing Pittsburgh reception from the crowd. Enthusiastically he says that when his band takes the stage, “We’re gonna empty it!” “Even if we die out there, they are getting everything we have. We will give you everything,” he says emphasizing “everything.” Then he laughs a bit and adds, “I might get some of the words wrong, but you are getting everything we have.” He sees a performance as a give-and-take with his audience. “I have expectations of the crowd. I expect them to give it back to me,” he says. “Expect to lose yourself in it. There are moments of connection between 10,000 people and you that makes it magical.” Church recalls playing in Pittsburgh in the past. “Last time was in a little club about 4 years ago,” he says, also recalling a gig nearby in Youngstown, Ohio. He seems to be reminding himself and others that it wasn’t so long ago that he wasn’t playing arenas.
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Great save. Get up to 20% off your electric generation at fes.com. Official energy provider of the Pittsburgh Penguins 速 FirstEnergy Solutions is an unregulated subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. and is not the same company as your local electric utility. The prices of FirstEnergy Solutions are not regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and a customer is not required to buy electricity or other products or services from FirstEnergy Solutions in order to receive the same quality service from the local electric utility.
“
I’m excited. Everything that we are, I think relates to the city. I think it’s going to be one of the best concerts on the tour.
”
~Eric Church
continued from page 30
He sees similarities between Pittsburgh and his own background. “I’m excited. Everything that we are, I think relates to the city. I think it’s going to be one of the best concerts on the tour.” Yes, it’s not hard to find references to beer, sweat or blood in his lyrics. Moreover his music, often retrospective, deals with ordinary life experiences including its little pleasures.
Eric Church, country singer and songwriter.
“Homeboy” is a brother to brother plea to get life back on track. “Love Your Love the Most” praises the good things in life -“Yes, I love good cold beer and mustard on my fries. I love a good loud honky tonk that rocks on Friday night, and hell yes, I love my truck, but I want you to know, Honey, I love your love the most.” Asked which of his songs he relates to the most, he replies without much hesitation, “There’re a couple, but ‘Sinners Like Me,’ the title track from our first album is the most autobiographical song.” “Sinners Like Me” begins – “I was fifteen when my daddy’s old man caught me half way through my first beer. He laughed so hard when my face turned green. He said, “You come from a long line of sinners like me.” Church says, “The thing I try to do is take my experience and what I continued on page 35
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continued from page 33
witness – like ‘Springsteen.’ I had that experience when I was 16 years old at a concert in North Carolina. What struck me was remembering that moment in time, spreading the blanket on the grass, how the music can stamp itself on a moment and stay a part of that memory forever.” “Springsteen” – “When I think about you, I think about 17. I think about my old Jeep. I think about the stars in the sky. Funny how a melody sounds like a memory, like a soundtrack to a July Saturday night. Springsteen.” “Chief,” Church’s third album, debuted at number one on the Top Country Albums and Billboard 200 and also received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.
Do something you “ love and you’ll never
work a day in your life...” ~Eric Church
“Chief” also is the artist’s nickname on the road. “When it’s show time, I put on the sunglasses and the hat, and that’s how people know it’s game time,” says Church. He appears as “Chief” on the album cover, wearing his trademark cap and shades. “The hat and sunglasses do become like a uniform,” he says adding that “ the uniform” came from the days of playing in bars and clubs. When asked what he does to prepare for a concert besides donning his iconic gear, Church laughs again. “I drink Jack Daniel’s. It’s simple for me. There’s not a lot more to it,” he says laughing a little more. Church says that his interest in music began as a teen but he didn’t begin to focus on becoming a professional musician until he got to college. “Really as a teenager, I wasn’t sure. It came more in college and the club days that I found a style of music and a sound for the band,” he says. While earning a marketing degree, Church recalls working in places where the “dressing room was the alley.”
