Showtime - Fall 2014

FALL | 2014

The Official Entertainment Guide of CONSOL Energy Center

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(And the fans who stick by them.)

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.

FALL 2014 EDITION IN THIS ISSUE

3

James Taylor Performs Thanksgiving Weekend

9 19 21 24

Connor’s Cure, Family, WWE Friends Keep Memory of ‘The Crusher’ Alive

27

Casting Crowns ‘Thrive’ to Finish in Pittsburgh

34

CONSOL Energy Center Concessions

36

Holiday Schedule Full of Family Fun

53

Ringling Performers Give Insight to Acts

58

Penguins, Reed Smith Summer Sticks Funds, Grows Scholarship Program

65

CONSOL Energy Center in Fifth Year to Present More Top Tours, Events

73

Power Looks Forward to More Success In 2015

76

Pittsburgh Penguins 2014.15 Schedule

Calendar of Events Building Information

3

CONSOL Energy Center Seating Chart

Show Time is published quarterly for free distribution on a first-come, first-served basis to fans and guests at events, First Niagara Bank branch locations, through the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, and at all Western PA Walgreen’s locations and at select locations in OH and WV. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of CONSOL Energy Center is prohibited. If you are interested in placing an advertisement in Show Time, please contact David Peart at 412.255.1936 or dpeart@pittsburghpenguins.com to discuss available opportunities.

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©2014 CONSOL Energy Center

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JAMES TAYLOR PERFORMS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND By: Pam Thompson Patience – it took fans’ patience – and then it happened. James Taylor comes to town, kicking off the holiday season in Pittsburgh with a concert at CONSOL Energy Center on Thanksgiving weekend.

Taylor with his All-Star Band will make his first appearance at CONSOL Energy Center as part of his 2014 Fall U.S. Tour.

It has been more than four years since he last played the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Taylor — with his long-time friend Carole King — owns the distinction of presenting the final concert at Mellon Arena on June 26, 2010. It was the Troubadour Reunion Tour, one of the most successful tours of the year, grossing more than $59 million.

This summer, after performing 52 concerts in 43 cities in North America, Taylor set sail on an 8-day crossing to Europe in late August to begin a concert tour of the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium and Ireland in September and October.

He returns from abroad for November concerts in the United States.

While many performers do concert tours to promote their new albums, Taylor’s tours more accurately celebrate his life and career.

His body of recordings includes 16 studio albums, six compilation albums, four live albums, one tribute album, seven video albums, one extended play, and 40 singles.

His distinctive style of music and his songwriting have won him industry, academic and popular recognition over his 46-year career.

Continued on page 4

Taylor’s tours celebrate his life and career. |3|

Continued from page 3

Taylor owns five Grammy Awards. Three are for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Handy Man” and “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight.”Hourglass won him Best Pop Album in 1998, and in 2003, he won Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for “How’s the World Treating You” with Alison Krauss.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000, he was selected by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2006 as its MusiCares Person of the Year.

In 2007, his One Man Band was nominated for an Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special.

Taylor has received honorary doctorates of music from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., and the Berklee School of Music in Boston.

He also received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2011, and the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government in 2012. Both medals are their nations’ highest honors for artistic excellence recognizing “outstanding achievements and support of the arts.”

A six-time musical guest on Saturday Night Live, Taylor has provided a guest voice for an episode of “The Simpsons,” and appeared on “Sesame Street,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The West Wing,” as well as “The Johnny Carson Show,” the final episode of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” before Leno was replaced by Conan O’Brien, and “The Colbert Report.”

He has performed at the White House for President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and he has sung “The Star Spangled Banner” at two World Series games, an NBA finals game, and an NHL Winter Classic.

Taylor’s newest recording came out this summer. It was a duet with Smokey Robinson on Robinson’s new album “Smokey And Friends.” They teamed up on a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar.”

His first studio album was James Taylor in 1968, and his breakthrough album, Sweet Baby James followed in 1970. It went triple-platinum and delivered his first top 10 hit, “Fire and Rain.”

In 1971, the million-seller, Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon was released. It included Taylor’s only No. 1 single “You’ve Got a Friend,” which was written by King.

Continued on page 6

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Continued from page 4

The next year, Taylor recorded another gold album, One Man Dog, which was followed in 1973 with Walking Man. The album, Gorilla in 1975, included two more major chart entries: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” at No. 5 and “Mexico” at No. 49.

Following release of In the Pocket, Taylor recorded a string of critically praised and commercially successful albums.

JT in 1977 is double-platinum. Flag (1979), Dad Loves His Work (1981), That’s Why I’m Here (1985), Never Die Young (1988), New Moon Shine (1991), the double-disc Live album (1993), Hourglass (1998), and October Road (2002) are all certified platinum.

Taylor, marking the start of His distinctive style his summer tour, launched two of music has won new features on his website, popular recognition www.jamestaylor.com: o “Life On The Road” offers a over his 46-year photo/video glimpse of the career. behind-the-scenes activity surrounding the setup and daily routine for a James Taylor show day. It includes Taylor giving a video tour of his personal wardrobe trunk, and o “Meet The Band” introduces each member of Taylor’s “All-Star Band.”

Each musician does their own Q&A session and shares their personal experiences of life on the road with James.

Revealing the members of the band in February, Taylor expressed his excitement to be touring with them again. All 11 musicians have logged years working with Taylor, and all of them contributed to his live-in-studio album, Covers, released in September 2008. Covers and Other Covers featured Taylor’s full band and his musical interpretation of tunes from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. o Vocalists Arnold McCuller and David Lasley have the longest history with Taylor, touring with him in 1977. o Drummer Steve Gadd’s first gig with Taylor came in the mid-1980s during a recording session. o Jimmy Johnson, bass guitarist, Kate Markowitz, vocalist, and Mike Landau, electric guitarist, all initially worked with Taylor in 1990. o Luis Conte, percussionist, logged his first with Taylor in 1998 for the Live at the Beacon Theater concert. o Lou Marini, first played horns for Taylor on New Year’s Eve 2000 and they toured together in the following year. o Walt Fowler, who plays horns and keyboard, joined Taylor in 2001 on the Pullover Tour. o Larry Goldings, pianist and keyboardist, hooked up with Taylor around 2001. Their first recording together was on the album, October Road, which was released in 2002. Goldings also was Taylor’s sole accompanist on the 2007 platinum-ranked, live album, One Man Band. o Andrea Zonn, vocalist and fiddler, began collaborating with Taylor in 2003. |6|

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CONNOR’S CURE, FAMILY, WWE FRIENDS KEEP MEMORY OF ‘THE CRUSHER’ ALIVE By: Pam Thompson

The ever popular sports entertainment of WWE returns to CONSOL Energy Center at year-end for its Holiday Tour.

WWE shows, which include its larger-than-life Superstars, are favorites of audiences worldwide.

The story of WWE and its relationship with a little boy from Hampton in the Pittsburgh area, Connor “The Crusher” Michalek illustrates a poignant battle for survival and another aspect of the world of WWE – its heart and humanity.

Connor will not be in the audience in for WWE’s next Pittsburgh performance in December. The eight-year-old lost his battle with a rare form of brain cancer in April.

His memory lives on with the friends that he made at WWE and through Connor’s Cure, a fund started by two executive officers of the organization.

In June, WWE’s Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, and her husband, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events and Creative, announced the formation of Connor’s Cure in honor of Connor’s memory. They made a significant donation to get the fund started.

Donations to Connor’s Cure, which is administered by Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, will provide funds for pediatric brain and spinal cancer research, and medical care for children and their families.

Continued on page 11

Connor’s Cure was formed in honor of Connor “The Crusher” Michalek.

|9|

Continued from page 9

Death-defying is one way to describe the relationship between Connor and his friends at WWE. Connor’s father, Steve Michalek says that he believes that the many kind acts of friends made in WWE extended the time that he had with his son.

He explains that through in-person encounters and personal contact on FaceTime, Connor’s spirits were lifted and the little boy would forget about being sick.

Michalek recounts how WWE Superstars, ring announcer and executives supported Connor in his struggle. As if marching into a battle in the ring, WWE personalities cheered Connor on, creating a dimension to his life that countered the little boy’s real-life drama.

WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan says, “If you talked to Connor, you couldn’t help but fall in love with him.”

Five-year-old Connor had posted a video on YouTube asking to meet his favorite Superstar. As YouTube stories sometimes do, Connor’s video was shared widely and caught the eye of WWE. Connor’s dad says that his son first met Bryan two years ago in December when WWE brought its show, “Monday Night Raw” to CONSOL Energy Center.

The six-year-old and his little brother Jackson experienced a dream come true when they met Bryan, as well as his tag team partner at the time, Kane, who was Jackson’s favorite Superstar.

Connor had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a rare cancer that attacks the brain and spine, when he was just three years old. By the time he was five, Connor had endured an 8-hour surgery and months of hospitalization.

He had to relearn walking and talking. He was treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

His parents had been told that Connor would most likely have trouble speaking, would be socially awkward, and would have very little hand and eye coordination. His family also was told that Connor would only have a year to live.

Connor far exceeded the grim prognosis. He triumphed regaining his ability to walk and talk, and he was so personable and engaging that he charmed everyone who met him.

The surgery and treatments for the disease did seriously weaken Connor.

He often had little energy for anything more demanding than watching television. That was when he discovered WWE and fell in love with it.

Michalek says that he was channel surfing with his two sons, who were five and two at the time.

“The whole crowd was chanting ‘Yes, Yes, Yes,’ Bryan’s mantra, and Connor and his little brother became enthralled,” Michalek says. “They were little boys.

They loved to wrestle and jump up and down, and they fell in love with it.”

Continued on page 12

|| 11 11 |

Continued from page 11

“They loved the crowd interaction. The fans were really into it. It’s a spectacle. Little boys couldn’t ask for more,” Michalek says.

“It helped to take his mind away from what he was going through,” Michalek says of WWE programs.

If you talked to Connor also loved baseball, Connor, you couldn’t fishing, swimming and golfing, but he often didn’t have the help but fall in love energy for these activities or to with him. play with other children, Michalek explains. Warm weather was kinder to Connor and he could be more active.

Winter was especially tough on him, sapping the boy’s strength, his father says.

The Royal Rumble, Monday Night Raw, SmackDown and all of the WWE Network programming helped to occupy Connor when he was too weak to engage in more active pursuits.

Michalek says that his sons played WWE video games, and they each created their own personas – “Connor the Crusher” and “Jack the Ripper.”

Connor would introduce himself to people using his ring name, says his dad. It was a sign of Connor’s inner strength.

“We had to buy all of the action figures, rings, belts, everything. He had it all. We had every single action figure and the championship belts,” Michalek says of his sons. “They spent hours having imaginary wrestling matches.”

“It was something he could do in bed,” says Michalek adding that Connor had to spend a lot of time in bed.

In March 2013, Connor and his dad were in the audience at CONSOL Energy Center for WWE Raw. Connor was thrilled when Bryan spotted him and gave him a big hug which was shown on the big screen.

“It was a magical moment for Connor,” Michalek says.

In January, Connor and his dad attended the Royal Rumble at CONSOL Energy Center. That’s when ring announcer Justin Roberts spotted Connor after the show. Connor gave Roberts a high five when he went by and Roberts stopped to chat.

Then WWE invited Connor backstage and he was introduced to all of the Superstars who were on hand.

“Each wrestler was so nice,” Connor’s dad recalls. They met many Superstars including Sheamus, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns. They came down to Connor’s level to talk to him and even shadow box – “ever so gently.”

Then Roberts introduced Connor and his dad to Stephanie McMahon, Michalek remembers. She kneeled down and McMahon and Connor gave each other a big hug.

Continued on page 15

| 12 |

| 13 |

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“She must have spent 15 minutes talking to Connor and she insisted on Connor meeting her husband, Triple H,” Michalek says. “It was late in the night, she had to be tired. They were the most cordial and loving people. I can’t express how nice they were.”

After that evening, Michalek says that Roberts stayed in weekly contact with Connor usually via FaceTime on Monday evenings.

“These calls were really special,” says Michalek.

“Justin had different wrestlers talk to Connor on FaceTime. They all became friends with him. Connor (who became known for his quick wit) kidded the wrestlers. He was one of the guys.”

In March with diminishing health, McMahon invited Connor to Washington, D.C. for Raw, and before the show started or anyone was in the audience, something special happened.

WWE invited Connor backstage and he was introduced to all of the Superstars who were on hand.

“Each wrestler was so nice” Bryan and McMahon met Connor and gave him some gifts. Then Bryan – Connor’s hero — brought him from backstage, down the ramp into the fully lit arena. “Connor the Crusher” was pictured bigger than life on the lighted displays and Bryan’s theme music was pulsating. Together the Superstar and his tiny friend began the “Yes, Yes, Yes” chant and moved toward the ring where Superstars and Divas began chanting “Connor, Connor, Connor.”

The little WWE fan seemed to take it all in amazement as he was helped into the ring.

In a flash – and classic WWE style — Triple H leapt into the ring and told Connor to hit him. Connor the Crusher did not want to hit his extra-large friend.

After some persuasion, Connor’s right to the face laid out Triple H spread eagle on the mat. With the encouragement of the WWE personalities encircling the ring, Connor pinned Triple H for the count and was declared the winner by the referee who held his arm up high.

WWE had another surprise for Connor. McMahon personally invited Connor to WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans in early April as guests of WWE. “She was the biggest star there is to us,” Michalek says of McMahon’s Continued on page 16

| 15 |

Continued from page 15

relationship with him and Connor.

“At that time, doctors didn’t think Connor would be able to make the trip,” says his dad, but the invitation was accepted.

Michalek believes that the invitation to WrestleMania was the reason that Connor made it six more weeks.

“It was an amazing trip,” Michalek says. Connor was able to make the most of the adventure and even got to go to the beach after WrestleMania. “It felt like he wasn’t sick. He had more energy and he needed carried less.”

WrestleMania was even more special for Connor. His hero, Bryan, won the WWE Championship.

Confetti was still wafting down when the victorious WWE Superstar jumped out of the ring right were Connor was being held by his dad in the front row.

Bryan hugged his fan from Pittsburgh and told him, “Connor, you mean a lot to me. You give me the strength to help me earn this. Please keep on fighting.”

“It was an incredible gift that they gave me personally,” Michalek says.

“What more could I ask for than a couple more weeks with my son.”

Michalek says of Connor, “He was my best friend and my world. For four years, I did nothing but spend every moment with him.”

With Jackson, Michalek says he needs to find a new purpose in his life.

McMahon says of Connor, “He had a light and anybody that was around him could feel it and is the better for it.”

Roberts and McMahon stay in touch with Connor’s dad. “They call to kind of just to check up on me.” Still grieving for Connor, Michalek says that there is talk of him becoming more involved with Connor’s Cure, his son’s memorial for helping others.

“Connor had such a profound impact on my husband and me that we started a fund with the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, in his honor,” said McMahon. “Connor’s Cure is designed to fund research to help find a cure for pediatric brain and spinal cancer, to ensure no other child or their family has to endure his fate.”

“I would never want another kid to go through what Connor and I have gone through,” Connor’s dad says, adding, “I’m so happy for him that he got to experience everything he did.”

Donations to Connor’s Cure may be made at: https://givetochildrens.org/CONNORSCURE, or by phone at 412-692-3900 or 1-877-CHP-GIVE (247-4483) or by mail: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, One Children’s Hospital Drive, Central Plant, Floor 3, 4401 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15224-1342. | 16 |

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FALL 2014 ERIC CHURCH

October 11 — 7:00 PM

FLEETWOOD MAC

October 14 — 8:00 PM

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY® CIRCUS

November 5 - 9 — 8 Shows

JAMES TAYLOR

November 29 — 8:00 PM

THE CITY GAME

December 5 — 7:00 PM

CASTING CROWNS

December 7 — 6:00 PM

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

December 13 — 3:00 PM and 7:30 PM

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

December 26 — 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM

WWE LIVE HOLIDAY TOUR

December 28 — 7:30 PM

THREE RIVERS CLASSIC RMU, PSU, WESTERN MICHIGAN, COLGATE

December 29 - 30 — 4:30 and 7:30 PM

For all upcoming CONSOL Energy Center events visit www.consolenergycenter.com.

| 19 |

BUILDING INFORMATION CONSOL ENERGY CENTER 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 22

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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.

