ShowTime Spring 2016 Q2

The Official Entertainment Guide of CONSOL Energy Center

SPRING | 2016

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SPRING 2016 EDITION IN THIS ISSUE

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Bieber’s Purpose to Come for One Pittsburgh Concert Calendar of Events Building Information

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23

CONSOL Energy Center Concessions

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CONSOL Energy Center Seating Chart

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Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, P.O.D. Unite for Joint Concert in City

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Pittsburgh Shrine Circus Entertains, Helps Families

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New Faces, New Spaces Make Arena Visits More Memorable

63

Preparations Gear Up For A-10 Championship

"Mario Sent Me" Aces & Ice Event

Show Time is published quarterly for free distribution on a first-come, first-served basis to fans and guests at CONSOL Energy Center events, First Niagara Bank branch locations, the Cambria Suites at CONSOL Energy Center, the Marriott City Center and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. 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 info@pittsburghpenguins.com and we will contact you to discuss available opportunities.

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BIEBER’S “PURPOSE” TO COME FOR ONE PITTSBURGH CONCERT By: Pam Thompson

Pittsburgh will have “purpose” this summer. That is Justin Bieber’s PURPOSE WORLD TOUR, which will play CONSOL Energy Center for one show.

Currently, the 22-year-old singing sensation is making his way across Canada and the United States, working through his 64-date arena tour in support of his fourth studio album, Purpose.

His Pittsburgh concert comes near the end of the North American tour, which will culminate with two shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden before going abroad with 48 more stops in Iceland and throughout Europe.

The tour’s opening concert in Seattle in March included usual theatrics as well as acrobats, a giant trampoline suspended above the crowd and fake rain.

Bieber opened with “Mark My Words,” the first track on Purpose. After “Where Are Ü Now,” “Get Used to It,” and “Love Yourself,” he treated fans to his classics “Boyfriend,” and “Baby.”

Continued on page 4

PURPOSE WORLD TOUR comes to CONSOL Energy Center for one hot show in July. |3|

Continued from page 3

His summer concert in Pittsburgh will be Bieber’s third performance at CONSOL Energy Center. He appeared in 2010 on his My World Tour and again in 2012 during the Believe Tour.

There is no word from arena management on welcome plans for Bieber’s arrival. Being a known fan of hockey and Mario Lemieux, gifts presented to the entertainer on his first two Pittsburgh visits included a signed Lemieux jersey presented by Mario himself, and a custom hockey helmet presented by Mario’s daughters four years ago.

Newcomers opening for the North American Bieber concerts will be rapper, Post Malone, best known for his platinum single “White Iverson,” and R&B singer/ songwriter Moxie Raia, best known for her single, “I Love It When You Cry.” The multi-platinum Purpose, released last November with 13 tracks all co-written by Bieber, made its debut at the top of the Billboard 200. It was his sixth album to premiere at the top of that chart. In addition, Purpose made it onto several 2015 lists of top albums, including the rankings of Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone and Spin.

In February, Zoolander 2 was released in movie theaters and in the first minutes of the flick, Bieber playing himself, gets killed.

It is only a movie. However, Bieber is killing the music industry with his newest work and that is for real.

He has been lighting up the Billboard Hot 100 since his first single, “What Do You Mean?” came out in August. It became Bieber’s first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This feat also gave the youthful performer, who was 21 at the time, the distinction in the Guinness Book of World Records of being the youngest male artist to make a debut at the top of that chart. It is also his 6th world record documented by Guinness.

Continued on page 7

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“What Do You Mean?” which also went to No. 1 in Bieber’s native Canada, hit No. 1 at iTunes within five minutes of its release, and reached No. 1 at iTunes in more than 90 countries. It easily broke the Weekly Global Spotify streaming record with more than 41 million streams, reaching 100 million Global streams in less than one month.

The second single, “Sorry” made its debut in October at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and in January, it hit the top of the chart to become Bieber’s second No. 1 single.

In March before the start of the Purpose tour, a dance video of “Sorry” by Bieber fans marked another milestone for the performer. In 137 days, the video logged one billion views, giving it the record for fastest video by a male solo artist to reach that goal.

“Love Yourself,” co-written with Ed Sheeran, became Bieber’s third No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, and it made him the first male artist in almost a decade to have three top-charting hits from one album.

“What Do You Mean?”, “Sorry” and “Love Yourself” all topped the charts in Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

With Skrillex and Diplo on “Where Are Ü Now,” Bieber won his first Grammy for Best Dance Recording this year.

Then he wowed the Grammy audience performing an acoustic version of “Love Yourself,” before joining his Jack Ü collaborators for a rousing, energetic interpretation of their award winning dance tune.

The singer also made U.K. chart history in early January when “Love Yourself” became the first No. 1 single of 2016. With “Sorry” on the chart at No. 2 and “What Do You Mean?” at No. 3, he became the first artist to ever hold the top three spots on the U.K. singles chart.

This feat further propelled Bieber to this year’s Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist.

Earlier this year, Bieber won his first People’s Choice Award for Favorite Song with “What Do You Mean?”

In addition, he received multiple award nominations across the music industry this year.

In Canada, he received five Juno nominations for the Fan Choice Award, Single of the Year for “What Do You Mean?” Pop Album and Album of the Year for Purpose, and Artist of the Year.

