Mar 13, 2007 10:11 am US/Eastern
Penguins To Stay In Pittsburgh
Gov. Ed Rendell confirmed today that an agreement has been reached earlier today before the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress, according to the Associated Press
KDKA has learned that the Pens have agreed to a new 30-year-lease and will continue to play at Mellon Arena until the new arena is ready
An official announcement is expected at a 5pm news conference at Mellon Arena
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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Pens fans have shown their support for the team throughout the negotiations for a new arena deal
KDKA
Just a week after Penguins owners vowed to "aggressively explore relocation," fans are breathing a sigh of relief amid word that the team is staying put.
KDKA's Bob Pompeani first broke the story Monday night that the team reached an agreement with state and local officials to build a new arena right here in Pittsburgh.
According to the Associated Press, Governor Ed Rendell confirmed that an agreement has been reached earlier today before the Pennsylvania Gaming Congress. The AP is reporting that Rendell said money from the state's new
slot machine parlors would help pay for the new arena.
The deal will reportedly keep the team in town for decades.
According to sources, the team has agreed to a new 30-year lease and will continue to play at Mellon Arena until their new arena is ready – in the fall of 2009.
Sources tell KDKA that the Penguins have agreed to put up $4 million toward the new building -- adding an additional $500,000 a year for a new parking garage in the arena complex.
An official announcement is expected to come during a 5pm news conference at Mellon Arena -- just a few hours before the Pens take the ice against the Buffalo Sabres.
Penguins fans -- who have supported the team with signs and rallies -- say they're happy and relieved that the team isn't going anywhere.
"I think that's great news," Lori Trensky told KDKA. "I think it's definitely what the city needs! That's great!'
"I was kind of upset thinking they were gonna leave, but I'm kind of relieved now," added Timothy Florian.
"I really think deep down they really didn't want to go," Rob Marchek added, "and the money was here and the people want them here. We love the Penguins."
Fans say they're ready to celebrate and cheer the team on to another Stanley Cup victory here in Pittsburgh.
Last Thursday night, Penguins owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux met for about four hours with Governor Ed Rendell, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
After the meeting, a spokesperson for Gov. Rendell told reporters only that "significant progress was made" and both sides would meet again this Wednesday.
Though the deal is now done, both sides are still expected to meet tomorrow to finalize the details.
Stay with KDKA for more on this story
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