PPG Paints Arena Pregame Guide
Pittsburgh Penguins · Pittsburgh, PA
PPG Paints Arena runs its own lots, all cashless, and strongly encourages pre-purchasing through ParkWhiz rather than paying at the gate. There is no tailgating policy published. The bag rule is one of the strictest in the NHL: only wallets and wristlets up to 4 by 6 by 1 inch, plus medical and diaper bags, are permitted at all — large bags, coolers, backpacks and sealed packages of any kind, including gifts for players, are refused outright. Four ways in: the Peoples Gate at Fifth Avenue and Washington Place, the Highmark Gate at the Centre Avenue lower entrance, the F.N.B. Gate at the Centre Avenue upper entrance, and a private garage entrance for suite holders.
Tips & Fan Reports
The arena garage is for non-hockey events, so it is not an option on a Penguins night.
Do not bring a wrapped gift for a player: sealed packages of any kind are refused.
A 4 by 6 by 1 inch wallet or wristlet is the whole allowance — no backpacks, no coolers, and no sealed packages at all.
Every lot is cashless, so buy through ParkWhiz ahead rather than turning up to pay.
Where to Go Before the Game
The PPG Paints Arena lots
The arena's own parking, entirely cashless, with pre-purchase through ParkWhiz strongly encouraged. Event rates vary and the parking line is 412-804-3371.
Known for Cashless · Pre-purchase via ParkWhiz · 412-804-3371
Peoples Gate, Fifth Avenue and Washington Place
One of the four entry points, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Place.
Known for Fifth Ave and Washington Place · Main entry point
Highmark and F.N.B. Gates on Centre Avenue
The lower and upper Centre Avenue entrances respectively — which one suits depends on whether you have come uphill or down.
Known for Centre Avenue · Upper and lower entries
The arena parking garage
Available for non-hockey events rather than Penguins games, which is worth knowing before assuming it is an option on a game night.
Known for Non-hockey events only · Covered
Rules to Know
What PPG Paints Arena allows, and what it does not.
- Only wallets and wristlets measuring 4" x 6" x 1", plus medical and diaper bags, are permitted inside the arena. All items are subject to search on entry.
- Large bags, coolers, backpacks and sealed packages of any kind — including gifts for performers or athletes — are not permitted.
- Parking is available in the PPG Paints Arena lots. All lots are cashless, and pre-purchasing in advance through ParkWhiz is strongly encouraged.
- The parking garage at the arena is available for non-hockey events. Event parking rates vary; the parking line is 412-804-3371.
- There are four points of entry: the Peoples Gate at Fifth Avenue and Washington Place, the Highmark Gate at the Centre Avenue lower entrance, the F.N.B. Gate at the Centre Avenue upper entrance, and a private parking garage entrance for suite ticket holders.
- The arena publishes no tailgating policy.
What to Bring
- A bag the gate will accept
Only wallets or wristlets measuring 4 x 6 x 1 inch or less, medical bags, and diaper bags are permitted, subject to entry screening.
- Only the outside food and drink the rule allows
Outside food, beverages, and water bottles are prohibited.
- A card or a phone wallet
PPG Paints Arena is cashless and accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Your tickets on a charged phone
Display a rotating mobile ticket from My Penguins Account or the Penguins app; screenshots and paper printouts do not work.
- A coat for the walk in
January lows average 22°F between the lot and the door at PPG Paints Arena.
- A rain layer for the walk in
April averages 3.4 inches of rain outside PPG Paints Arena.
Pittsburgh Penguins Tailgate Gear
Canopies, grills, coolers, and official Pittsburgh Penguins gear for the ultimate tailgate.
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How We Checked This Page
Every section below names the source it was read from and the day it was read. Where we could not reach a published figure, the page says so rather than presenting an estimate as a checked fact.
- Pregame
PPG Paints Arena official site: Directions & Parking, Know Before You Go, A to Z Guide, and Entrance Gates
- Venue policies
Current PPG Paints Arena and Pittsburgh Penguins accessibility, arena-guide, ticketing, parking, payment, and concessions pages reviewed for Penguins policies.
- Weather
NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals