You think this Inner Harbor obstructionist nonsense only happens in Buffalo?

Memo to Tim Tielman, or the residents of Granger Place, or Judge Elfvin and the rest of the geriatrics living on Gates Circle.... you are not alone! You have comrades in arms, soulmates, and rebels for a common cause, and they are alive and well in Pittsburgh!

As part of the complex deal to keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh, the team was given development rights for the land where Mellon Arena stands now, as well as adjacent open space on the north side of the old venue. While site plans and renderings are yet to be unveiled, the team has indicated that they are contemplating an exciting mixed use commercial, residential and entertainment district to compliment the new arena across the street.

Like Buffalo's Cobblestone District and Canalside, sounds like a win-win for everybody right?

Not so fast, say the residents of the adjacent Hill District, who have formed a group called the "One Hill CBA Coalition". According to this article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, the group wants an ironclad community benefits agreement to cover things like minority hiring and other vague issues. Read between the lines, and what they really want is their hockey team relocated to Kansas City, and a rusting, boarded up hulk of an arena sitting vacant close to their back yards.

Things still low tech at HP Pavilion

Take the drive down from San Francisco to San Jose, and you will pass the gleaming headquarters and towers of every familiar high tech company known to man... Cisco, Oracle, just about every dot com comany. Even in downtown San Jose, the first logo you see outside the arena at the top of the nearest skyscraper is that of Adobe Systems.

So why is it then, that you step into the shiny HP Pavilion at San Jose, home of the NHL San Jose Sharks, and find only the most rudimentary and basic scorebaord and signage? Here, in the epicenter of technology, one would think that this venue would be the marker and example for the newest and most dazzling high tech fan amenities.

And indeed, all that is about to change, as it looks now that the city will be spending a whopping $16.5 million on sophisticated technological upgrades, and as this article in the San Jose Mercury News states, these are improvements that have been bandied about for years.

In Edmonton, the debate for a new arena

Mayor Stephen Mandel of Edmonton wants a spanking new arena built in downtown Edmonton for the NHL Edmonton Oilers. "Not so fast" say members of the City Council, who want no part of heavy public subsidies.

The mayor is appointing a new panel to come up with recommendations. Meantime, the Oilers continue to play at the old school Rexall Place, with a lease in place that runs through 2014.

More from the Edmonton Journal

Speculation on a new home for the Detroit Red Wings

Old school Joe Louis Arena could be the next target for replacement, according to this story in today's Detroit News. While the Ilitch family had suggested a major renovation of Joe Louis at one time, they are now acquiring land and demolishing buildings two blocks away from the Fox Theatre, Hockeytown Cafe and the hub of activity along Woodward Avenue which also includes Comerica Park and Ford Field.

Only their solid fan support saved the Joe from claiming the dubious last spot in the Ultimate Sports Road Trip NHL venue rankings. The Detroit Red Wings got ranked 27th of 30 NHL teams.

Done deal! The Penguins are staying in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins are staying put; they will sign a short term lease to continue playing at Mellon Arena for two more seasons, before dropping the puck at their new venue for the 2009-10 season.

Demolition of buildings and land clearing will begin in a few weeks.

Yes there are Hockey Gods and today they are smiling.

A few factoids:

Cost: $290MM

Location: Centre Avenue, Washington Avenue and Fifth Place (parcel south of current arena)

Architects: HOK Sport

Outside the venue: The building's two entrances - on the Centre and Fifth Avenue sides - stretch over a grade change of no less than 40 feet. Fans entering from Fifth Avenue will travel up to a main concourse, and all ticket holders then enter the building's bowl area from a common concourse. Improved sight lines inside the arena were designed to enhance enjoyment of the game and other performances, and more open common spaces will be integrated to allow better views of the game while fans travel to their seats.

The future of Mellon Arena: Will be demo'd...Planners see mixed-use development in the parcel's future, with residential, commercial and retail buildings integrated into the planning. A 265 room hotel, as well as 1,100 housing units for rent or sale, numerous stores, restaurants, office buildings, parking areas and open spaces are all possibilities.

Mmmmm...... Poutine!

French fries and gravy with melted cheese curds... gotta eat 'em with a fork!

Available at concession stands throughout the Air Canada Centre.

Today's rundown on the Pittsburgh Penguins

Lots going on regarding the proposed relocation of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here's a quick rundown:

-Penguins co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle are meeting today in Philadelphia with the Governor and heads of city and county governments to reopen discussions on keeping the team in Pittsburgh. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is taking part.

-The Penguins talked yesterday with representatives of the Sprint Center in Kansas City. Rumor has it that KC has upped their offer which already includes free rent and half of the building's revenues for the Penguins.