continued on page 36
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To others who are chasing their dreams, his advises, “Have passion. There’s no substitute for passion. Allow yourself to experience the journey. It makes us what we are. Most of the artists remembered for their work have had similar journeys. Do the work.” “It’s about following your heart instead of doing something you think you should do,” Church says. Citing the adage, “Do something you love Eric Church expresses that you need to allow yourself to and you’ll never work experience the journey, because it makes us who we are. a day in your life,” Church urges others to “follow your instincts.” “I felt a need. It felt right and comfortable,” he says of pursuing singing and song-writing as a career. He warns that it’s a tough road but adds that he wouldn’t want it any other way. “I went to Nashville and didn’t know a soul. I got told ‘no’ by everybody twice,” he says. Acknowledging that lots of people share that experience, he adds, “You think about all of those things. It makes you a better artist, more passionate.” Church became a first-time father, last October to his son, Boone McCoy Church. Talking about the possible impact of that life experience on the future of his career, Church says, “I’m not writing nursery rhymes. It softens you in some ways and it makes you more passionate in others. There are sides of me that may be softer but there’s a passion, too.” Church talks about what he would tell his son if he wants to become a singer-songwriter: “There is no shortcut. Maybe you can get there quicker but you’ll lose something.” What does he see as the future of his music? “I’m just not sure,” Church says.” I’m as anxious as anyone else to learn.”
[ 36
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HOME ADVANTAGE
FedEx Ground. Proud to call Pittsburgh home.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS ELITE BOOSTS FUTURE OF YOUTH HOCKEY It’s going to be a great future for youth hockey in Western Pennsylvania, thanks to the collaboration of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Hornets and Dick’s Sporting Goods to form the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, a new amateur hockey program for youth in the region. For its first season, 2012–2013, 90 girls and 135 boys will play on five girls’ teams and eight boys’ teams, traveling to games across the country to compete in the top AAA league in the country, the Tier I Elite Hockey League.
Players selected during April try-outs have been fitted for apparel and gear. Practice and competition begin in August and go through March with playoffs and nationals next spring. Chris Stern serves on the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Legislative Board as Director of Coaches, a member of the Executive Board and coach of the Midget Major Boys team. He came to the new program from the Pittsburgh Hornets where he served in similar capacities. Stern is enthused about the new organization, the opportunities for the players on and off the ice, and the support of Pittsburgh Penguins Elite. “The players’ excitement at the equipment fitting was like Christmas Day excitement,” he says. “It’s the same excitement that you feel in the Penguins organization and it’s filtering down to the amateur levels.” “We see our responsibility as more than winning hockey games,” he adds, noting that in the past players have achieved in academics, as well as the military and in hockey careers. Stern says, “At the younger levels, we teach the game and life lessons. Opening doors comes at the higher levels.” Rich Hixon, Vice President of the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Executive Board, and Executive Director of Strategic Planning for the Pittsburgh Penguins, says, “Part of our overall vision of supporting local youth hockey has been to create
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an elite youth program that would attract top players in the region to compete against other elite teams from across the country.” In addition to providing heightened competitive opportunities, formation of the new amateur hockey program provides three immediate advantages for the participants, according to Hixon: • reduced fees for competing • scholarship opportunities, and • apparel for the players. Thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods’ role in the program, each player receives home, away and practice uniforms, warm-ups, pant shells, and a hockey bag. “As the title sponsor of the Penguins’ Elite Program, we are providing the latest hockey gear and equipment as well as marketing support for the team both in our Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and in our advertising materials,” says Dave Natale, the company’s Senior Manager of Sports Marketing. “Dick’s Sporting Goods strives to empower young athletes to achieve their goals, and we see great value in partnering with the Pittsburgh Penguins to support youth hockey initiatives like the Penguins Elite, the YMCA Junior Penguins and the Learn to Play programs,” Natale adds.
Hockey is also a “ very expensive sport,
so having the financial sponsorship of Dick’s Sporting Goods for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite is a huge benefit to the families...” ~Kathy Pippy
continued on page 47
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Kathy Pippy, Women’s Director of Hockey Operations on the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Legislative Board, says, “Having the support of the Pittsburgh Penguins is symbolically important because the girls at a young age now know they can play with a girls’ program that is strongly supported by the hockey community – at the same level that the boys are supported – and these girls, or their parents, don’t have to worry where they will play as they get older.” Pippy adds, “Hockey is also a very expensive sport, so having the financial sponsorship of Dick’s Sporting Goods for the Pittsburgh ~Dave Natale Penguins Elite is a huge benefit to the families. This should not be underestimated.” “I don’t think there is another NHL team that supports an elite girls’ hockey program, either financially or with any of the other opportunities the Pens are providing girls in our region,” Pippy says. “This sends a strong message to girls playing hockey that their future in the sport is as important as the boys. The Penguins are to be commended for their leadership in this respect.” The Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Girls will host the Pittsburgh USA Thanksgiving Classic, Girls Ice Hockey Tournament, and in the spring, Penguins Elite Boys will host the 2013 USA Hockey Tier 1National Championships for boys’ teams. With the Penguins involvement in the elite program, Hixon says that some unique opportunities and special events are in the future for Penguins Elite team members. Penguins Elite’s 13 teams represent just a part of the Penguins commitment to youth hockey, according to Hixon. Natale says, “The recent Penguins’ on-ice success has dramatically increased the interest in hockey in Western PA, and we are proud to work with them to develop the sport at the highest level.”