SEATING CHART

CONSOL ENERGY CENTER

A P

217

216 215

15

20

21

22

224 38

39

40

111

116 117

DOUBLE ATTACK

118

208

P

120 103

102

101 122

121

5

207

C

8 5 B 8 A 7 6 5

B

A

7

6

3

UPMC FIRST AID (Lower Level)

4

3

2

1

4

3

2

1

4

52 4 53 59 58 57 56 55 54

51

205

204

203 202 201

234

229

48 49 50

8

206

228

47

104 105 8

9

227 10

119

10

10

226

PARTY

106

115

46

15 14

11

210

114

PARTY

211

107

113

45

108

12

112

225 41 42 43

PARTY

13

9

223

23

110

14

17 16

209

34 35 36 37

19

18

13 12 11

7

222

44

212

33

6

16

109

20 19

221

PARTY

P

32

D

23 22 21 P

213

D

219 220

27 28 29 30 31 25 26 25 B F 17 18 E 24 A

214

GATE

218

230

9

231

232

233

B UPMC FIRST AID

11 12

1

2

P

(Upper Concourse)

GATE

P

C

GATE

CLUB LOGE BOXES

PNC LEGENDS LEVEL SUITES

FEDEX LEVEL SEATING

LOGE BOXES

CLUB SUITES

84 LUMBER LEVEL SEATING

JIM BEAM® MAKE HISTORY™ 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

3

FIRST NIAGARA CLUB

4

BAYER MS SCIENCE & SPORTS EXHIBITS

5

GUEST SERVICES

6

HIGHMARK WALL OF CHAMPIONS AND HIGHMARK KIDS ZONE

7

CAPTAIN MORGAN CLUB

WOMEN’S RESTROOMS

FAMILY RESTROOMS

| 24 |

UPMC FIRST AID

PNC LEGENDS LEVEL

8

LEXUS CLUB

9

CAL U CONFERENCE CENTER

10

JIM BEAM® MAKE HISTORY™ PARTY SUITES

PNC ATM

84 LUMBER LEVEL

11

MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE

12

SMOKEHOUSE/BURGATORY

UPMC FIRST AID

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CASTING CROWNS ‘THRIVE’ TO FINISH IN PITTSBURGH By: Pam Thompson

Casting Crowns — Billboard’s top-selling act in Christian music since 2007 – returns to CONSOL Energy Center this fall with its THRIVE Tour featuring Grammy Award nominee Mandisa and Dove Award nominees, Sidewalk Prophets.

The band’s Pittsburgh show is scheduled in December as the last performance of the THRIVE Tour.

Casting Crowns sold out its first appearance at CONSOL Energy Center in 2012 and another full house is anticipated for this year’s show.

Mark Hall, lead vocalist, songwriter and founder of the group, will be joined by backup vocalists: Megan Garrett on piano and keyboards, Juan DeVevo on guitar, Melodee DeVevo on violin and cello, and Chris Huffman on bass.

Rounding out the group are Josh Mix on lead guitar and Brian Scoggin on drums. Like Hall, the DeVevos are original members of the band. All are active in youth ministry in the Atlanta area.

The THRIVE Tour set list includes Casting Crowns’ biggest hits spanning more than a decade of ministry, in addition to selections from the group’s new release.

Continued on page 29

Casting Crowns sold out its first appearance at CONSOL Energy Center in 2012 and another full house is anticipated for this year’s show.

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Continued from page 27

Mandisa’s Overcomer won the Grammy this year for Best Contemporary Christian Album. She has been nominated for Grammy Awards five times and the Gospel Music Association’s (GMA) Dove Awards six times.

This contemporary Christian music band, Sidewalk Prophets has been nominated for Dove Awards four times and won New Artist of the Year in 2010.

Casting Crowns released its critically acclaimed studio album, THRIVE at the beginning of the year and took to the road to promote it with spring and fall tour schedules.

It is the band’s seventh studio album and first full-length effort in two years, following the release of its 2013 collection album, Acoustic Sessions: Volume 1.

Casting Crown’s successful 40-city spring run, led to the multiplatinum-selling band’s fall tour to 40 more cities.

The fall leg of the tour kicked off in September in Las Cruces, N.M., and includes visits to major markets, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Spokane, Oklahoma City, Nashville, San Antonio, Tulsa, Birmingham, Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh, among others.

Continued on page 30

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In the past year, Casting Crowns accomplishments include three Grammy Award nominations, an RIAA 2x multi-Platinum certification and multiple RIAA Gold certifications, with total album sales surpassing 8 million.

Casting Crowns has achieved major career sales of three RIAA Platinum albums, two RIAA Platinum DVDs, six RIAA Gold albums, four Gold DVDs and four RIAA Gold certified digital singles.

The songs on THRIVE are an extension of what Hall teaches his students at Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church in Atlanta, where he is the youth minister.

Hall says, “The idea of THRIVE came out of our student ministry. I’ve been a youth pastor for almost 22 years and it’s still what I want to be when I grow up,” Hall says.

Casting Crowns says that the heart behind the project is for these songs to encourage believers to dig down into the roots of who they are in Christ so that they are fully equipped to reach out and share their faith with others. Following this theme, half of the songs on the album are focused on “reaching out,” while the other half are dedicated to “digging deep.”

In THRIVE’s title track, Hall sings the words, “Joy unspeakable! Faith unsinkable! Love Unstoppable! Anything is possible!”

He explains, “The songs always really start out with what we’re teaching, and for years I’ve been using Psalm 1 in showing them what a believer looks like. It says: ‘Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.’”

The THRIVE Tour Casting Crowns’ music consistently encourages its includes Casting to evaluate their Crowns’ biggest hits listeners relationship with God and with spanning more each other.

“The basic idea is let God than a decade of define himself through you and if ministry. you’ll do that, you’re going to thrive,” says Hall. “The first six songs on the record are all about learning who God is and who you are. The second six songs are about how that works out.

How are you going to get out there and let Him live His life through you?”

Hall says the album’s lead single “All You’ve Ever Wanted” has a potent message.

“It’s combating that logic that we have in us that says when we fail, we need to make it right,” Hall says. “We think we need to make things right with God. We think we’ve got to make him proud again. Not only does it not work, it’s not needed. We’re fighting a battle that’s already won and that’s what this song is about.”

Continued on page 33

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Hall says the hardest song for him to write on the new album was “Love You With the Truth.” “It’s a big, upbeat rockin’ song about a person realizing that they’ve been a really cruddy friend because they haven’t shared the truth with the person closest to them,” Hall explains. “People say, ‘I want to share the gospel, but I don’t want to ruin my friendship.’ What you are really saying is I love my friendship more than I love my friend. It’s tough, but it’s truth.”

One of the most poignant songs on the album is the ballad “Broken Together,” according to Hall: “Marriage is tough,” he says. “We bring a lot of fairytales to the picture when it comes to marriage. We bring them to the altar with us [thinking]: ‘This is going to be perfect. We don’t have to be apart. We can just wake up together every morning and no one is going to have morning breath. We’re not going to have any problems.’ And then the problems hit and you don’t know where to file those into your picture. . . The idea I’m trying to say is: ‘Can you lay down who you thought I was and love the me that is? Can we take this from where we are now and realize that I can’t be that person?’ Only God is going to be able to make this work and broken people can be broken together. To me, it’s probably the most important song on the record.”

Song after song on the album deals with tough topics and frames life’s challenging moments in Biblical perspective. The tracks are: o “Thrive” o “All You’ve Ever Wanted” o “Just Be Held” o “You Are the Only One” o “Broken Together” o ”Love You With the Truth” o “This Is Now” o “Dream for You” o “Follow Me” o “Heroes” o “House of Their Dreams,” and o “Waiting on the Night to Fall.”

It’s been more than 10 years since the members of Casting Crowns heard their first single on the radio in July 2003. It was the same day Hall and his wife Melanie welcomed their daughter Zoe. “He’s opened our eyes to our suspicion that He was way bigger than we thought He was,” Hall says.

