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Civic Arena (Pittsburgh)

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Civic Arena
Company typeArena
IndustryEntertainment, Sports venue
Founded1961
FounderEdgar J. Kaufmann
Defunct2010
FateDemolished (2011–2012)
SuccessorPPG Paints Arena
Headquarters
Pittsburgh
,
United States
Area served
Pittsburgh metropolitan area
Key people
Edgar J. Kaufmann (founder)
ProductsConcerts, hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, boxing, political events, wrestling

The Civic Arena, initially known as the Civic Auditorium and later called Mellon Arena, was an arena situated in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily functioned as the home venue for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city's National Hockey League (NHL) team, from 1967 until 2010.

Built in 1961 to accommodate the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO), the arena was envisioned by department store proprietor Edgar J. Kaufmann. Notably, it was the first major sports facility to feature a retractable roof, spanning , constructed with close to 3,000 tons of steel sourced from Pittsburgh and supported externally by a cantilevered arm measuring . Although engineered as a dome with a retractable roof, high operational expenses and issues with hydraulic jack maintenance halted full roof openings after 1995, and it remained permanently closed following 2001. The inaugural roof retraction took place during a Carol Burnett performance on July 4, 1962.

Throughout its history, the Civic Arena hosted a diverse range of events including concerts, sports such as hockey, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and boxing, as well as political gatherings. It appeared in prominent films like Sudden Death. After Mellon Financial acquired naming rights in 1999, it was renamed Mellon Arena; this agreement ended on August 1, 2010, returning the name to Civic Arena.

The arena ceased operations on June 26, 2010, with all activities relocating to the new PPG Paints Arena located across the street. Following denial of historic landmark status, demolition took place between September 2011 and March 2012. The cleared area was transformed into expanded public parking facilities with Wylie Avenue and Fullerton Street extended through the site. On March 13, 2025, construction commenced on Citizens Live at the Wylie, a venue designed to hold 4,500 attendees and scheduled to open in mid-2026. The Penguins retain redevelopment rights for this location, with initial proposals including residential units, retail outlets, and office spaces.

Construction and design

Completed at a cost of $22 million for the CLO in 1961, the arena’s development followed Mayor David L. Lawrence's 1953 announcement for a "civic theater." This initiative was influenced by CLO president and Kaufmann’s owner Edgar J. Kaufmann, who had advocated since 1948 for a dedicated venue for the group. Financing combined public funds and private investments including contributions from Allegheny County, Pittsburgh city government, and Kaufmann himself. The structure incorporated 2,950 tons of locally produced stainless steel from Pittsburgh.

To facilitate construction, the city exercised eminent domain, resulting in the displacement of approximately 8,000 residents and 400 businesses from the lower Hill District, an important cultural hub for Pittsburgh’s African American community. Demolition started in 1955 and concluded by 1960; notably, the last building removed was Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Although city regulations prohibited eminent domain over churches, this action was undertaken by the Urban Redevelopment Authority—a separate entity from city government. A steelworkers’ strike in July 1959 caused delays during construction.

Originally designed for CLO performances that had taken place at Pitt Stadium, the arena featured a roof supported by a arch without internal columns obstructing spectator views. The roof measured in diameter and was segmented into eight parts; six sections could fold beneath two others within two and a half minutes, making it the first significant indoor sports stadium worldwide with a retractable roof system. Movement was facilitated by 42 trucks equipped with 78 wheels powered by gear motors engineered by local company Heyl & Patterson Inc..

Seating capacity varied depending on event type and increased through expansions implemented between 1972 and 1991. Initially limited to lower bowl seating only, upper decks were subsequently added in the "end zones." In December 1999, Mellon Financial secured naming rights through a decade-long $18 million agreement that resulted in renaming it Mellon Arena.

The original center-hung scoreboard was an electromechanical Nissen model featuring a digital clock; this scoreboard appeared in the 1979 movie The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh. During renovations in 1986 it was replaced by an American Sign and Indicator scoreboard with black-and-white matrix displays visible in Sudden Death. The arena’s final scoreboard installation was developed by White Way Sign and included Sony JumboTron video screens on each side; this remained in use throughout its last sixteen years.

History and events

The arena's debut event took place on September 17, 1961, featuring a performance by the Ice Capades. It served as the site for internationally broadcast figure skating competitions on three occasions: the 1983 United States Figure Skating Championships, along with the 1994 and 2004 editions of Skate America, each lasting close to a week.

