Opened in 1961, then named the Civic Arena, opened to house the Pittsburgh Civic Light Orchestra. After a short period of time it was determined that the acoustics of the building were unsatisfactory. By 1967 various minor league sports franchises had been in the building. In 1967 six new teams would be brought into the NHL including the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Over the years other entertainment as graced the Mellon Arena. Including various pro wrestling events, concerts, figure skating, and even the first Arena Bowl.
The 1990 NHL All Star game took place in the Mellon Arena. Added to the festivities of the all star game were the Hockey Skills Competition, and 2 period game between former NHL stars. On a side note one of the players in this game, Chris Chelios, is still in the NHL playing for the Atlanta Thrashers. He is the last active player to have played in this game.
In 1998 WWE’s Pay Per View event “King Of The Ring” saw what was, and still is, one of the most shocking things in pro wrestling. During a “Hell In The Cell” match between The Undertaker and Mankind both had gone to the top of the structure. This structure was about 20 or 25 feet from the floor. The Undertaker and Mankind grappled until The Undertaker toss Mankind through an announcers table from the top of the cell. The WWE came to town for many other pay per view events. In 2005 the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission questioned what was called a Barbed Wire Steel Cage match. In reality the barbed wire wasn’t a big part of the match has it was wrapped along the top of the cage basically used for effect.
The street outside of the Mellon Arena is named after the greatest player the Penguins have ever had. He’s also considered the savior of the franchise. When the team was in danger of leaving the city he stepped up and purchased the franchise. Shortly after this he began to fight for a new arena for the City of Pittsburgh. In 2007 an agreement came into place which would fund a new arena across the street, and that arena is scheduled to open later this year.
For more information visit the arena’s offical site: Mellon Arena