“He didn’t need Casting Crowns to come along to help His word get out.

God is winning. He’s changing the world. It may look at times like things are getting darker and darker, but they are not. Everywhere you go, you can see light and light wins. It always wins.”

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CONCESSIONS

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PIZZA HUT® Pizza Singles 9” Sections: 107, 120, 212, 232 Pizza Slices Sections: 103, 113

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NAKAMA Sushi Sections: 101, 105 Captain Morgan Club 111

DUNKIN DONUTS

SMOKEHOUSE Beef Brisket, Chicken & Pulled Pork Sandwiches Sections: 115, 205

MILLER LITE BREWHOUSE Section: 206

BURGATORY Burgers, Fries, Milkshakes Section: 206

DAIRY QUEEN Dilly Bar, Buster Bar, Stars & Stripes Starkiss Sections: 105, 234

Sections: 109, 212

Menu items subject to change, please visit pittsburghpenguins.com/diningguide for up-to-date information.

| 34 |

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HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FULL OF FAMILY FUN By: Pam Thompson

CONSOL Energy Center will light up the holiday season with plenty of fun for the entire family and the New Year promises to bring even more exciting entertainment to Pittsburgh.

In addition to James Taylor, Casting Crowns and WWE, the holiday season will bring: o collegiate basketball and ice hockey o those ambassadors of goodwill, the Harlem Globetrotters o a return of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and o the Pittsburgh Penguins will lend to First Night festivities in the city when they play the Carolina Hurricanes at home on New Year’s Eve.

The City Game Presented by GNC

Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh men’s basketball teams meet on Dec. 5 for the City Game presented by GNC. “Everyone comes out for this event. The teams, the alums and fans enjoy it and it’s a great venue,” says Jim Ferry, Duquesne University’s head coach of men’s basketball.

Continued on page 39

“Everyone comes out for this event — teams, alums and fans all enjoy it.”

| 36 |

HOME ADVANTAGE As part of a global brand with deep roots in the Pittsburgh area, we salute the nearly 3,000 local employees who strive to make every FedEx experience outstanding.

FedEx Ground is the official delivery company of the Continued on page 38

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Continued from page 36

“Not having a professional NBA team in the city, and being a great sports town, the City Game is a great basketball event. It’s great for Duquesne, it’s great for Pitt, and it’s great for the city,” Coach Ferry says.

This will be Coach Ferry’s third season as Duquesne’s head coach, and he says, “We have a lot of depth. We’ve had a couple of strong recruiting classes which have resulted in a versatile team.” He says that the team can play fast, aggressive basketball.

“It’s great for us to have home games at CONSOL Energy Center,” says Ferry. “It helps our program to have the opportunity to play there.”

He says the relationship with the Pittsburgh Penguins and CONSOL Energy Center is great. His team enjoys practicing in the arena and the Penguins hospitality.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

TSO’s Winter Tour 2014 comes to town for two shows on Dec. 7, at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. as part of a schedule for its two troupes that includes 120 shows in 71 cities in 52 days.

Described as a “laser-pyro prog-rock extravaganza,” TSO has played 1,600 shows for 11 million fans in the past 15 years. This year it brings the rock opera, “The Christmas Attic” to the stage.

Founded in 1993 by producer/composer Paul O’Neill, TSO began touring in 1999, drawing huge audiences for its high-tech productions with string sections, lasers, props, videos and specials effects.

O’Neill says, “Some of the songs off The Christmas Attic have never been played live. As I have always said, it is fun to write the songs, it is fun to record them, but they are never really completed until we perform them in front of a live arena audience.”

The second half of the show showcases TSO classics such as “Wizards in Winter,” “Requiem” and “Christmas Eve/ Sarajevo 12/24.”

Continued on page 39

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A “laser-pyro prog-rock extravaganza.”

Continued from page 38

Coinciding with the tour, The Christmas Attic album will be reissued with bonus tracks and in a vinyl edition. The opera tells the story of a young girl who sneaks into the attic of her parents’ home on Christmas Eve while she should be sleeping and discovers a trunk filled with ornaments, toys, old records and handwritten letters, one of which leads to a magical adventure.

In keeping with tradition, a portion of ticket sales benefit local charities, which have received $11 million in TSO donations to date.

Harlem Globetrotters

It would not be the holidays in Pittsburgh without the Harlem Globetrotters who will play two games on Dec. 26, at 1:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Thunder Law, the Globetrotters forward who set a Guinness World Record by connecting with the basket for a 109-foot, 9-inch basketball shot, will appear in Pittsburgh for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to being in Pittsburgh and the holiday spirit,” says Thunder who is in his second season with the Globetrotters.

Thunder, who now lives in Los Angeles says, “I’ve been to Pittsburgh a couple of times, but not as a Harlem Globetrotter. I’m looking forward to coming out there.”

“The Harlem Globetrotters are known as ambassadors of goodwill and it is even more meaningful to be in Pittsburgh at this special time of year. It’s awesome. I’m excited for Dec. 26, the day after Christmas. We like to give families smiles and especially at this time of year.”

He says that during a game, he likes to find one person in the audience and to focus on making that person smile.

“No matter your age, you will leave with a smile.” Thunder says.

The Globetrotters continue their tradition of spending at least 30 minutes after each game with fans on the court, giving autographs and posing for pictures.

“It could go longer in Pittsburgh. I’ve been told that Pittsburgh always is a great show,” Thunder says.

“Being a Globetrotter is 10 percent basketball,” says Thunder. “My favorite part Continued on page 40

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LIVE Continued from page 39

of being a Globetrotter is getting into communities and talking to youth.” He enjoys participating in Harlem Globetrotters’ ABC anti-bullying program and the SMILE Patrol in which he and his team members get to visit youngsters in hospitals.

Talking about what it is like to be performing during the holidays, Thunder says, “It is tough leaving family on Christmas morning. I know it’s coming. That’s why I make the most of my time with them now. We celebrate Christmas a day earlier. My family loves what I do. When you have a great family and their support, it makes it worthwhile.”

A standout player at High Point University in North Carolina, Thunder says, “Growing up, I always wanted to see the Globetrotters in person but never got the chance. Now, I’m part of the organization…words can’t explain how great it feels.”

He says his mother was thrilled when he was recruited by the Globetrotters and told him all about her first Globetrotters’ game.

“Everyone remembers their first Harlem Globetrotters game,” says Thunder.

Continued on page 42

“No matter your age, you will leave with a smile.”

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S LD O B T HO P 0 L U 0 33

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TRC: One of the top holiday tournaments for collegiate hockey.

Continued from page 40

Three Rivers Classic

Collegiate men’s ice hockey will be showcased in the third annual Three Rivers Classic on Dec. 29 and 30, with games at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. both days.

The two-day tournament will feature the “home teams,” the Colonials of Robert Morris University and the Nittany Lions of Pennsylvania State University, and guest teams, the Broncos of Western Michigan University and the Raiders of Colgate University.

The Three Rivers Classic is one of the top holiday tournaments for collegiate hockey, according to Derek Schooley, head coach of men’s hockey at Robert Morris, last season’s Atlantic Hockey Association Champions.

For the third consecutive season, Robert Morris led the AHA with 25 players named to the conference’s All-American Team.

Schooley says, “These are four teams with a tremendous amount of success recently.”

“Penn State is an up and coming program,” according to Schooley, who points out that Colgate and Western Michigan, as well as his own team for the first time last season, have been to the NCAA tournament.

Continued on page 45

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“We will have one or two of them as ranked teams in this tournament come Christmastime,” Schooley says, noting that the Three Rivers Classic just in its third year has included Miami, Boston, Ohio State and Bowling Green.

Penn State Head Coach Guy Gadowsky concurs, “Anytime you can attract top programs to a tournament with strong attendance in an NHL facility, it is great for college hockey.”

Discussing this year’s teams, Gadowsky says: “Obviously Robert Morris winning their conference last year will have high expectations. We are very familiar with their team and know that their explosive offense has the capability to expose any defensive shortcomings.

“Colgate had a tremendous year last season finishing second in the ECAC only to National Champion Union, and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Most impressively, they achieved this with their top five scorers being sophomores, so expectations for this season are very high. Having coached in the ECAC, we have great respect for Don Vaughn and how his teams compete.