The recent Penguins’ on-ice success has dramatically increased the interest in hockey in Western PA, and we are proud to work with them to develop the sport at the highest level.
”
T:8.5”
B:8.75”
S:8.5”
For more information on youth hockey programs, visit the Youth Hockey Network at www.pittsburghhockeynetwork.com and the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite web site at www.pittsburghpenguinselite.com.
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ATI – INVESTING IN PITTSBURGH’S FUTURE… Committed to Maintaining American Leadership in Manufacturing Mission Critical Metallics® ATI is building an advanced Hot Rolling and Processing Facility (HRPF) in Brackenridge, PA. This project, just outside Pittsburgh, will be the most powerful hot rolling facility in the world for manufacturing nickel-based alloys, titanium, specialty alloys, zirconium and stainless steel sheet and plate. At a cost of $1.1 billion, the HRPF is among the largest industrial projects currently underway in the United States. When the HRPF is completed in 2014, ATI will have invested nearly $4.4 billion in new, advanced manufacturing capabilities and asset acquisitions since 2004. These investments have been in Western Pennsylvania, Utah, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, California, Oregon, Alabama and Massachusetts. ATI believes that Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the United States must be in the vanguard of global manufacturing and that the American worker can compete with anyone given the best products, tools and technologies.
ATImetals.com
“ATI doesn’t need to worry about
‘in-sourcing’…we never ‘out-sourced’ our products, technologies or unsurpassed manufacturing capabilities.” – Rich Harshman, ATI’s Chairman, President and CEO, at the Second Annual Conference on the Renaissance of American Manufacturing
© 2012 ATI. All rights reserved.
PLENTY OF “STICK ACTION” ON LINKS FOR PENGUINS DURING OFF-SEASON The Pittsburgh Penguins probably see more ice in their drink glasses than under their skates in the summer, but they get plenty of “stick action” during the off-season in the form of benefit golf outings to support good causes in the community. Putting away their hockey sticks and bringing out their golf clubs, Penguins past and present participate in three major fundraisers on the links each summer: • The Mario Lemieux Foundation Golf Tournament. • The Penguins Alumni Charity Golf Classic presented by 84 Lumber, & • The Summer Sticks Golf Classic presented by Reed Smith.
THE MARIO LEMIEUX FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
Penguins’ Chairman of the Board, Mario Lemieux. continued on page 53
[ 50
The 15th annual Mario Lemieux Foundation Golf Tournament took place in June at Nemacolin’s Mystic Rock. Nancy G. Angus, Executive Director of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, says it’s one of the foundation’s biggest fundraisers. This year’s golf tournament drew Pens alumni: Jay Caufield, Pierre Larouche, Randy Hiller, Bob Errey, Eddie Johnston, Rick Tocchet, Mark Recchi and of course, Mario Lemieux. Penguins team member James Neal, former player Billy Guerin, and Head Coach Dan Bylsma joined the Penguins alums for the two-day pro-am event. Celebrities golfing for charity included Marcus Allen, Brett Hull, Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith and Jason Taylor.
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“We’ve raised over $12 million over the 15-year history of the golf tournament,” Angus says. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers currently under construction at Pittsburgh’s Hillman Cancer Center. “It will provide one-stop shopping for patients and their families. Lab work, treatments, doctor appointments and a pharmacy all will be available in one out-patient facility,” Angus says. “It is very thoughtfully designed and very, very innovative,” according to Angus, who says that the new facility will be “huge -- 24,000 square-feet in size on the fourth floor of the Hillman Cancer Center.” The Mario Lemieux Center for Blood Cancers is scheduled to open at year-end and welcome its first patients in the new year.