Political events

During its early years, the venue was a key location for political gatherings. On October 12, 1962, former President Dwight Eisenhower addressed a Republican rally there. President Lyndon B. Johnson spoke on October 27, 1964, with Senator Barry Goldwater following two days later. The arena also hosted the opening of the Methodist Church’s International Conference and Debate on April 26, 1964. On October 28, 1968, Vice President Richard Nixon held a campaign event at the site. Distinguished attendees at the University of Pittsburgh commencement ceremony on April 27, 1969, included Henry Kissinger, Frank Borman, and Li Choh-ming.

Boxing matches

This venue was home to several prominent boxing bouts, including the globally televised fight between Cassius Clay vs. Charlie Powell on January 24, 1963. Legendary fighters such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Sonny Liston, and Floyd Patterson also competed here. A notable event was the World Heavyweight Title fight between Larry Holmes and Renaldo Snipes on November 6, 1981, which featured an undercard matchup between Buster Douglas and David Bey.

Professional wrestling

Significant WWE/WWF events hosted at the arena include:

The 1998 King of the Ring event is remembered for the legendary Hell in a Cell match between Mick Foley and the Undertaker, during which Foley endured multiple injuries after falling from the top of the cell. Journalist Michael Landsberg called it "perhaps the most iconic match ever." In 2011, this moment was ranked as WWE’s top "OMG!" moment in history. The arena’s final WWE appearance was a Monday Night Raw broadcast on May 10, 2010; thereafter, WWE events were relocated to PPG Paints Arena.

Basketball

The arena hosted America's inaugural high school basketball All-Star game, The Dapper Dan Roundball Classic, annually from 1965 through 1992. It frequently served as either a primary or secondary home court for the city's NCAA Division I teams: the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. The last basketball game held at this venue was their annual rivalry match in 2009. Duquesne used it extensively as their home court from 1964 until 1988, while Pittsburgh played select games there between 1984 and 2002.

Several professional teams also played regular-season games at the arena, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Pittsburgh Pipers, Pittsburgh Condors, Pittsburgh Rens, Pittsburgh Piranhas, and the renowned Harlem Globetrotters. A highlight was when the Pipers clinched the ABA Finals title on May 4, 1968, defeating the New Orleans Buccaneers in Game 7 by a score of 122–113. Additionally, first- and second-round games of both the 1997 and 2002 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament were held at this location.

Tennis

Between 1974 and 1976, the Pittsburgh Triangles from World TeamTennis hosted three Eastern Division Championship events at the venue, securing the Bancroft Cup title in 1975 with a paid audience of 6,882 attendees.

Indoor soccer

The arena also served as a home ground for the Pittsburgh Spirit competing in the Major Indoor Soccer League.

Roller derby

Events featuring Roller Derby were held here, including matches hosted by the New York Chiefs.

Gymnastics

On November 2, 1990, Olympic Gold Medalist Mary Lou Retton, celebrated for her achievements at the 1984 Summer Olympics, appeared at the arena during the "Tour of Champions."

Notable musical events

The arena's inaugural rock concert took place on May 11, 1962, hosted by Porky Chedwick and produced by DiCesare Engler. This event showcased performers such as Jackie Wilson, The Drifters, and Jerry Butler.

On September 14, 1964, the Beatles performed here during their first U.S. tour, attracting a sold-out crowd exceeding 12,000 spectators.

Motown's influence was marked with a concert by The Temptations on March 6, 1969. Additionally, the venue premiered the world’s first authorized staging of Jesus Christ Superstar on July 11, 1971.

Black Sabbath set a box office record on February 1, 1974, generating $76,000 in revenue. Later that year, on August 14, Canadian rock group Rush launched their U.S. tour with drummer Neil Peart, opening for Uriah Heep.

Pink Floyd appeared on June 19, 1973, as part of The Dark Side of the Moon Tour.

Elvis Presley delivered his final New Year's Eve performance at this location on December 31, 1976; he had previously sold out shows in June 1973. The arena also welcomed prominent artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Garth Brooks, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant.

By the mid-1970s, Billboard ranked this venue ninth nationwide. In 1974 alone, acts like Sly and the Family Stone, The Steve Miller Band, Grand Funk Railroad, Boz Scaggs, and The Beach Boys graced its stage.

The Bee Gees performed two concerts here in September 1979 during their Spirits Having Flown Tour. In August 1981, The Jacksons appeared as part of their Triumph Tour. Guitarist Randy Rhoads delivered one of his last performances with Ozzy Osbourne in February 1982.

During a snowstorm in February 1984, Duran Duran played a show where their Grammy win was announced live onstage. In September 1988, pop icon Michael Jackson held three concerts as part of his Bad World Tour.