“We are very excited about the prospect of competing against an Andy Murray team and our first NCHC opponent.”

“The tournament has community support. The crowds are excited and attendance is great,” Schooley says. Fans will be seeing some future NHL players, he adds.

Gadowsky says, “We have very supportive and passionate alumni in the Pittsburgh area, so this affords us a great opportunity to come to them and let them see firsthand how we are improving.”

He adds, “It is a tough ticket to get at Pegula Ice Arena so we received several positive comments regarding playing at CONSOL. We also want to attract the top student hockey players in Pennsylvania and many from Western PA will get a chance to come to the game and see how we play.”

“Our kids love to play in front of a big crowd,” Schooley says adding, “Any time that we can play at CONSOL Energy Center our guys get excited. The locker rooms, the setup, the way that the Pens and CONSOL Energy Center treat the college teams – It’s one of the best buildings in the country.”

He says that Robert Morris has a great relationship with the Penguins and the management of CONSOL Energy Center.

Gadowsky says, “It is extremely motivating to play in front of our student body and alumni at Pegula Ice Arena, and we love being able to go on the road and experience a similar atmosphere. Thanks in advance to all the great Penn Staters who will come out and support us.”

Schooley notes that he and his wife Alicia are alums of Western Michigan’s Class of ‘94, and his Associate Head Coach Matt Nicholson graduated from Colgate and its hockey program in 2004.

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He says that it was “pretty special” when the Colonials went to Kalamazoo, Mich., to take on the Broncos back in 2005, but with 11 very good years at Robert Morris, the scenario has changed.

Sharing the Three Rivers Classic line-ups for 2015 and 2016, Scott P. Zimmerman, Director of Booking at CONSOL Energy Center, says that the home teams, Robert Morris and Penn State will host UMass Lowell and Clarkson in 2015 and in 2016 Boston College will return to the tournament along with Ferris State.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes

The Pittsburgh Penguins meet the Carolina Hurricanes for a New Year’s Eve game at 7:00 p.m.

Vice President of Ticket Sales for the Penguins Chad Slencak says, “The last time we played at home on New Year’s Eve was Dec. 31, 2005, against the New York Rangers.”

Slencak expects one of our loudest crowds of the year with people in good spirits.

He says, “It should be a festive atmosphere at the game Dec. 31st. We are hoping fans come to Pittsburgh early and have dinner out, take in the Penguins game, and then go ring in the New Year downtown.

One option would be First Night Pittsburgh where fans could go after the game for festivities and fireworks.”

In September, Slencak was making plans for something special at the New Year’s Eve game, but he couldn’t share any details at that time.

Highmark First Night® Pittsburgh 2015

Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2015 is a celebration of the Pittsburgh community and the New Year through the arts, says Darcy Kucenic, Director of Highmark First Night® Pittsburgh for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

She says that the trust considers the celebration an open house of the cultural district, and the event involves theaters and venues throughout the city.

Events start at 6 p.m. with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks for youngsters who will be asleep before the New Year arrives, and that is only the beginning of the festivities, according to Kucenic.

There will be more than 40 venues, hundreds of artists and 150 events.

The FedEx Ground Parade steps out at 8:00 p.m. | 47 |

Penguins fans can kick off New Years Eve with a Carolina face-off.

Continued from page 47

Penguins fans can head Downtown for the celebration following the New Year’s Eve hockey game.

At the Highmark Stage, music by the headlining band, which will be announced in December, will begin at 10:45 p.m. and continue through the countdown to 2015 when the Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise.

Kucenic says that the ball symbolizes Pittsburgh, a city on the rise.

A sale of buttons, which admit individuals to the indoor venues and events, will go on sale in early December at trustarts.org/ FirstNightPittsburgh and at Giant Eagle locations. Admission purchased in advance is $8.00 per person, or $10.00 at the door. Children under five get in for free.

Fans can head Downtown for the celebration following the game.

Continued on page 51

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Returning favorites, a new concert tour and March Madness are lined up at CONSOL Energy Center in 2015.

Sesame Street Live

Family fun continues with Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend. This musical will play several shows from Jan. 9-11.

Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. The friends explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies.

Duquesne University Basketball

In addition to the City Game with Pitt, the Dukes will come down from the bluff for two more games at CONSOL Energy Center. They will take on VCU on Jan. 17 and Dayton on Feb. 21.

Monster Jam AS BIG AS IT GETS

The Monster trucks will shake up CONSOL Energy Center when this show rolls into town for four performances from Feb. 13-15.

Disney on Ice Presents Princesses & Heroes

Children of all ages will enjoy this extravaganza on ice which will present shows here from March 4-8. The production will include numbers with Ariel and Prince Eric, Prince Phillip and Aurora, Jasmine and Aladdin, as well as Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana , and the characters from “Frozen,” Elsa, Anna and Olaf.

Maroon 5 World Tour

The new MAROON 5 WORLD TOUR 2015 will liven up Friday night on March 13 when they bring to town the music of their newest album V.

NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Second/Third Rounds March Madness comes to Pittsburgh when championship play returns to Pittsburgh on March 19 and 21.

| 51 |

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RINGLING PERFORMERS GIVE INSIGHT TO ACTS By: Pam Thompson

Audiences attending Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!™, the 143rd edition of the Greatest Show On Earth at CONSOL Energy Center might wonder how the circus artists develop and hone their skills and what goes into the acts that they present in each show.

Taylor Albin, boss clown, Ashley Vargas, pre-show host and animal presenter, Gemma Kirby, the Human Canonnball, and Andre McClain, ringmaster, give some insight into their roles in the circus.

Albin leads the circus’ 13-member Clown Alley. His motto is “Never give up and always give it your very best.”

As a young boy, he dreamed of being a clown and got his break in 2009 at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Clown College® auditions. Then it took nearly a year for his call from the circus to come. In just three years, he has become a boss clown.

Albin says, “This year Clown Alley performs a traditional clown gag called the Soap Gag. This gag requires months of preparation to learn the skills needed to execute the funny safely. The clowns have to learn how to fall, take slaps, and hits in a safe and funny manner. We learn these skills at Clown Continued on page 54

Audience members can get an up-close, ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience at our All-Access Pre-Show. | 53 |

Continued from page 55

College and on the first full year of a clown’s tour.

We are constantly improving our craft by learning from others within the circus community.”

Vargas says, “My love for animals is what brought me to the Greatest Show on Earth.

When I was studying Communications/Marketing in college, I met an Italian circus family (Zoppe Zamperla Riders) that opened my eyes to a whole new world.”

“I began learning everything there was to know about horses and circus arts,” she says adding, “With a lot of hard work and dedication, I began trick riding and became a part of this family’s act.”

“This talent has led me to Ringling Bros. where I’ve expanded my abilities and learned how to properly care for elephants and even to have the joy of riding them every day in ‘Built To Amaze,’” Vargas says.

“Something people may not know just from seeing a performance is that each animal has a different personality just like humans. The elephant display is by far one of my favorite parts of the show where we showcase their natural behaviors and personalities,” she says.

“Many audience members are also unaware that they can get an upclose, ‘behind-the-scenes’ experience at our All-Access Pre-Show. One of our youngest elephants, Mable, showcases some of her favorite playtime activities and even gets the audience involved when she plays kickball,” Vargas says.

The All Access Pre-Show, free to ticketholders, opens one hour before the beginning of each show.

Guests may come onto the show floor to try on costumes, learn circus skills, meet performers and get their pictures taken with clowns. They also may enter for a chance to win an original pachyderm painting, created during the pre-show by one of the world famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® elephants.

This season’s new Human Cannonball, Kirby considers being shot from a cannon her biggest circus accomplishment to date.

To keep physically and mentally fit, she runs, does Pilates, strength training and yoga, and practices American Sign Language and violin.

She was valedictorian of her class at the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts before enrolling at Circus Joventas in St. Paul to explore a new passion, the flying trapeze.

She made her first circus appearance in 2011 and earned her psychology degree in 2012.

“The audience always ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ when I fly across the arena, but there is more to performing a human cannonball act than meets the eye,” Kirby says.