He received three Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award nominations for Favorite Male Singer, Song of the Year for “What Do You Mean?” and Favorite Collaboration for his work with Jack Ü.

“Sorry” dance video logged one billion views in 137 days – setting a record.

Continued on page 8

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Bieber has 6 world records documented

by Guinness Book of World Records, his latest for "What Do You Mean?" as his first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Continued from page 7

His nominations include five for this year’s Radio Disney Music Awards for Best Male Artist, Fiercest Fans, Most Talked About Artist, Best Song to Lip Sync To for “What Do You Mean?” and Best Breakup Song for “Sorry.”

Plus, Bieber received three nominations for iHeartRadio awards for Male Artist of the Year, Best Cover Song for Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” and Best Fan Army.

Continued on page 11

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Featured in the Calvin Klein Spring 2016 Global Advertising Campaign, Bieber went from suits to tattooed skin for cover stories in GQ and Clash magazines before embarking on the Purpose tour.

Purpose tracks include: 1. “Mark My Words” 2. “I’ll Show You” 3. “What Do You Mean?”

4. “Sorry” 5. “Love Yourself” 6. “Company” 7. “No Pressure” featuring Big Sean 8. “No Sense” featuring Travis Scott 9. “The Feeling” featuring Halsey 10. “Life Is Worth Living” 11. “Where Are Ü Now” featuring Diplo and Skrillex 12. “Children” and 13. “Purpose.”

The deluxe edition includes five additional songs: o “Been You” o “Get Used to It” o “We Are” featuring Nas o “Trust” and o “All In It.” It was less than a decade ago (2007) that 12-year-old Bieber was an adorable tween crooning on YouTube.

Just two years later, he was in the White House performing for the President and First Lady for “Christmas in Washington.” He already had released his first EP, My World in 2009. Seven of its songs charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

My World 2.0, the sweet 16’s first studio album had come out that same year, making its debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and making the performer the youngest solo male act to top the chart since Stevie Wonder did it in 1963.

The album, a global success, made its debut at No. 1 on the charts in Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

A year later, Bieber, then 17, released his second studio album, Under the Mistletoe in 2011. It also made its debut at the top of the Billboard 200 with sales of 210,000 in its first week.

Bieber won his first People’s Choice Award this year for Favorite Song with“What Do You Mean?”

Continued on page 12

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In 2012, his third studio album, Believe also entered the market at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Making it through voice-changing puberty, reviewers noted 18-year-old Bieber’s more mature singing voice.

By the time he was 19, Forbes magazine had listed Bieber three times (2011, 2012 and 2013) among the top 10 most powerful celebrities in the world.

At the end of 2015, Bieber’s sales were estimated at 75 million records worldwide.

In February, his first four albums were released on vinyl for the first time.

Now a fledgling adult, it appears that Bieber in no way has lost his talent or ability to succeed mightily as a stalwart of the music industry.

His Pittsburgh show will be July 13 at 7:30 p.m.

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EXPERIENCE THE ENERGY AT YOUR NEXT GROUP OUTING!

ts n u o c s i d group le for availab vents select e FOR GROUPS OUNTS C S I D T E K C • TI ORE OF 10 OR M UT NIGHTS O C S L A I C • SPE OUNTS C S I D P U O ATE GR • CORPOR ENTIVES C N I P U O R G • SPECIAL EET AND GREETS, SUCH AS M IA, FREE TICKETS, L MEMORABI S! SE AND BONU

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IT N U T R O P T OP NT KET(S E V E O T E U VAL For more information, please contact:

JACOB SULLIVAN

CONSOL Energy Center Group and Corporate Sales Department

EMAIL | GROUPSALES@CONSOLENERGYCENTER.COM PHONE | 412-804-7904

VISIT WWW.CONSOLENERGYCENTER.COM/GROUPSALES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SHRINE CIRCUS

April 8-10 — 5 Shows

SHINE DOWN AND FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

May 9 — 7:00 PM

JUSTIN BIEBER

July 13 — 7:30 PM

JIM GAFFIGAN

July 21 — 8:00 PM

WWE RAW

July 25 — 7:30 PM

JANET JACKSON

July 26 — 8:00 PM

HILLSONG UNITED

July 29 — 7:00 PM

GROUP SALES AVAILABLE For more information, please contact the CONSOL Energy Center Group and Corporate Sales Department | EMAIL groupsales@consolenergycenter.com PHONE 412-804-7904 | www.consolenergycenter.com/groupsales For all upcoming CONSOL Energy Center events visit www.consolenergycenter.com.

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BUILDING INFORMATION CONSOL ENERGY CENTER ACCESSIBLE PARKING/SEATING

LOST AND FOUND

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.

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.

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: Peoples 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) First Aid Stations presented by UPMC, one on each level of CONSOL Energy Center. First Aid is located adjacent to the Guest Services office outside section 104 and behind the concession stand at section 232.

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.

Continued on page 21

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BUY AND SELL PITTSBURGH PENGUINS TICKETS ®

NHL.COM/TICKETEXCHANGE

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© NHL 2015

Continued from page 19

SOLICITATION The distribution of promotional items, 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.