Britney Spears performed in both 2001 and returned to a sold-out crowd in 2009 during her Circus Tour. Country star Taylor Swift also performed here on October 1, 2009, during her Fearless Tour.

The Doors recorded their May 2, 1970 performance at this venue; it was later released as Live in Pittsburgh 1970, widely regarded as one of their finest live albums.

In April 1989, performances by The Grateful Dead were recorded for Download Series Volume 9, an event notable for a widely publicized incident involving fan arrests.

The Rolling Stones held concerts at this location on July 22, 1972; March 11, 1999; and January 10, 2003.

Josh Groban included this arena in his 'Awake' tour during August 2007.

The last scheduled event was a canceled concert by Maxwell on July 10, 2010. According to the arena’s management company, SMG, the final actual event was the June 26, 2010 performance featuring James Taylor and Carole King on their Troubadour Reunion Tour.

AHL Hornets

The Pittsburgh Hornets, part of the American Hockey League (AHL), held their home contests at the Duquesne Gardens located in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood. They remained there for two decades until the Gardens were torn down to construct an apartment complex.[1] The new Arena officially opened its doors on September 17, 1961.[1] Following this, the Hornets resumed play during the 1961–62 season and secured the Calder Cup championship in 1967.[1]

Penguins

During the 1967 NHL expansion, Pittsburgh was awarded one of six newly established franchises. Mellon Arena, with a hockey seating capacity of 12,508, surpassed the NHL’s minimum requirement by eight seats.[2] Known as "The Igloo" because of its unique architectural style, this nickname inspired the team's moniker, the Penguins.[3] The Penguins played their inaugural game at Mellon Arena on October 11, 1967, falling 2–1 to the Montreal Canadiens, with Andy Bathgate netting Pittsburgh’s first goal. They achieved their first home victory on October 21 by defeating the Chicago Black Hawks 4–2, becoming the first expansion team to overcome an "Original Six" club.[4]

On January 21, 1990, Mellon Arena was the site of the 41st National Hockey League All-Star Game, where Pittsburgh’s Mario Lemieux scored four goals and earned MVP honors.[5] The venue also hosted the 1997 NHL entry draft and playoff games during the 1991, 1992, 2008, and 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.[6] Notably, in 2008, it was the sole occasion when the Stanley Cup ceremony occurred on Mellon Arena ice following Pittsburgh’s defeat by the Detroit Red Wings.

Although there were initial plans to add a commemorative jersey patch for their final season at The Igloo, this idea was ultimately dropped.[7]

The Penguins’ last regular season contest at Mellon Arena took place on April 8, 2010—a 7–3 win over the New York Islanders. More than fifty former players joined a pregame tribute and group photograph.[8]

Their final game in Mellon Arena happened on May 12, 2010—a 5–2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals—symbolically marking both teams’ first and last events held at this arena.

Seating capacity

The seating capacity of Civic Arena changed over time as follows:

  • 10,732 (1961–1967)
  • 12,508 (1967–1968)
  • 12,580 (1968–1972)
  • 12,866 (1972–1973)
  • 13,431 (1973–1974)
  • 13,402 (1974–1975)
  • 16,402 (1975–1976)
  • 16,404 (1976–1977)
  • 16,033 (1977–1987)
  • 16,168 (1987–1988)
  • 16,025 (1988–1990)
  • 16,164 (1990–1993)
  • 17,537 (1993–1994)
  • 17,181 (1994–1997); 17,355 including standing room
  • 16,958 (1997–2004); 17,148 including standing room
  • 16,940 (2004–2010); 17,132 including standing room

    • NCAA tournaments

    Civic Arena served as host for first and second round regional matchups during both the 1997 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament and 2002 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. Additionally, it accommodated women's first and second round games in 2001. Its successor facility, the Consol Energy Center, maintained this function in 2012.

    Eastern Eight tournament

    From 1978 through 1982, each March saw the arena host the Eastern 8 Conference men's basketball tournament. The final year attracted a record-breaking attendance of 16,056 spectators, ranking as the third-highest turnout for any conference basketball championship in the nation that season.

    NBA regular season events

    During the period spanning 1964 to 1973, the venue was the site of 14 regular season NBA matchups, primarily serving as an alternate location for the Philadelphia 76ers. On February 24, 1967, Wilt Chamberlain established lasting NBA records at this site for consecutive field goals made and single-game field goal percentage. Additionally, on October 10, 1971, the reigning world champion Milwaukee Bucks, featuring star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, faced off against the Pittsburgh Condors at the arena. From the 1960s until 2009, numerous NBA preseason games were also held here, frequently involving the nearby Cleveland Cavaliers, Pittsburgh’s closest NBA franchise.