Continued on page 59

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“For example, when I am gesturing with my hands – up and down and side to side – in preparation for my shot, it is not only for dramatic effect,” she explains. “I am actually giving directions to crew members on the far side of the arena, so they can adjust the airbag in exact alignment with the trajectory of the barrel. This ensures that I will land exactly on my mark in the center of the airbag.”

“Something else the audience may not appreciate is how difficult it is to balance on the barrel of the cannon while it is being pushed into position on the floor,” she says. “The barrel is curved and slippery, and it takes a lot of concentration to not slip off while I am doing my opening styles. Walking up the barrel while it is elevating is the trickiest part. It took a great deal of practice before I could walk upright with confidence, and not look shaky and nervous.”

“When I am in position inside the cannon awaiting the ringmaster’s countdown, I practice a specific style of breathing in order to become completely calm, alert and focused,” she says. “After I give my ‘ready’ signal and the countdown begins, I inhale and exhale in a precisely calculated pattern, in order to prime my body for the intense impact of the shot. Just before the ringmaster says ‘one’ I hold my breath and tense every muscle in my body, so that I am tight, controlled and aerodynamic as I fly across the circus sky.”

Andre McClain, ringmaster for Ringling Bros.® Presents Built To Amaze!™, is an accomplished animal trainer, cowboy, rodeo star, country singer and songwriter, and dad.

Initially a vocal music major at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, McClain received his Business Management degree in 2000.

A 10-year veteran of the Greatest Show on Earth, McClain explains, “As ringmaster, I don’t think people realize that although I announce each act and sing, I am much similar to an athlete. The voice is a muscle that you must take care of and keep strong.”

He says, “Vocal warm-ups last an hour each day, as well as running up to three miles a day to keep your breathing strong. Over the years my voice has changed three times. Not only that, it has taken me 12 years to develop a commanding presence in the ring.”

“As ringmaster,” McClain says, “you must be able to step out onto the arena floor with over 6,000 people in the audience and command their attention. The audience trusts me to guide them through the magnificent acts and tell the story of the Greatest Show on Earth.”

McClain, Kirby, Vargas, Albin and their fellow performers in Ringling Bros.® Presents Built To Amaze!™ do eight shows at CONSOL Energy Center from November 5-9. | 57 |

PENGUINS, REED SMITH SUMMER STICKS FUNDS, GROWS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM By: Pam Thompson

The Pittsburgh Penguins took to the links in September for the 27th Annual Summer Sticks Golf Classic presented by Reed Smith to raise money for its scholarships to be granted in 2015.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation scholarship program is growing thanks to the fundraising efforts of the annual golf benefit presented by Reed Smith.

The scramble-style tournament The Penguins’ features teams of three and a organization has Penguins’ player or coach joins each team as its celebrity captain. Teams awarded more compete for tournament prizes. than $132,000 In partnership with Reed Smith in academically and with the support of Pittsburgh based scholarships. Public Schools and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), the Penguins Foundation increased educational-based scholarship awards from three in 2013 to 18 in 2014.

The Foundation plans to begin taking applications from eligible students in March for the next round of scholarships. The application deadline — to be announced — will be sometime in May. This year, the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation expanded its scholarship program to encompass all Pittsburgh Public Schools and select high schools in Allegheny County as part of its ever growing commitment to community service. A total of 31 high schools qualified for the program.

To be eligible for scholarships, students must attend a Pittsburgh Public School or an Allegheny County high school that provides substantial aid to students for reduced-cost or free lunch programs per the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Food and Nutrition.

Each scholarship is valued at $1,500 for the student’s first year of college, and an additional $1,000 will be awarded for the student’s second year of college if a 3.0 GPA is maintained and a minimum of 24 credit hours are earned.

Created in 1992, the program annually has presented scholarships recognizing high school seniors for their academic excellence, extracurricular

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Continued on page 61

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Of all the coatings, paints and stains we’ve made in our 130-year history, two colors stand out among the rest: Black and Gold. Our Pittsburgh roots run deep, and so does our commitment to giving back to the place we call home.

And because we bring innovative coatings and glass products to CONSOL Energy Center, we’re proud to be a part of every game. To see what other winning color formulas we’re bringing to the surface, visit ppg.com.

The PPG Logo and Bringing innovation to the surface are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Continued from page 58

school activities and community service. The Penguins’ organization has awarded more than $132,000 in academically based scholarships to Pittsburgharea high school graduates.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Penguins Foundation celebrated the awardees achievements at a luncheon in August at CONSOL Energy Center with the students, their family members, officials from their high schools, AIU officials and Pittsburgh Public Schools representatives.

Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation scholarship recipients for 2014, their high schools and colleges follow: o Paige Baierl, Northgate High School, Westminster College o Rachel Boring, Springdale Jr./Sr. High School, Allegheny College o Emelia Conte, Springdale Jr./Sr. High School, Penn State University o Jacob Taylor Diller, Highlands High School, St. Vincent College o Margaret Edwards, East Allegheny High School, Carnegie Mellon University o Daniella Eglash, Allderdice High School, Ohio State University o Emily Garrigan, Springdale Jr./Sr. High School, Gettysburg College o Chelsea Geruschat, Carrick High School, Penn State University o Tamara A. Hawk, West Mifflin Area High School, Duquesne University o Rebecca Kern, Springdale Jr./Sr. High School, Carnegie Mellon University o Robert Charles Love, Highlands High School, Allegheny College o Ryan Maha, West Mifflin Area High School, Carnegie Mellon University o Evan McCartney, Springdale Jr./Sr. High School, Marietta College o Layla Phouthavong, Steel Valley High School, Rochester Institute of Technology o Samuel Francis Sesti, Northgate High School, Thiel College o Benjamin Wasserman Stern, Allderdice High School, Johns Hopkins University o Tracey Thomas, Westinghouse High School, Penn State University o Lauren Arlene Wolf, McKeesport Area High School, University of Pittsburgh Continued on page 62

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Continued from page 61

To be considered for a scholarship, students must: as an example to fellow students o Attend a participating high school as a participant in the community, o Excel academically with an overall charity and school activities minimum cumulative grade o Signify the intention to continue point average of 3.0, based on a academic work beyond the high maximum of 4.0 or its equivalent, school level for all academic work completed o Conduct themselves in a manner to through the first term of her/his bring credit to themselves and their senior year of high school institutions o Perform with distinction in terms of leadership and character, serving Candidates must type their applications and include a sealed transcript of their grades for their sophomore through senior years from their school, as well as at least three letters of recommendation from non-family members.

Applications, available online at the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation website, also are emailed to eligible schools and the Foundation requests that 12th grade counselors distribute them to high school seniors.

Eligible schools must provide substantial aid to students for reduced-cost or free lunch programs per the National School Lunch Program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Division of Food and Nutrition.

Schools eligible for 2013-2014 scholarships included: o Pittsburgh Milliones o Allegheny Valley School District o Pittsburgh Obama o Brentwood Borough School District o Pittsburgh Oliver Citywide Academy o Career Connections Charter o Pittsburgh Perry High School High School o Pittsburgh Science & Technology o Carlynton School District Academy o City Charter High School o Pittsburgh Westinghouse o Clairton School District o Propel Andrew Street High School o Cornell School District o Propel Braddock Hills High School o East Allegheny School District o South Allegheny School District o Highlands School District o Steel Valley School District o McKeesport Area School District o Sto-Rox School District o Northgate School District o Urban Pathways Charter School o Penn Hills School District o West Mifflin Area School District o Pittsburgh Allderdice High School o Wilkinsburg School District o Pittsburgh Brashear High School o Woodland Hills School District o Pittsburgh Carrick High School o Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts The mission of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation it to actively promote physical well being, encourage teamwork, stress the value of education and provide essential life skills to young people in the community through youth hockey and other activities. | 62 |

IT TAKES A LOT OF BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS TO MAKE IT TO JUNE. WELL, MOSTLY BLOOD AND SWEAT. SAVE THE TEARS FOR AFTER GAME 7.

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CONSOL ENERGY CENTER IN FIFTH YEAR TO PRESENT MORE TOP TOURS, EVENTS By: Pam Thompson

CONSOL Energy Center — now in its fifth year of hosting entertainment for every sort of audience – will present more top tours and banner sporting events in the future.

