Penguins to replace scoreboard, make other improvements at PPG Paints Arena

Pittsburgh Penguins fans will see a new and improved scoreboard at PPG Paints Arena next hockey season.

Pittsburgh’s Sports & Exhibition Authority this week reached an agreement with the Penguins for a larger scoreboard in the Uptown arena.

“The new, larger scoreboard allows for an improved fan experience, projection of in-game data for our fans, including players on the ice and other player tracking such as shift time, skating speed and shot velocity,” Penguins President of Business Operations Kevin Acklin said.

The Penguins still are confirming the final size of the new scoreboard with Warrendale-based Mitsubishi Electric, he said.

The team has the third-smallest scoreboard in the NHL. The new scoreboard will “put us near the middle of the pack,” Acklin said.

“Other newer NHL arenas have adopted these larger, more interactive scoreboards, and they’ve become more of an industry standard,” he said.

The Penguins plan to install the system immediately after this season ends, Acklin said.

The SEA on Thursday approved a $6.8 million reimbursement agreement with the Penguins to cover a portion of the costs for the scoreboard, along with replacing video technology, the sound system and hot water heaters and other alterations.

“As operators of the arena, the Penguins have also invested tens of millions in ongoing capital improvements to continue to operate a world-class facility and generate economic impact and tax revenues for the city and region,” Acklin said.

The work represents the first significant investments in the arena’s 12-year history.