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CONCESSIONS

CONSOL Energy Center The CONSOL Energy Center menu includes options for every type of fan and event attendee. 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 Sections: 107, 212 ®

From Our Den to Your Den

SMITH’S®

Hotdogs Sections: 101, 107, 109, 111, 116, 121, 212, 218, 223, 225, 231, 232

NAKAMA Sushi - Section: 105 Hibachi by Nakama: 232

DUNKIN’ DONUTS Specialty Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Teas and Donuts Sections: 109, 118, 212

RITA’S

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

PRIMANTI BROS. Sandwiches Section: 119

Italian Ice Section: 109

I.C. LIGHT ICEBOX

LABATT

TÄKŌ

Section: 109

Chef’s e ry ca rv

SMOKEHOUSE

Section: 204

Section: 103 First Niagara Club

TURNPIKE TAVERN

MEAT & POTATOES

Section: 106

Section: 111 Captain Morgan Club

CHEF’S CARVERY Sandwiches Section: 107

JIM BEAM RACKHOUSE Section: 119

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

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SEATING CHART

CONSOL ENERGY CENTER

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FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, SHINEDOWN, P.O.D. UNITE FOR JOINT CONCERT IN CITY By: Pam Thompson

Five Finger Death Punch and Shinedown join up as co-headliners at CONSOL Energy Center this spring for a show with special guest, P.O.D. Coming together for just three concerts, including the one in Pittsburgh, all three groups are performing music from new albums: o Five Finger Death Punch’s Got Your Six o Shinedown’s Threat to Survival, and o P.O.D.’s The Awakening.

Five Finger Death Punch Five Finger Death Punch takes the music of Got Your Six around the world this spring and summer, bouncing from a tour of Australia, to the U.S. for festival performances and the three joint concerts with Shinedown, then heading to Europe to play a series of festivals, returning to North America for more festivals, and then back to the U.K. for the Reading & Leeds Festival.

Five Finger Death Punch members — Zoltan Bathory, guitar, Ivan Moody, vocalist, Jeremy Spencer, drummer, Jason Hook, guitarist, and Chris Kael, bassist – are the heavy metal band out of Las Vegas.

The group its first No. 1 album with Got Your Six, last September. The group’s sixth album made its debut at the pinnacle of the charts for Top Album, Overall Digital Album, and Hard Music Album. Those successes combined with Continued on page 28

Five Finger Death Punch hails from Las Vegas.

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Continued from page 27

the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Top 200 netted the band sales of nearly 115,000 records in the first week of release.

Got Your Six also logged impressive international chart numbers, including No. 3 positions in Australia and Canada, No. 5 slots in Germany and Sweden, and No. 6 in the U.K. Moody says of the group’s newest album, “If someone asked me to sum up who and what Five Finger Death Punch is, I would tell them everything they need to know is on this new record.”

“Wash It All Away”, the band’s second single from Got Your Six, climbed the Active Rock radio charts and went to No. 1 earlier this year. It became Five Finger Death Punch’s fifth Active Rock Radio hit.

The live performance music video for “Wash It All Away” was shot by music video director Wayne Isham at the band’s headlining show at Mohegan Sun Arena (Uncasville, CT).

Showcasing the band’s highly visual stage show and the energy of the fans, the video has been viewed more than 9 million times in five months’ time.

Five Finger Death Punch has racked up 15 consecutive Top 10 hits, five No. 1 hits and five Gold albums. In the past two years, the band has sold more than 1.5 million albums in North America alone.

The band received the “Soldier Appreciation Award” from The Association of the United States Army early this year. The honor recognizes organizations and/or people who support the troops to make their daily life easier and more comfortable.

Bathory says: “The Soldiers Appreciation Award is something very special.

The only musician ever to receive this was Elvis Presley. Clearly what we have to say resonates with a lot of veterans and a lot of service members. To know that we are reaching people and touching their lives with our music is very rewarding, and to me this really is the sole purpose of being a musician — to be able to make a positive impact in somebody’s life.”

Continued on page 31

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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 32

Continued from page 28

Shinedown Shinedown — Brent Smith, vocalist, Barry Kerch, drummer, Zach Myers, guitarist, and Eric Bass, bassist — the hard rock band from Jacksonville, Fla., released its fifth studio album, Threat to Survival last September.

Its first new release in three years, the album made its debut at No. 5 on the overall SoundScan/Billboard 200 and at the top of the Billboard Rock Albums and Top Hard Rock Albums charts.

Preceding the album release were three singles, “Cut the Cord,” “Black Cadillac” and “State of My Head.”

The album’s first single, “Cut The Cord” spent eight consecutive weeks atop Active Rock airplay charts nationwide. The single’s success continued a record-setting streak for the band.

Every one of Shinedown’s 19 singles released over more than a decade has ascended to the upper regions of the radio charts.

The “Cut The Cord” companion video directed by the band’s longtime collaborator Darren Doane earned more than 12.5 million views at Shinedown’s official YouTube channel in eight months.

“State of My Head” rose to the Top 10 at Mainstream Rock and Active Rock outlets and quickly climbed the Alternative charts. The “State of My Head” companion video premiered late last year.

The multi-platinum certified Shinedown kicked off 2016 by joining the U.K.’s annual “Carnival of Madness Tour,” alongside fellow hard rock icons Black Stone Cherry and Halestorm for arena dates through mid-February.

Shinedown’s 2016 festival schedule includes Fort Myers, Fla. for Monster Energy and the U.K.’s legendary Download Festival.