The New Year will bring the Maroon 5 World Tour 2015 and the Second and Third Rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship to CONSOL Energy Center.

The Pittsburgh arena’s reputation for hosting major sporting events will continue.

The Atlantic 10 Conference Men’s Basketball Championship will be contested in CONSOL Energy Center in 2017, the A-10 announced in September.

Bernadette V. McGlade, A-10 Commissioner, says, “The opportunity to rotate our championship within the A-10 footprint is exciting. She adds that CONSOL Energy Center is a state-of-the-art venue with great fan amenities and a successful history of hosting NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship events.

Continued on page 67

CONSOL Energy Center is a state-of-the-art venue.

| 65 |

BANK / BORROW / INVEST / PROTECT

Continued from page 65

Commenting on the significance of having a facility like CONSOL Energy Center in the community, Craig Davis, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, says:

Pittsburgh is at the top of its game when it comes to sports, and CONSOL has been the linchpin for our success in attracting national events such as USA Gymnastics P&G Championships, NCAA Men’s Frozen Four and NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships.

Combined with Penguins games and the fact that it is a top-performing concert venue in terms of sales, this building and AEG have been invaluable in terms of providing visibility and economic impact to the Pittsburgh region.

Davis adds, “Sports events are an ever-growing opportunity within the tourism industry. The market segment is 25 percent of our convention sales team’s bookings. Having CONSOL Energy Center is key to the arsenal of facilities we can offer when bidding on large sporting events in our region.”

Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Pittsburgh Power, CONSOL Energy Center has annually hosted the Three Rivers Classic of men’s collegiate hockey, the second annual CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game in 2013, and the NHL Draft in 2012.

In addition to sporting events, well over 300 performances took place at CONSOL Energy Center in its first four years of operation.

Leading the eclectic parade of entertainers performing for CONSOL Energy Center audiences, Paul McCartney, the inaugural act on August 18, 2010, sold out his first show so quickly that a second performance was added for the next night.

After winning five Grammy Awards earlier this year, McCartney came back to CONSOL Energy Center in July with his universally acclaimed “Out There” tour and played for another sold-out crowd.

In his most recent appearance, McCartney sang and played his way through his ambitious set list and two encores, performing some 40 songs with dedications to his wife, Nancy, his late wife, Linda, the civil rights demonstrators of the ‘60s, his dad

Elton John

Continued on page 68

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There is no limit to the types of entertainment and concerts at CONSOL Energy Center.

Paul McCartney Continued from page 67

and Ringo Starr for their birthdays that coincided with the concert, as well as John Lennon and George Harrison.

There is no limit to the types of entertainment and concerts appearing on CONSOL Energy Center stages.

Concerts – rock, pop, doo wop, Christian, country and more — have included One Direction, Lady Gaga, Donnie and Marie Osmond, Foo Fighters, Casting Crowns, Katy Perry, Barry Manilow, Black Keys, Carrie Underwood, Drake, the “Justins” – Bieber and Timberlake, Arcade Fire, Wiz Khalifa. Bruno Mars, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Michael Bublé, Andre Rieu, Hillsong United, Josh Groban, TobyMac, New Kids on the Block, Chris Tomlin and Celtic Woman.

In addition to the legendary McCartney, music icons like Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Roger Waters, Billy Joel, Bob Seger, Elton John, Madonna, Cher, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart and Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen and the Eagles have thrilled local audiences.

Entertainment at CONSOL Energy Center also included something for everyone. o Joel Osteen and Franklin Graham preached and prayed with CONSOL Energy Center audiences. o Jeff Dunham, Chelsea Handler, Kevin Hart, Dane Cook and Jeff Foxworthy with Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy made audiences laugh.

Continued on page 71

| 68 |

© 2013 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. © NHL 2013. All Rights Reserved.

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Continued from page 68

o Brides shopped for everything to make their weddings special and heard Randy Fenoli of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” at the Wedding Clickers bridal show. o For fans of action, Monster Jam, Nuclear Cowboyz and WWE’s SmackDown, Raw and Royal Rumble have lit up CONSOL Energy Center. o Children have delighted in performances by Sesame Street Live and Disney on Ice, and children of all ages have thrilled to the animatronic spectaculars, “Walking With Dinosaurs,” and “How to Train Your Dragon,” as well as more than 40 performances by Jon Bon Jovi the Shrine Circus and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Opening in August 2010, CONSOL Energy Center soon won accolades as a venue for concerts and sports, as well as for its environmentally friendly design and features. o POLLSTAR, the concert industry’s leading business trade publication, honored Pittsburgh’s state-of-the-art entertainment site with its award for Best New Major Concert Venue in North America, a selection made by leading concert industry executives. o The Facilities Magazine Prime Site award went to CONSOL Energy Center in 2010-2011 and 2012. o The home of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Power is the first arena in the NHL and the AFL to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold Certification. o It was nominated in 2011 for Sports Business Journal’s Sports Facility of the Year, and in the same year Sports Business Journal’s 6th annual readers’ survey named CONSOL Energy Center the best NHL arena. o It won the National “Hall of Headlines” award from Venues Today magazine. o Its Box Office was nominated for “Box Office of the Year” by the International Ticketing Association. o The Master Builders’ Association (MBA) top prize for Best New Construction in the category over $10 Million was awarded to PJ Dick Incorporated for its role as construction manager on CONSOL Energy Center. o On the environmental front, CONSOL Energy Center was a nominee Continued on page 72

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Continued from page 71

for the Sustainability Award at the International Business Awards in Barcelona, Spain in 2011. o The building won the Green Power: Turn It On! Award from PennFuture. o CONSOL Energy Center was honored as the most innovative energy efficient glass project in Glass Magazine’s Crystal Achievement Awards.

CONSOL Energy Center claims the most comfortable seating arrangement in the NHL — seats up to 24 inches wide, with an accompanying increase in legroom. The center also provides ADA accessibility, family restrooms and guest services locations on all seating levels, as well as 12 escalators — that’s 10 more than at the Civic Arena.

In addition to entertainment and sporting events, the arena’s main floor, suites, dining facilities and common areas are used for fundraisers and countless private functions.

This year, CONSOL Energy Center hosted the Hillman Cancer Center Gala for the fourth time. It is the venue for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation’s annual signature fundraisers -- Skates & Plates and the Wine Tasting Gala.

The venue also has hosted the Pens Foundation’s scholarship winners and students attending its Explorer Series, CONSOL Energy’s Community All-Stars recognition programs, and Check Your Heart screenings.

All of these activities contribute to making CONSOL Energy Center a busy place all year round.

| 72 |

POWER LOOKS FORWARD TO MORE SUCCESS IN 2015 By: Pam Thompson

The Pittsburgh Power made its first trip to the Arena Football League (AFL) playoffs this year, and the organization is looking forward to more success in 2015.

Power’s Ron James, head coach, Tommy Grady, quarterback, and Matt Shaner, an owner and chairman, talked about this year and the future.

James says, “The biggest difference in the 2014 Power vs. the 2013 Power was consistency. This past year the team was more disciplined, cohesive, and played at a high level week after week.”

Grady says, “I think the biggest difference was the attitude of the team.

The team brought in a lot of veteran guys that have experience in this league and we expect to win every time we line up.”

Shaner recognizes the contributions of James, Grady and others in the organization: “To go from being a 4-14 team in 2013 to 15-3 in 2014 was an accomplishment that I am very proud of.”

“The dramatic change can be attributed to very aggressive recruiting of top football talent beginning with the quarterback position and acquiring Tommy Grady.

“Top talent follows top talent and many players became interested in playing for Pittsburgh when it was announced Tommy would be our quarterback.

“Also, our head coach, Ron James, made a tremendous impact on the team with his knowledge and discipline he brought to the organization.

“Our front office, especially our player personal director, Brad Wittke, reached out to top talent all over the country and was able to facilitate a number of important signings.

Jeffrey Gamza

Continued on page 74

Attitude and consistency made the difference in 2014.

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Continued from page 73

Jeffrey Gamza

“Of course, co-owners Lynn Swann and TRIB Total Media also played a large part in the turnaround of the team.”