THE PENGUINS ALUMNI CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC In 1998, the Penguins Alumni Association created its signature event, the Penguins Alumni Charity Golf Classic, to benefit local Alumni children’s charities and the Penguins Alumni Charity Scholarship program. PRESENTED B Y The event has brought back to Pittsburgh a variety of the team’s past general managers, coaches and players through themedtournaments including All-Time Head Coaches, All-Time Team Captains and All-Time Goaltenders in addition to 10th and 20th anniversary celebrations of the 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup Championship Teams. PENGUINS
Golf
Classic
The team’s past general managers, coaches and players. continued on page 54
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Alumni Association President Ken Wregget of the 1992 Stanley Cup Championship Pittsburgh Penguins says, “The Alumni Charity Golf Classic presents the perfect opportunity to reminisce with old teammates while raising valuable funds for charities benefitting local children. A great time is always had by all.” Over the past 15 years, the event has donated over $330,000 to charitable organizations with an emphasis on children, says Cindy Himes, Director of Community/Alumni Relations for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and coordinator of the Summer Sticks and the Penguins Alumni golf benefits. Beneficiaries include the Pittsburgh Sled Hockey Team, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Heart Camp, ACHIEVA, Pennies from Heaven, Life Steps, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and the Mario Lemieux Foundation.
“
The Alumni Charity Golf Classic presents the perfect opportunity to reminisce with old teammates while raising valuable funds for charities benefitting local children. A great time is always had by all.
”
~Ken Wregget
THE SUMMER STICKS GOLF CLASSIC The longest running of the three golf fundraisers is the Summer Sticks Golf Classic presented by Reed Smith. At the start of each new hockey season, the entire Pittsburgh Penguins team and coaching staff spend a day on the links for charity. The Summer Sticks Golf Classic presented by Reed Smith has been a season-opening event for 24 years and is greatly anticipated as the last hoorah of the summer by the Pens, Himes says. This autumn, the 25th Annual Summer Sticks Golf Classic will take place giving participants the opportunity to spend the day on the links with a member of the Penguins’ team. Typically Summer Sticks takes place on the first day of training camp. “I stress that this is the unofficial start of a new season,” says Himes. “I remember back when they had the first one.
continued on page 57
[ 54
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Pittsburgh Penguins Team Captain, Sidney Crosby.
They wanted to find a way to support the amateur hockey program,” says Himes. From its inception, the event has benefited amateur youth hockey. Last year the tournament netted more than $56,000 for youth hockey programs in the community. “It’s a great opportunity to have our team, coaches, sponsors and local businesses gather for an enjoyable day on the links that generates valuable funds for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation programs. What better way to start a new season?” Himes says. Not all Penguins players and coaches are golfers, but according to Himes, “Everyone is on the links on carts for some quality time and hockey talk. It’s an event that the entire team is behind.” The scramble-style tournament features teams of three, each captained by a Penguins player or coach. The foursomes spend the day competing for tournament prizes and having a great time. Golfing for a good cause and NHL hockey apparently complement each other. Himes says, “Contrary to what some people might think lots of teams have outings when their teams are back in town. More than half of the NHL teams have similar fundraisers.”
57 ]
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INTRODUCING
A UNIQUE SETTING FOR EVENTS OF ALL SIZES CONSOL Energy Center brings you a variety of flexible layouts and unique spaces suitable for meetings, receptions, conferences and more!
AVAILABLE SPACES INSIDE CONSOL ENERGY CENTER: • Arena Floor • Lexus Club • California University of Pennsylvania Conference Center • First Niagara Club • Captain Morgan Club • Trib Total Media Lobby • Canadian Club Party Suites • Highmark Kid’s Zone • Miller Lite Brewhouse
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT PITTSBURGHPENGUINS.COM OR EMAIL LMULVIHILL@PITTSBURGHPENGUINS.COM
INTRODUCING THE BOLD NEW 2013 LEXUS RX
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PREMIUM SEATING & HOSPITALITY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR MOST NON-HOCKEY EVENTS!