In March, Shinedown returned to the U.S. for a concert tour with plans to head back to Europe in June for concerts and festivals. The group returns to the States in July for Rock USA. Shinedown’s successful 2015 U.S. tour, coheadlined by Breaking Benjamin, topped Billboard’s “Hot Tours” recap with ticket sales exceeding $1 million from the final four venues. The 24-date arena tour earned $5.7 million overall.

Continued on page 33

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P.O.D. P.O.D. (Payable on Death), a Christian alternative metal band, formed in San Diego, Calif., in 1992, and released its ninth studio album, The Awakening last August.

Known for hard rock with a positive message — vocalist Sonny Sandoval, guitarist Marcos Curiel, bassist Traa Daniels and drummer Wuv Bernardo – have achieved worldwide sales exceeding 10 million, successful international tours, and a series of chart-topping radio hits.

Over two decades, they released eight studio albums of original songs, including the triple-platinum Satellite, received three nominations for Grammy Awards, and produced four No. 1 music videos.

The group made the charts with more than a dozen Rock radio hits, including “Southtown,” “Alive,” “Youth of the Nation,” and its No. 1 single, “Lost in Forever.”

The Awakening portrays a central character’s journey and explores the consequences of his choices along the way.

Sandoval says, “The Awakening is meant to be listened to in its entirety.

Every song ultimately explores a character dealing with life, making mistakes, fighting, trying. But we also live in a singles-type world, and it works on that level, too.”

The band’s years of studio and stage experience affected the new album.

Curiel says, “I used to want to put as many tracks of guitar on the record as I could, because I thought that’s what you did. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the more space you’re letting in with all the P.O.D. is known for instruments, everything breathes hard rock with a and has an energy and a vibe.”

“The Awakening is definitely positive message an evolution from where we’ve come from,” says Daniels. “It’s this amazing piece of art that we’ve been able to put together as four guys who are like brothers; this is really special.”

Bernardo adds, “I feel this is like a pivotal moment for P.O.D. It’s more than just ‘Man, we just went in the studio and did a record.’ The urgency of our band, as far as how serious we are putting this kind of material in there and the way that we did it, blows my mind. I am proud of these guys, of us.” | 33 |

PITTSBURGH SHRINE CIRCUS ENTERTAINS, HELPS FAMILIES By: Pam Thompson

The Shrine Circus of Pittsburgh presents its 67th edition this spring at CONSOL Energy Center continuing traditions of entertaining and helping families.

Known for delivering three rings brimming with acts to dazzle and amaze audiences of all ages, this year’s Shrine Circus abounds with daredevils, exotic animals, clowns and more, says Paul Leavy, circus chairman and promoter.

“We are featuring Bello Nock this year. Time magazine named him America’s Best Clown,” Leavy says.

“He is half clown and half daredevil. His appearance in the Pittsburgh Shrine Circus is exclusive. It is the only Shrine Circus that he has done,” Leavy says of the high-haired Bello, who is easily identified by his signature coiffure, foot-tall ginger tresses standing straight up over his head.

Bello, a 7th generation circus headliner, began entertaining audiences as a child. Recipient of the prestigious Golden Clown Award, Bello was the first American to win this title.

Continued on page 37

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Also in the line-up of entertainers this year is Batman, who is presented in cooperation with DC Comics and Warner Brothers, according to Leavy.

This year’s animal acts include Royal Bengal Tigers, a trio of elephants, and the world’s only Rottweiler dog act.

Chuckling about going with the dog world’s large, muscular Rottweilers, rather than poodles or other tiny trick dogs, Leavy says, “The more off the wall it is, the more we enjoy it.”

Also performing this year are dual motorcyclists riding on an inclined wire stretched from the floor to the ceiling. A trapeze artist performs This year's featured beneath the cable-climbing entertainer is Bello, cyclists.

The circus is the Pittsburgh "America's Best Shriners’ largest fundraiser. Profits Clown" from its five-show weekend run support the Shriners’ network of 22 children’s hospitals across the country.

The hospitals provide free care to youths up to age 18.

The closest Shrine Hospital to Pittsburgh is in Erie, Pa. It provides ambulatory pediatric medical services, including surgery, outpatient physical and occupational therapy, and medical care through its Outpatient Clinic.

Shriners’ physicians also provide inpatient surgery at partner hospitals.

Shrine hospitals treat more than 123,000 children annually, says Leavy, adding that the daily cost to run the 22 facilities exceeds $1 million.

The Shrine Circus of Pittsburgh is one of the longest continually running family shows in Pittsburgh, and it has long-time fans.

“Pittsburgh is a great circus town. There’s no doubt about it.” Leavy says. He notes that the Pittsburgh Shrine Circus has a 96-year-old fan who has attended every one of the Pittsburgh Shrine Circuses.

Leavy doesn’t know why Shriners decided to present circuses as fundraising events back in the early 20th Century.

He theorizes that it might be due to the focus that the Shriners have on the family.

“We keep it going because of its notoriety.” Parades and circuses have broad-based age appeal,” he says.

Continued on page 39

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Pittsburgh Shrine Circus has a 96-yearold fan who has attended every one of thier circuses.

Continued from page 37

Leavy, who has chaired the circus fundraiser since 1993, says that while his planning committee has about a dozen members working on arrangements, the entire Pittsburgh Shrine membership gets behind the circus benefit. “It is an all-volunteer effort,� Leavy emphasizes, adding that no one from ticket sellers to the chairman is paid.