    ABA teams: Pipers and Condors

    The arena was home to the American Basketball Association (ABA) Pittsburgh Pipers during the 1967–68 and 1969–70 seasons, and subsequently to the Pittsburgh Condors from 1970 through 1972. The franchise briefly relocated to Minneapolis for the 1968–69 season before returning to Pittsburgh. Financial difficulties within the ABA led to the franchise folding after the conclusion of the 1971–72 season.

    The Pipers took part in the ABA’s inaugural campaign in 1967–68 and cultivated a rivalry with the National Basketball Association. On May 4, 1968, propelled by future Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins, they secured the ABA’s first championship by defeating the New Orleans Buccaneers in front of a sold-out crowd of 11,457 at this arena.

    Naming history

    Prior to its opening in 1961, the facility was referred to as the Civic Auditorium Amphitheater, though "Civic Arena" quickly became both the favored and official designation. Early on, it was colloquially known as "The Pittsburgh Dome," a nickname that never gained formal recognition.

    In 1988, a proposal to rename it Richard S. Caliguiri Arena in honor of the late mayor failed to advance. Likewise, a 1992 suggestion by Allegheny County Commissioner Pete Flaherty to rebrand it as The Igloo for promotional reasons was also declined.

    In 1997, an attempt by the Penguins to sell naming rights to Allegheny Energy for $5 million—intended to rename it Allegheny Energy Dome—was blocked due to ownership of naming rights residing with both the Sports Commission and Allegheny County.

    Following Mario Lemieux’s acquisition of the Penguins in 1999, he took control of naming rights and sold them to Mellon Financial for $18 million. Consequently, the arena was renamed Mellon Arena. This name remained unchanged after Mellon merged with The Bank of New York in 2007 despite no rebranding effort.

    When Mellon Arena’s naming rights expired on August 1, 2010—coinciding with the Penguins’ transition to the new Consol Energy Center—the now-vacant building reverted back to its original name: Civic Arena.

    Replacement plans, controversy, and demolition

    At its closure in 2010, Civic Arena stood as both the oldest and third-smallest NHL venue by seating capacity. Staff were compelled to adapt spaces beyond their initial design parameters. In March 2007, an agreement was reached among Penguins ownership and city and state officials to finance construction of a new arena—the PPG Paints Arena—situated across the street featuring increased seating and modern amenities. The Penguins inaugurated play there on October 7, 2010.

    A stipulation from a 2007 agreement mandated demolition of Civic Arena following completion of PPG Paints Arena. The Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA) conducted a historic evaluation that identified eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places due to its distinctive retractable dome design. A consultant assessed demolition impacts according to state guidelines with recommendations expected by June 2010.

    On September 16, 2010, SEA unanimously voted in favor of demolishing the arena unless viable alternatives emerged. Asbestos abatement took place during summer 2010 and assets were auctioned off prior to awarding a demolition contract in February 2011. Preservation groups legally challenged demolition plans while pursuing landmark designation.

    Demolition efforts were temporarily halted on November 24, 2010 after a last-minute submission nominated Civic Arena as a National Historic Landmark. On January 5, 2011, Pittsburgh’s Historic Review Commission gave preliminary approval for historic nomination but ultimately rejected landmark status on March 2. Subsequent denials by City Planning and City Council led Preservation Pittsburgh to file a federal lawsuit; however, it was dismissed. Demolition commenced on September 26, 2011.

    In November of that year, Penguins sold Christmas ornaments crafted from steel salvaged from the arena’s roof through Grove City-based Wendell August Forge, generating proceeds for their charitable foundation. Although initially planning just 6,000 ornaments, demand surged resulting in over 40,000 sold.

    Demolition concluded ahead of schedule when the final retractable roof panel dropped on March 31, 2012. The cleared site now functions as surface parking for PPG Paints Arena with restored pre-1955 street layouts intended to facilitate future redevelopment projects.

    Use as a filming and recording site

    The Civic Arena was utilized as a backdrop for numerous prominent film projects, including:

    Scenes from the Russian movie Brother 2 were also filmed at the arena, featuring famous hockey athletes such as Aleksei Morozov, Jaromír Jágr, and Darius Kasparaitis.

    Moreover, the arena was the recording location for The Doors' live album Live in Pittsburgh 1970, and it appeared prominently in broadcasts from PBS affiliate WQED, symbolizing Pittsburgh’s sports culture.

    Further reading

    External links

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