James, who joined Power after its first game of the season, says, “The biggest challenge I had in coming to Pittsburgh was to get the team used to a new style of play and new systems in a relatively short time period. I also had to evaluate the roster and make some changes early on that would fit the way we needed to play. All of this had to be done The fans should expect with only a few days to prepare that next year’s team for my first home game at the will be motivated to CONSOL Energy Center.”

Grady says, “The biggest win every week. challenge was trying to change the mind set and atmosphere. They’ve always had great ownership. Our owners are dedicated to winning, but they’ve never really had the players and a winning mentality.

Looking forward, James says, “I think the biggest improvement for 2015 would have to be making sure that the roster is a bit stronger for the end of the season. We had two key players injured in our last regular season game and that led us to not be as productive as we needed to be in order to advance in the AFL playoffs. We have a strong nucleus of talent and we are looking to add to that group.”

Grady concurs, “I think we were just a couple players away last year. We need to be more efficient on offense next year. We can’t be stopped when we’re trying to win a championship.”

James shares his expectations for next season: “The fans should expect that next Jeffrey Gamza year’s team will be motivated to win every week. That they will be a very physical bunch befitting the tradition of Pittsburgh football and that they will be a team that is driven to build on last year’s success and push it to the next level.

“Hopefully, we have won over some new fans and we are on a mission to exceed the expectations of those new fans and those diehard fans who have stuck with the Pittsburgh Power since the beginning. It will be a fun ride and I like to spell ‘FUN’ W-I-N.” Shaner says, “The Pittsburgh Power will strive in 2015 to put the most Continued on page 75

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Jeffrey Gamza

Pittsburgh is a fun city with great fans!

Continued from page 74

competitive product out on the field, keep our games family friendly and affordable, and do our best to bring a championship to the City of Champions.”

He adds, “Many of our players would like to return to the team and our coaching staff is planning to return to the team. I believe we have a great core of football talent, great football minds at the different coaching positions, and a front office that works very hard for the team. Our vice president of ticketing and sales, Calvin Jackson, is exceeding his goals for season ticket sales for 2015 which is very exciting. We also plan to be very competitive and be a contender for a championship run.”

“The organization is always trying to improve attendance, which we did do in 2014,” Shaner says. “Our final game of the season drew almost 10,000 fans and that has been our goal for years. We hope to have 10,000 plus fans attend each of our nine home games.”

The organization also will work to add corporate sponsors, and Shaner says, “We will be continuing the many giveaways that we do at games and keeping the games very family friendly and affordable.”

He adds, “The most challenging aspect of 2014 was getting the message out to the public that this team was winning and very competitive.”

James says that the best part about coming to Pittsburgh was the challenge of building the team into a winner.

“We have a tremendous fan base in a football hungry environment. They had to see that we are committed to putting a great product on the field and that things were going to be different.”

He adds, “I also really enjoy the home field advantage we were able to build during the 2014 season. It made a big difference!”

Grady says, “I’ve never really lived on the east coast so it’s awesome living in a fun city like Pittsburgh with all the great fans here and other sports teams.” | 75 |

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS 2014.15 SCHEDULE HOME GAMES

ROAD GAMES

Thu. Oct. 09

Anaheim

7:00PM

Sat. Oct. 11

@ Toronto

7:00PM

Thu. Oct. 16

Dallas

7:00PM

Thu. Oct. 23

@ Detroit

7:30PM

Sat. Oct. 18

N.Y. Islanders

7:00PM

Sat. Oct. 25

@ Nashville

8:00PM

Wed. Oct. 22

Philadelphia

8:00PM

Tue. Nov. 04

@ Minnesota

8:00PM

Tue. Oct. 28

New Jersey

7:00PM

Thu. Nov. 06

@ Winnipeg

8:00PM

Thu. Oct. 30

Los Angeles

7:00PM

Sat. Nov. 08

@ Buffalo

7:00PM

Sat. Nov. 01

Buffalo

7:00PM

Tue. Nov. 11

@ N.Y. Rangers 7:00PM

Sat. Nov. 15

N.Y. Rangers

7:00PM

Fri. Nov. 14

@ Toronto

7:30PM

Fri. Nov. 21

N.Y. Islanders

7:00PM

Tue. Nov. 18

@ Montreal

7:30PM

Wed. Nov. 26

Toronto

7:30PM

Sat. Nov. 22

@ N.Y. Islanders 7:00PM

Fri. Nov. 28

Carolina

7:00PM

Mon. Nov. 24

@ Boston

7:00PM

Tue. Dec. 02

New Jersey

7:00PM

Sat. Nov. 29

@ Carolina

7:00PM

Thu. Dec. 04

Vancouver

7:00PM

Mon. Dec. 08

@ N.Y. Rangers 7:00PM

Sat. Dec. 06

Ottawa

1:00PM

Sat. Dec. 13

@ Columbus

Fri. Dec. 12

Calgary

7:00PM

Mon. Dec. 22

@ Florida

7:30PM

Mon. Dec. 15

Tampa Bay

7:00PM

Tue. Dec. 23

@ Tampa Bay

7:30PM

Thu. Dec. 18

Colorado

7:00PM

Mon. Dec. 29

@ New Jersey

7:00PM

Sat. Dec. 20

Florida

7:00PM

Sat. Jan. 10

@ Montreal

7:00PM

Sat. Dec. 27

Washington

7:00PM

Fri. Jan. 16

@ N.Y. Islanders 7:00PM

Wed. Dec. 31

Carolina

7:00PM

Tue. Jan. 20

@ Philadelphia

7:00PM

Fri. Jan. 02

Tampa Bay

7:00PM

Wed. Jan. 28

@ Washington

8:00PM

Sat. Jan. 03

Montreal

7:00PM

Fri. Jan. 30

@ New Jersey

7:00PM

Wed. Jan. 07

Boston

8:00PM

Wed. Feb. 04

@ Edmonton

8:00PM

Tue. Jan. 13

Minnesota

7:00PM

Fri. Feb. 06

@ Calgary

9:00PM

Sun. Jan. 18

N.Y. Rangers

12:30PM

Sat. Feb. 07

@ Vancouver

10:00PM

Wed. Jan. 21

Chicago

8:00PM

Thu. Feb. 12

@ Ottawa

7:30PM

Tue. Jan 27

Winnipeg

7:00PM

Sun. Feb. 15

@ Chicago

12:30PM

Sun. Feb. 01

Nashville

2:00PM

Sat. Feb. 21

@ St. Louis

7:00PM

Wed. Feb. 11

Detroit

8:00PM

Wed. Feb. 25

@ Washington

8:00PM

Tue. Feb. 17

Washington

7:00PM

Wed. Mar. 04

@ Colorado

10:00PM

Thu. Feb. 19

Columbus

7:00PM

Fri. Mar. 06

@ Anaheim

10:00PM

Sun. Feb. 22

Florida

6:00PM

Sat. Mar. 07

@ Los Angeles

10:00PM

Sun. Mar. 01

Columbus

5:00PM

Mon. Mar. 09

@ San Jose

10:30PM

Thu. Mar. 12

Edmonton

7:00PM

Tue. Mar. 17

@ New Jersey

7:00PM

Sat. Mar. 14

Boston

1:00PM

Thu. Mar. 19

@ Dallas

8:30PM

Sun. Mar. 15

Detroit

7:30PM

Sat. Mar. 21

@ Arizona

9:00PM

Tue. Mar. 24

St. Louis

7:00PM

Thu. Mar. 26

@ Carolina

7:00PM

Sat. Mar. 28

Arizona

1:00PM

Sat. Apr. 04

@ Columbus

2:00PM

Sun. Mar. 29

San Jose

7:30PM

Sun. Apr. 05

@ Philadelphia

7:30PM

Wed. Apr. 01

Philadelphia

8:00PM

Tue. Apr. 07

@ Ottawa

7:30PM

Fri. Apr. 10

N.Y. Islanders

7:00PM

Sat. Apr. 11

@ Buffalo

7:00PM

Game dates, times and opponents are subject to change.

Be sure to check the starting time of every game at pittsburghpenguins.com before heading to CONSOL Energy Center!

| 76 |

7:00PM

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