The Shriners are the largest philanthropic fraternal organization in the United States, and Pittsburgh with more than 5,000 Shriners is home to the largest Shrine membership in the nation.

Continued on page 40

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Continued from page 39

“Every member supports ticket sales. Shriners are very philanthropic,” Leavy says. They sell, donate or use their allotted circus tickets for family and friends.

While the Shriners are a fraternity, Leavy points out that many of them are married and their spouses also play a big role in supporting the circus.

For the circus performances, Leavy says that about 50 to 60 Shriners work behind the scenes helping with a variety of tasks from programs and security, to hauling hay and shoveling saw dust.

Of course, there are about 40 or so Shrine Clowns The Shriners are the participating in the circus. largest philanthropic “They do a phenomenal fraternal organization job,” says Leavy.

He points out that the in the United States. clown troupe is “out and about almost every weekend, including Christmas. They are busy all year.”

The number of Shriners directly participating in the event swells at the Saturday evening show with the Shriners parade.

That is when circus-goers are treated to a march of Shriners’ including the organization’s band, bagpipers, Chanters, Horse Patrol and units of Shriners driving motorcycles, Model Ts, mini trucks “and anything with a motor. It goes on and on,” Leavy says.

His committee is a combination of newcomers and veterans. Their experience ranges from Leavy’s 90-year-old dad, Jack, the most senior member of the committee to the youngest, his 19-year-old son, Matt, a college student.

Jack, who followed his father-in-law into the Shriners’ fraternity, now helps with tickets.

He has volunteered in several capacities with the circus since the early 1970s. He served as circus chairman in 1991 and 1992, after being assistant circus chairman from 1975 through the late 1980s.

Matt, a marketing student at the University of Pittsburgh, helps with social media. He became the youngest member in the history of the Shriners in Pittsburgh this year, and he and his younger brother, Jason, 17, have been helping their dad behind the scenes of the circuses for several years.

Paul has never missed a Shrine Circus in Pittsburgh. He began working for the circus as a youngster washing vehicles for the parade and at 21, he began performing as a clown and helping with various responsibilities prior to becoming chairman of the event.

Summarizing the circus experience, Paul says, “It is a fun fundraiser.” | 40 |

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"MARIO SENT ME" By: Ashley Vesci

As patrons entered CONSOL Energy Center on a Tuesday night in late March, they were greeted by a flapper girl in the elevator who told them the password to enter the speakeasy.

Guests then rode down to the first floor of the building and stepped into a curtained off hallway illuminated by a string of lights. After passing a black 1924 T-model truck and a suited-up Iceburgh, they arrived at a door guarded by a gangster demanding for the password. The magic words were “Mario sent me.”

This was the grand entrance to the Penguins’ second annual “Aces & Ice” Casino Night presented by Trib Total Media. The theme of the event was Roaring Twenties, and over 300 fans had the opportunity to sit and be dealt a couple of hands by their favorite hockey players.

Stepping into the arena was like stepping straight out of a time machine.

The bowl was transformed into a casino, and everyone at the event looked incredible. Women were adorned in sequins, feathers, fringe and headbands while the men looked as dapper as could be.

The guests did an amazing job at looking the part, but everyone in attendance could agree that the players stole the show. All of the Penguins wore black and white pinstripe pants, a black button up shirt, white suspenders, fedoras with a white accent and feathers, black and white wing-tipped shoes and to top it all off, they had wallet chains.

“Aces & Ice” replaced the Penguins’ former charity gala dinner – known as “Skates & Plates,” which they had been doing since 1986 – as the team’s signature event last season. Over those 30 years, the team’s annual gala benefit has raised over $6 million.

Continued on page 44

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Continued from page 43

All proceeds from the evening benefitted the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Mario Lemieux Foundation and the Western PA Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“The goal for the Penguins every time they’re on the ice is very clear, but when it comes to their teaming up tonight and in the past, it’s really an important goal, and it’s a different kind of goal, but it’s a life saving goal,” said Mary Pat Joseph, Executive Director at the Western PA Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis. “And it really is a bottom line goal to help our foundation and continue to add tomorrows for those in our Cystic Fibrosis community. They’ve made such an impact.”

“It’s a great event,” Hornqvist said. “It’s fun to go out there once in awhile and see the fans and meet them, and have a good time with each other too. I like when you’re at the table and not playing. It’s more fun to deal, and it’s a good way to meet the fans and have some fun with them.”

“It’s a fun event,” Kunitz said. “It takes everyone out of that comfort element or a stuffy atmosphere, so you just kind of interact with people. It wasn’t too serious or too formal in sitting down I think. It was a great event for us to be able to open up and meet some of the people that like to support the Penguins.”

Some of the guys decided to opt out of dealing and try their luck at a few games instead. Sidney Crosby spent a big chunk of the night seated at Brian Dumoulin’s table, and it was an incredible experience for the fans next to him.

The Penguins are always happy to be a part of charitable events, and it’s an added bonus when the events allow them to interact with their fans.

“To be able to do that it’s a great cause, but to also be here and meet some of the fans face to face,” Crosby said. “We’re not serving them this time, so I think we’re a lot better at doing this, and it seems to be a good time for everybody. We’re enjoying ourselves here.”

There were many 1920s-themed events happening throughout the arena.

