As of yesterday, this is all that remains of the Civic Arena

I visited the 'Burgh yesterday as a result of restarting my job search and attempting to relocate back there with my family (long story but it's back on). Anyway, in between interviews I had a chance to head up Sixth Avenue and see what was left of the old arena. I had last seen it in person in February, and it at least had some of what was the main structure left back then. Knowing the recent demolition progress, I knew there wouldn't be much left, but I wanted to see it regardless.

So, after heading up a few blocks from the parking garage (I remembered why I didn't like working downtown after that ordeal) I saw the old site. Sure enough, not much left. In fact, the only thing I could see was the pole for Gate 3. Like I said, I knew that it was pretty much all gone, but I still couldn't help feel a bit sad. I haven't been to Consol for any events yet, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it when I do. With that said, it's always tough when some part of your past is really gone forever. I had the chance to see several Pens games there (my Dad was at game 2 of the '92 finals, lucky guy), concerts, and other events, so I'm glad I had the chance to say goodbye.

Anyway, here's hoping I'll be able to take the family there soon if we're there full time, but that remains to be seen. I'll keep you posted. If I do, I guess I'll have to change my name on here. :D

I'm pretty sure Jean Claude Van Damme finished her off.:D

Off topic, but Columbus has quite a venue in Nationwide. Went there a few years ago for a Pens game and it was awesome. Probably half Pens half Jackets in the stadium which led to some
awesome "Let's go jack-ets"..... "lets go Pens" battles. I'm hoping to go to this years game but it doesn't look good.:(

Thanks for sharing. It is a bummer. I have loads of great memories in that place and have yet to make it to the Consol.

I'm hoping the new place will blow away the old place like Heinz and PNC blow away TRS. The only thing I really miss about TRS is how loud it got in there. Heinz and PNC can't compare in that regard.

I think it's gonna be tough replacing the Pens' Igloo. I mean, couldn't they have recreated an Igloo for the Penguins in the Consol? I guess, I just can't wait to eventually make it there to check the place out.

[QUOTE=flippy;515844]The only thing I really miss about TRS is how loud it got in there. Heinz and PNC can't compare in that regard.[/QUOTE]

Stand next to me or SN1 next time...your ears won't like you when you leave. :p

[QUOTE=RuthlessBurgher;515860]Stand next to me or SN1 next time...your ears won't like you when you leave. :p[/QUOTE]

Nice. I don't think it's anyone's fault. I've been sitting next to some of the loudest fans on the planet during a few games. But the consistency of the noise isn't there like it was in TRS. The sound seems to be able to escape better.

I feel like I've lost my voice when I leave Heinz Field. But when I went to TRS, I felt like I lost my hearing.

I'd still like to get to a Heinz Field playoff game and see how the atmosphere changes. I haven't had the fortune of getting to any playoff game and I suspect the place might have a different feel for those games.

[QUOTE=flippy;515877]Nice. I don't think it's anyone's fault. I've been sitting next to some of the loudest fans on the planet during a few games. But the consistency of the noise isn't there like it was in TRS. The sound seems to be able to escape better.

I feel like I've lost my voice when I leave Heinz Field. But when I went to TRS, I felt like I lost my hearing.

I'd still like to get to a Heinz Field playoff game and see how the atmosphere changes. I haven't had the fortune of getting to any playoff game and I suspect the place might have a different feel for those games.[/QUOTE]

Up in the upper deck bleachers where I sit, it is rare for the stadium to actually rock beneath your feet for a regular season game (even if you try to stand still, the entire upper deck is bouncing, so you cannot help but bounce too). However, for playoff games, it is rare fot the stadium to NOT rock beneath your feet. The first time it happens, it kind of freaks you out a bit...but after that, you really look forward to that experience...where you are literally rocking. :Beer

[QUOTE=Jigawatts;515795]I'm pretty sure Jean Claude Van Damme finished her off.:D

Off topic, but Columbus has quite a venue in Nationwide. Went there a few years ago for a Pens game and it was awesome. Probably half Pens half Jackets in the stadium which led to some
awesome "Let's go jack-ets"..... "lets go Pens" battles. I'm hoping to go to this years game but it doesn't look good.:([/QUOTE]

Yeah, I've seen the Pens a few times at Nationwide Arena. I was fortunate enough to be at their first game here. I think it was the one and only time Mario ever played here, and was the last time I ever got to see him in person, so I was very thankful for that. Over half the arena was Black and Gold, towels twirlling for each goal, it was great! They won, fortunately, which made it even better. I'm planning on taking my kids to the exhibition game when they come here in September, but we'll see if that works out or not.

Flip - I remember how loud TRS could be. Same with the Igloo. My Dad told me the story of said Game 2 of the '92 NHL finals when the Pens scored their first goal and he couldn't believe how loud the place was. Good memories, but looking forward to the future with the new venues as well.

For some reason I can't get the pre season schedule to load on the Jackets or Pens web site. When is the exhibition game in September? USA plays Jamaica in a world cup qualifier on September 11th. I happen to be on vacation that week and it would be cool if the hockey game was on the 10th or 12th so I can catch some hockey as well as some futbol.

[QUOTE=Jigawatts;515906]For some reason I can't get the pre season schedule to load on the Jackets or Pens web site. When is the exhibition game in September? USA plays Jamaica in a world cup qualifier on September 11th. I happen to be on vacation that week and it would be cool if the hockey game was on the 10th or 12th so I can catch some hockey as well as some futbol.[/QUOTE]

It's on September 24th at 7 PM. More info is here:

[url]http://www.nationwidearena.com/schedule/event_info.php?id=1332[/url]

Tickets aren't on sale yet, apparently.