PPG Paints Arena is a major indoor sports and entertainment venue at 1001 Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh. Opened in 2010, it is home to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins and regularly hosts concerts, family shows, and other large events.
One of the most useful things to know about the arena is that concert capacity changes according to stage configuration. The venue lists 18,187 for hockey, 14,536 for end-stage concerts, and 19,758 for center-stage concerts.
Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | PPG Paints Arena |
| Address | 1001 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 |
| Venue Type | Indoor multi-purpose arena |
| Opened | 2010 |
| Hockey Capacity | 18,187 |
| End-Stage Concert Capacity | 14,536 |
| Center-Stage Concert Capacity | 19,758 |
| Main Events | Penguins hockey, concerts, family entertainment |
Concert Seating at PPG Paints Arena
The seating arrangement changes with the production. End-stage concerts generally place the audience on three sides of the floor, while center-stage configurations can use more of the bowl.
Floor tickets can provide the closest view but may involve standing and limited elevation. Lower-bowl seating offers a more predictable sightline, while upper-level seats can be useful for fans who want to see the entire stage, screens and lighting design.
Instead of relying on fixed “best sections,” compare the event map with your priorities.
A Better Way to Choose Seats
- For the closest view: Look at floor or pit sections, keeping crowd height in mind.
- For a balanced perspective: Center-facing lower-bowl sections are generally easier to evaluate than extreme side locations.
- For production-heavy shows: An elevated position can make it easier to see the complete stage and video package.
- For value: Front rows of the upper bowl can provide a wider view without putting you at the back of the building.
- PPG Paints Arena has accessible seating on all levels, and accessible parking is available in nearby lots as well as the attached garage depending on event availability.
Entry, Bags, and Mobile Tickets
PPG Paints Arena currently operates with no bags permitted, except for medical bags, diaper bags, and wristlets or wallets no larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches. Items that qualify for an exception are screened at designated entrances.
The arena is also mobile-ticket only. Screenshots and paper printouts do not work for entry, so have the actual mobile ticket available on your phone.
There are four main entry points: Peoples Gate, Highmark Gate, F.N.B. Gate and a private garage entrance for suite ticket holders.
Transportation and Parking
PPG Paints Arena sits in Pittsburgh’s Uptown area, making it accessible from downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Pittsburgh Regional Transit provides bus service around the arena, while parking is available in nearby lots and the attached garage.
For accessible drop-off, the venue identifies a location on Fifth Avenue near the Peoples Gate.
What Makes PPG Paints Arena Different?
The venue’s flexible configuration is one of its biggest advantages for concerts. A center-stage production can accommodate substantially more spectators than an end-stage layout, which means two concerts at the same building can have very different seating maps and crowd dynamics.
FAQ
What is the concert capacity?
It varies by configuration: the venue lists 14,536 for end-stage concerts and 19,758 for center-stage concerts.
What is the bag policy?
No bags are permitted except approved medical and diaper bags and very small wristlets or wallets.
Is accessible seating available?
Yes. Accessible seating is available on all seating levels.
Can I use a screenshot of my ticket?
No. PPG Paints Arena requires mobile tickets with the venue’s supported barcode system.
More Venues:
- Nationwide Arena
- Little Caesars Arena
- Rocket Arena
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- United Center
- Fiserv Forum
- Grand Casino Arena