There was a film displaying black and white movies all night, and there was a live band performing soft jazz. Servers were walking around handing out boxes of candy cigarettes, and in the far back corner, there was a woman giving tarot card readings. | 44 |

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NEW FACES, NEW SPACES MAKE ARENA VISITS MORE MEMORABLE By: Pam Thompson

A couple of new faces at CONSOL Energy Center are leading the efforts of AEG, the arena’s management company, and Aramark, its food and beverage company, to ensure that visits to the building become happy memories that will last a lifetime for guests.

Gary Desjardins, AEG’s general manager, and Corby Stephens, Aramark’s general manager came to the center in November and July 2015, respectively.

Three new food offerings and nursing rooms were added to CONSOL Energy Center’s facilities this season to meet the needs of visitors and to enhance the guest experience.

The food options include M&P Poutine House, täk and Hibachi by Nakama, all related to favorite Steel City eateries.

The nursing rooms for young visitors and their moms resulted from a guest’s suggestion.

Continued on page 49

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Continued from page 47

Gary Desjardins

Desjardins says that people come to CONSOL Energy Center for milestone events in their lives like seeing a concert by a favorite performer or the big game.

“We play a role in significant events in their lives.

Most people remember those experiences for all their lives,” says Desjardins. The way that he and the team at CONSOL Energy Center do their jobs makes a difference and can enhance those special times for visitors, he says.

It’s a fun and exciting industry to be in,” according to Desjardins.

“I am looking forward to working with the great group of professionals in Pittsburgh with AEG Facilities and the Penguins,” Desjardins says. “CONSOL Energy Center is an incredible facility.”

“CONSOL Energy Center is a very efficient use of space with great sight lines and acoustics. It is a source of pride for the community,” says Desjardins, adding that his overarching goal for the arena is to be the premiere facility in the region and the state.

He says that he hopes and expects to take every opportunity to enhance the quality of life for families and the community.

Desjardins wants to maximize the experience for guests and in his view “guests” include just about everyone passing through the doors: the public, players, performers, as well as all who work at the arena. He says that all of the workers contribute to enhancing visitors’ experiences whether they are carpenters, electricians, guest relations, cleaners, or box office staff – everyone.

“The staff is getting acts and working on new ideas. They have passion and are very good at what they do,” Desjardins says. He adds that he will be working to attract more high profile events like the Atlantic 10 championship coming in 2017.

Desjardins says that he was attracted to Pittsburgh by the overall opportunity. “It was no one thing, but going to a larger market was somewhat attractive. When I got here, I liked what I saw – the facility, the administration, the culture, the Penguins, everyone that I met.”

I'm very happy to be here, Pittsburgh is a great place.

Continued on page 50

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Continued from page 49

The opportunity to work with the Penguins was attractive to him. “Their brand is remarkable nationwide,” he says. “The people are friendly. It reminded me a bit of a larger Oklahoma City.”

“I’m very happy to be here,” Desjardins says. “Pittsburgh is a great place.”

What about Pittsburgh is most different to him?

“It is a little thing,” says Desjardins. “I lived in Oklahoma City for 16 years and it is laid out in a grid. Here the streets go up and down and around.”

He says that for him, Pittsburgh combines New Orleans, the adopted home where he grew up, and Oklahoma City. Its variety of neighborhood cultures makes it a unique city in his estimation.

“It’s refreshing and very nice,” Desjardins says.

Discussing his family’s move to Pittsburgh, Desjardins says, “My wife, Stephanie, and I were looking for a nice place to raise our family.”

“Opportunities like this don’t often come along,” he notes.

“My kids think that I have the best job in the world,” he says.

His three sons, ages 13, 11 and 8, all play hockey and they are impressed with the Penguins.

“They really like it here. That takes a lot of stress off me and my wife,” Desjardins says.

Bob Newman, President of AEG Facilities says, “We are thrilled to have



    



Gary join the AEG Facilities and CONSOL Energy Center team in Pittsburgh.

Gary brings a great depth of knowledge and industry experience and will play a key role in the continued success and stellar reputation of one of the region’s premier and busiest destinations for sports and entertainment.”

In Desjardins’ new role, he is responsible for the management of all of the arena’s business operations, the creation of new events and the development of new revenue opportunities for the five-year-old, 20,000-seat sports and entertainment arena which serves as the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“We are very excited that AEG Facilities has hired Gary as the General Manager for CONSOL Energy Center. With his experience, he was the perfect choice,” says Travis Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Pittsburgh Penguins. “We look forward to working with him to build on our success over the first five years of operations.”

Prior to joining AEG Facilities and CONSOL Energy Center, Desjardins spent 16 years serving as the General Manager for Oklahoma City’s 18,203-seat Chesapeake Energy Arena, home to NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder and the adjacent Cox Convention Center. Desjardins is a graduate of Tulane University with a degree in Sports Administration.

Corby Stephens

Stephens’ management philosophy coordinates well with Desjardins’.

“For me, it’s all about the passion and the hospitality of the guest interactions and making a special experience for everyone whether they are attending a Penguins game, a concert or some other event. It’s all about creating memorable experiences,” Stephens says.

His responsibilities include overseeing all food and beverage offerings, including concessions, vendors, catering, premium level services, backstage catering and the Lexus Club. He also oversees PensGear merchandising at CONSOL Energy Center, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex and the SouthSide Works stores.