-The Penguins had a meeting with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. Most likely the discussion centered on the lack of a suitable facility for the team. The Thomas and Mack Center is not adequate and doesn't even have an ice floor.

-Houston has pulled out of the Penguins derby. The NBA Houston Rockets are the major tenant at the Toyota Center, and it seems they are not anxious to break the bank for the privelege of having the NHL.

Online updates here at the Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Kansas City here they come????

A report just out today states that the Pittsburgh Penguins have reached an impasse in their negotiations for a new arena and that they will begin to actively pursue relocation.

Check out story

Admittedly while a visit to Kansas City would be nice, I'd much rather do it for the NFL. I really believe that the Pens will be Stanley Cup Champions down the road and to see it happen in a ho-hum hockey market like Kansas City would be a borderline disgrace.

Message to Pens: STAY. IN. PITTSBURGH!!!

Blymie Chaps! The NHL heads to London

The NFL will not be the only game in town in London, England this fall. Previously it was announced that the New York Giants will be taking on the Miami Dolphins at the new Wembley Stadium on October 28.

Now comes the news that the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings will square off on back to back nights September 29 and 30 at the splashy new O2 Arena in London, and yes the games will count in the regular season standings.

The NHL has staged regular season games outside North America before - teams traveled to Tokyo to open up the '97-'98, '98-'99 and '00-'01 seasons. Oh and by the way, the O2 Arena is being built by Anschutz Entertainment, the same company who owns the Los Angeles Kings.

Tickets are already onsale online at the ticketmaster.uk website. Prices run 65-45-25 pounds plus service charges and tickets are still available in all price ranges.

Penguins to city: We're not signing!

Watch the Pittsburgh Penguins telecasts and the message keeps on blaring - "Season ticket deposits accepted for the 2007-08 season!"

Season tickets? My we're being a bit presumptuous!

Yesterday was the deadline for the Pittsburgh Penguins to sign a one year lease extension with the Sports and Exhibition Authority to continue playing at Mellon Arena, while discussions for a new arena move along. According to this article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review no extension was signed.

Everyone in the 'Burgh is saying the right thing - "Nothing to see here folks!" "Keep moving!"

And in other news, work is progressing just fine on the Sprint Center in Kansas City. The roof enclosure is just about done, and an October 2007 completion date is on target.

Edmonton - the next new NHL arena?

The New Jersey Devils' new Prudential Center is set to open this fall, and all eyes are on Pittsburgh and what will become of the franchise's fate as they grapple with a replacement for Mellon Arena. But it is Edmonton that might be the next NHL affiliate to unveil plans for a new building.

A couple days ago a consultant's report was released indicating that A renovation of the 33 year old Rexall Place would cost between $225-$250 million.

But a day after the release of that report, Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel said he wants a bold new arena to be built downtown, as reported in this article in the Edmonton Journal. And today, the Edmonton Journal also reports that the Edmonton Northlands Corporation wants to be involved in the process.

Our USRT visit to Edmonton in 2001 was an extraordinary one - it was the site of our first radio interview ever, which we did as part of the Oilers' post game show. The Oilers front office gave us a warm greeting during our stay, and we really enjoyed the entire Alberta experience. Is a return visit to Edmonton and Calgary in the cards for us? Let's hope!

New Jersey's Prudential Center might not be ready in time

The New Jersey Devils plan to move into their new digs in downtown Newark in time for the 2007-08 season. But with seven months to go until the first puck drops, the building has yet to be fully enclosed. An article in today's New York Post speculates that the arena might not be ready in time. Not to worry, replies Devil's GM Lou Lamoriello, but then he goes on to admit that contingency plans are in place.

HSBC Arena concourses get a fresh new look

About a year ago in Artvoice we did a column called "Making Over HSBC Arena", where we outlined a number of ideas for improving and upgrading our hockey venue.

An excerpt:
"Concession signage: The food items are pretty good, but those concession canopies are really hideous. New marquees, designed with bright colors, perhaps neon, would brighten up the food stands and add much to the concourses."

And another:
"The “Adelphia” kiosk: Fess up! Were you one of the morons who stood in line to swipe your Adelphia Advantage Card to earn points for free merchandise? Yep, thought so. Time to pack up the screens, the monitors, dismantle the equipment and come up with a creative new use for this space."

So weren't we surprised to see all the new marquees and canopies on the concession stands...not the snazziest things you've ever laid your eyes on, but a marked improvement nonetheless. And a deli sandwich station has supplanted the old Adelphia kiosk space.

Hey Sabres front office - feel free to use any more of our suggestions as you see fit.