Contact the Pittsburgh Penguins today for pricing & availability! 412-642-PENS • premiumseating@pittsburghpenguins.com
FLAVORFUL FOOD AND CATERING OPTIONS
ABOUND AT CONSOL ENERGY CENTER What does one serve when the available kitchen is about a third the size of the Penguins ice rink and 650 staff members are at the ready to feed thousands of hungry guests? Ask James Carter, General Manager, and Carl VanWagner, Executive Chef, who lead ARAMARK’s team at CONSOL Energy Center to provide food and catering services for events of every kind. Carter and VanWagner can make your head spin and your mouth water as they describe the panoply of food options ranging from humble and not-so-humble sandwiches available for hockey fans on the go, to elegant sit-down meals for 1,000 guests. There’s variety, locally sourced foods, and international selections as well as Pittsburgh home-sweet-home favorites. VanWagner says, “Ninety percent of our food is made in-house. We even smoke our lunchmeats here.” Many visitors to CONSOL Energy Center are familiar with its signature sandwich, the Kielbasa Grinder. Each hockey season, 10,000 Kielbasa Grinders are consumed, Carter says. Chef VanWagner says that the sandwich was developed just for the new arena. In its early iterations, the kielbasa went from a link to a patty to slices before the chef’s team came up with chipping kielbasa for the sandwich which is topped with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Islands dressing and served on a Breadworks Italian roll. Carter says that in CONSOL Energy Center, ARAMARK provides food to 25 concessions, 30 concession portables, 70 suites, the First Niagara Club, Captain Morgan Club and the Lexus Club restaurant which serves the highest end food in the arena. continued on page 62
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“We do not serve the same menu twice at the Lexus Club in a season,” says VanWagner. “For our members, we provide a variety of dishes prepared in different ways. They like the fact that I get them to try different things,” the chef says. While some things like veal chops, rack of lamb and various tenderloins are used more than once, he says, “We like to present them and use them differently each time.” “I like to use lamb shanks or veal shanks with whole grains for rich flavors in the winter. We lighten up the menu in the summer with salsas, fruits and dishes based on what is available locally and seasonally,” VanWagner says. “We try to use everything locally and seasonally sourced,” he adds. “We deal with local companies and local vendors in the Strip,” VanWagner says. Some baking is done by ARAMARK in the CONSOL Energy Center kitchen, according the chef, but Pastries a la Carte on Route 51 in Pleasant Hills provides decorated cakes, and breads are provided by Breadworks which is based on the North Side. Carter says that ARAMARK serves on average 170 events annually, including Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Power and college basketball games, concerts, circuses and live entertainment like HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON LIVE SPECTACULAR, APASSIONATA and Sesame Street Live, plus social gatherings like weddings, corporate events and other celebrations. VanWagner’s team consists of an executive sous chef, 2 sous chefs, 42 cooks and 27 utility people. “Standard menus are available for meals served in the suites and they include Mexican, Indian plus a variety of other choices. These menus are reviewed and updated annually to include new items,” according to VanWagner. “We like to showcase Pittsburgh foods in our menus. One menu available for catered events includes haluski, sausage, perogies and nut rolls,” the chef says. Carter adds that customized menus may be ordered for special affairs. There is a menu and a venue within CONSOL Energy Center to suit any occasion, according to Carter.
continued on page 65
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The arena floor is the largest space accomodating up to 1,000 people.
Locations in CONSOL Energy Center that are available for catered events include: • 4 Cal U Conference Rooms that can each accommodate 40, or be combined to handle up to 160 • Party suites, some adjoining to handle 50-200 • The Lexus Club with a beautiful view of downtown and seating for up to 250 • Miller Lite Brewhouse, an area overlooking the city for pre- or post event or stand-alone functions • The arena floor, the largest space that can accommodate 1,000 people for sit-down dinner • The First Niagara and Captain Morgan clubs • Trib Total Media and Verizon lobbies that can be used separately or as a combined space, and • Other small spaces in the arena. Carter says that there is no limit to the types of events that CONSOL Energy Center has hosted or can host. In less than two years, the arena has hosted the Hillman Center Cancer Gala, the Penguins annual signature event Skates & Plates, a FedEx event for 3,300 people, annual events for the Mario Lemieux Foundation, including its wine-tasting event, corporate events for Verizon, UPMC, Dick’s Sporting Goods, American Eagle Outfitters, Trib Total Media, and others, and weddings, a bar mitzvah and birthday parties. On another note, Carter says, “We are very proud that we are able to contribute back to the community. In addition to donating to the Pittsburgh Food Bank, we participate in Springboard Kitchens which provides job training for disadvantaged individuals, and we donate wholesome, unused foods to the community through Rock and Wrap It Up!” Springboard Kitchens is a food service based job training and placement program for homeless and other disadvantaged individuals. With so many options for catering and the busy performance schedule at CONSOL Energy Center, Lindsay Mulvihill with the Pittsburgh Penguins Coordinates master booking, according to Carter.
65 ]
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