This season, three popular Pittsburgh restaurants opened new dining options in the arena: M&P Poutine House opened in December in the Captain Morgan Club täk opened in the First Niagara Club in February, and Hibachi by Nakama opened on the upper concourse at the start of the season.

Of these additions, Stephens says, “For us, it’s a way to bring a higher level of cuisine to the clubs, elevating food and beverage services in those areas.”

An Erie, Pa. native and Penn State grad, Stephens has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has been with Aramark more than 10 years.

For me, it’s all about the passion and the hospitality of the guest interactions.

Continued on page 52

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Continued from page 51

“I am motivated by my personal desire to exceed everyone’s expectations,” Stephens says. He adds, “Previously I led the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Field Complex after managing the dedicated Aventura team at Phoenix Convention Center.”

“CONSOL Energy Center offers a full range of what anyone could want coming into an arena or stadium,” he says.

“With Aramark, I am able to understand and celebrate the commitment to our shared vision to reinvent the event experience. This passion helps me focus on clients as individuals with unique needs, tastes and definitions of success. My own experiences have prepared me for the innovative approaches so we can take steps to exceed our clients’ expectations,” Stephens says.

New Eateries

Richard DeShantz, Executive Chef and Owner of the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group (Meat & Potatoes, Butcher and the Rye, täk ) has opened two new food options in CONSOL Energy Center.

Pittsburgh restaurateur, Robert Gomes owns Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar. He opened his second location at CONSOL Energy Center, Hibachi

by Nakama. His first arena site, Nakama Express was among the arena’s first eateries when the arena opened in 2010.

Gomes says, “Over the years of being involved with CONSOL Energy Center, I feel we have built a mutually beneficial relationship with both the Penguins management and Aramark. They are amazing to work with, and we hope to continue to grow with them over the coming years.”

Continued on page 55

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DeShantz says, “The Penguins approached myself and my partner, Tolga Sevdik, to develop a concept with the team at CONSOL Energy Center and Aramark in an effort to bring quality, chefdriven food to the arena and members of the club levels.”

He adds, “It seemed like the right fit for us. It was opportunity to reach out to a wider audience and bring new life to the offerings within the arena.»

M&P Poutine House “The M&P Poutine House is located inside the Captain Morgan Club. The menu is derived from the same gastropub, chophouse vibe that we deliver at the [downtown Pittsburgh] restaurant but new,” DeShantz says, adding that the restaurant menu couldn’t be exactly replicated within the arena.

“This is an extension of the restaurant with the majority of the menu being new dishes created uniquely for the CONSOL Energy Center stand,” he says.

Poutine, the signature dish, is offered with a creative twist on the classic Canadian dish of French fries, gravy and cheese curds. Variations include Pot Roast, Loaded Potato, and the All-American, says DeShantz.

“Funky sandwiches comprise the remainder of the M&P Poutine House offerings including Hot Chicken, a Nashville native dish of fried chicken, hot sauce and pickles; Patty Melt, a diner classic of beef patty with caramelized onions, American cheese and special sauce,” according to the chef.

He says that all of the items are created “to give guests an upgraded experience at the arena.”

Continued on page 56

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Continued from page 55

täk “The täk concept was slightly easier to replicate within CONSOL Energy Center as the entire restaurant concept was derived from a street food/food truck mentality and [the arena] is essentially one big food truck,” DeShantz says, adding that the style and menu stay true to what guests would experience at the downtown restaurant.

He says fresh-to-order handmade flour tortillas are the most fascinating component of täk ’s offerings in the arena.

“We have the tortilla press and grill top churning out fresh flour tortillas every period for tacos filled with carnitas, pollo, barbacoa or baja (fried tilapia).

“We have nachos on the menu, a fan favorite at sporting events, but here we make queso fresh with real dairy and cheese and top them with fresh herbs.

Guests can load them with salsas and garnishes at the station we have set up.

“Two dishes we consider customer favorites at the restaurant are featured on the CONSOL Energy Center menu. Papa Bravas is fried Yukon potatoes over a spicy tomato sauce with garlic aioli and scallions. Second being Street Corn, a traditional Mexican dish, here we serve in a bowl rather than on the cob, topped with cotija cheese, chili powder and lime.

“Both of our concepts at CONSOL Energy Center strive to elevate the fan experience at the games and events held at the arena. We are working with the Aramark team hands on through the process to create a seamless transition from our restaurant to the concepts within [the arena]. We look forward to the future and furthering our relationship with the Penguins, CONSOL Energy Center and Aramark.

Hibachi by Nakama Hibachi by Nakama is capable of serving more customer favorites which aren’t available at Nakama Express due to space and equipment limitations, according to Gomes, who describes the new site: “It gives us the ability to prepare everything on-site.

The only thing the new stand changes at our previous location is the ability for the employees downstairs to come upstairs to replenish stock so that they don’t have to sell out of anything which is what used to happen.

“The most popular items at Hibachi

by Nakama are our Spicy Chicken and Thai Continued on page 59

| 56 |

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Continued from page 56

Shrimp which are both served over rice. Another favorite is our Chicken Diablo served over thick udon noodles and covered with our spicy sauce.

“We have a sushi chef at every event that prepares all of the sushi similar to our stand downstairs. The new stand gives us the ability to serve our deep fried Crunchy Philly Rolls and Shrimp Tempura Rolls along with the classic California rolls, spicy tuna rolls and Nakama Maki. We also have chicken and steak that can be served over either fried rice or lo mein noodles and also our hand rolled veggie and spicy chicken egg rolls, which we have at our stand downstairs as well.

“With the new location having a flat top grill, it also gave us the opportunity to cook hibachi in front of our customers like we do at the actual Nakama restaurants. There are now totally new menu options that we can provide, some of which we may put on the menu at the Nakama restaurants because they’ve been so well received at CONSOL Energy Center.”

Continued on page 60

‘A GREAT DAY FOR A NEW BABY’ WELCOMES MAGEE NEWBORNS A new program, “A Great Day for a New Baby” welcomes newborn Penguins fans arriving at MageeWomens Hospital of UPMC. Every baby born at Magee during the 12-month program receives “A Great Day for a New Baby” black and gold box containing the gear that every new Penguins fan needs.

Jena and Brody Walker’s son Logan received one of the first gifts personally delivered by former Penguins player and Stanley Cup Champion Pascal Dupuis and Magee’s President Leslie C. Davis.

Jena says, “What a great surprise! Being a big Penguins fan, this couldn’t be more perfect. There’s no doubt that our baby will be a Pens fan for life!”

| 59 |

Continued from page 59

Nursing Rooms

The very youngest visitors to CONSOL Energy Center and their moms now have the option of using two new nursing rooms.

Located on the FedEx and 84 Lumber Levels, each nursing room offers a television, rocking chair and ottoman, and electrical outlets.

Converted from family restrooms late in 2015, the rooms were installed after the need was brought to the attention of CONSOL Energy Center’s management.

Desjardins says that the response has been very positive.

One person comments, “On behalf of nursing mothers in western PA, thank you…Both nursing rooms are wonderful. I am so pleased with what you’ve done.”

Desjardins sees nursing rooms as a trend in facilities across the country. He notes that PNC Park and Heinz Field offer similar amenities.

In regard to offering nursing rooms, Desjardins says, “We are probably a little ahead of the curve in terms of the industry.”

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Continued from page 56

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PREPARATIONS GEAR UP FOR A-10 CHAMPIONSHIP By: Pam Thompson

While March Madness 2016 can still be seen in fans’ rearview mirrors, preparations for the 2017 Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship are picking up speed.

Gary Desjardins, General Manager of CONSOL Energy Center says that the Atlantic 10 championship “is the start to March Madness.”

The 13-game, five-day championship will be played in CONSOL Energy Center for the first time next year from March 8-12.

Desjardins says of the upcoming event, “It showcases all that the city has to offer.”

“It is an event that will have a positive impact on the city,” Desjardins says, explaining that preparing for the Atlantic 10 is a team effort involving the arena, VisitPittsburgh and Duquesne University, the host team.

In January, well before the Courtesy: Atlantic 10 Conference 2016 championship was played, CONSOL Energy Center, in conjunction with the Atlantic 10 Conference, unveiled the 2017 Men’s Basketball Championship logo.

Designed by the Pittsburgh Penguins’ in-house creative design team, the logo features the black and gold colors representative of the city’s sports scene, as well as a stylized bridge typical of so many spanning the Three Rivers.

These Steel City trademarks appear over a basketball and the A-10 registered trademark logo.

“The 2017 championship logo is symbolic of our partnership with CONSOL Energy Center and the City of Pittsburgh,” stated Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. “The representation of the bridges combined with the conference logo captures the essence of Atlantic 10 basketball in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh will be a fantastic home for next year’s A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship. Our membership and basketball programs will be impressed and enjoy another first-class city and facility.”

The league announced in September of 2014 that it had signed a one-year agreement to bring the men’s championship to the CONSOL Energy Center as part of an effort to move the premier event around the footprint of the conference.

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Pittsburgh previously hosted the A-10 championship in the former Civic/Mellon Arena for five years, from 1978-1982.

CONSOL Energy Center with seating for 19,100 basketball fans, opened in 2010 and hosts regular season men’s basketball, including the popular City Game between Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Founded in 1975, the Atlantic 10 Conference consists of 14 university members across eight states and Washington, D.C. Its mission is to provide an enhanced studentathlete experience through 21 nationally competitive championship sports. The basketball-centric conference is committed to integrity, educational excellence and providing quality equitable championship experiences for its studentathletes, coaches, and support staff.

All 14 teams play in the A-10 championship.

In addition to Duquesne University, the membership consists of Davidson College, the University of Dayton, Fordham University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, La Salle University, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Rhode Island, University of Richmond, St. Bonaventure University, Saint Joseph’s University, Saint Louis University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

For more information, visit www.atlantic10.com.

CONSOL Energy Center, operated by AEG Facilities, is Pittsburgh’s premier indoor site for sports and entertainment. In addition to hosting more than 40 Penguins home games, the arena also hosts more than 120 additional sports and entertainment events per year. Past signature sporting events include the 2012 and 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball 2nd and 3rd rounds, the 2013 NCAA Frozen Four and the 2014 P&G Gymnastics Championships.

“It’s a great event to have in Pittsburgh and at CONSOL Energy Center,” says Desjardins. “It’s in line with our overall goals,” he says, adding that he will be looking to bring more events of the A-10’s caliber to Pittsburgh’s arena. | 64 |

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