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Petersen Events Center

{{Short description|Multi-purpose basketball arena and recreation center at the University of Pittsburgh}}

{{redirect|The Pete|other uses|pete (disambiguation)}}

{{Distinguish|Petersen Sports Complex}}

{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox venue

| stadium_name = Petersen Events Center

| nickname = "The Pete"

| logo_image = alt=Petersen Events Center

| image = 300px

| image_map = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=300|zoom=15|type=point}}

| coordinates = {{coord|40.443777|N|79.962274|W|type:landmark|display=inline,title}}

| address = 3719 Terrace Street

| location = Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.

| pushpin_map = USA Pittsburgh central#USA Pennsylvania#USA

| pushpin_relief = 1

| pushpin_map_caption = Location near Downtown Pittsburgh##Location in Pennsylvania##Location in the United States

| broke_ground = June 15, 2000

| built =

| opened = April 27, 2002

| closed =

| demolished =

| owner = Jevon Carter

| operator = ASM Global

| surface = Hardwood Basketball Court

| construction_cost = $119 million

| architect = Apostolou Associates
Rosser International of Atlanta

| structural engineer = Walter P Moore & Associates{{cite journal | url=http://recmanagement.com/feature_print.php?fid=200307s02f | title=Panther Paradise | journal=Recreation Management | location=Palatine, IL | date=July–August 2003 | access-date=2012-02-11 | archive-date=2016-01-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111072902/http://recmanagement.com/feature_print.php?fid=200307s02f | url-status=dead }}

| services engineer = Brinjac, Kambic & Associates

| general_contractor = Pitt-Center Partners (joint venture between Mizerak Towers and Associates, P.J. Dick Inc. and O'Brien Construction){{cite web|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2001/07/20010730/Special-Report/Whats-On-Deck.aspx |title=What's on deck? - SportsBusiness Daily | SportsBusiness Journal | SportsBusiness Daily Global |publisher=SportsBusiness Daily |access-date=2016-08-11}}

| dimensions = Arena Size: 430,000 total square feet

| tenants = Pittsburgh Panthers (NCAA) (2002–present)
Pittsburgh Xplosion (CBA) (2006–2008)

| seating_capacity = Basketball: 12,508
End stage concerts: 9,000
Hockey: 8,600

| website = {{url|peterseneventscenter.com}}

}}

The Petersen Events Center (more commonly known as "The Pete"{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2016/03/04/University-of-Pittsburgh-cathedral-of-learning-Pitt-Cathy-has-fans-classroom-tower-landmark/stories/201603040214|title=Pitt's "Cathy" gets people chatty about nickname|first=Bill|last=Schackner|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|location=Pittsburgh, PA|date=March 4, 2016|access-date=March 5, 2016}}) is a 12,508-seat multi-purpose arena on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in the Oakland neighborhood. The arena is named for philanthropists John Petersen and his wife Gertrude, who donated $10 million for its construction.{{cite web |url=http://www.peterseneventscenter.com/index.asp |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131064102/http://www.peterseneventscenter.com/index.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 31, 2013 |title=Petersen Events Center |publisher=Petersen Events Center |access-date=2016-08-11 }} John Petersen, a Pitt alumnus, is a native of nearby Erie and is the retired president and CEO of Erie Insurance Group. The Petersen Events Center was winner of the 2003 Innovative Architecture & Design Honor Award from Recreation Management magazine.{{cite journal | url=http://www.recmanagement.com/feature_print.php?fid=200307fe01 | title=First Annual Innovative Architecture & Design Awards | journal=Recreation Management | location=Palatine, IL | date=July–August 2003 | access-date=2012-02-11 | archive-date=2011-09-28 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928031952/http://www.recmanagement.com/feature_print.php?fid=200307fe01 | url-status=dead }}

History

File:Petersen Events Center 3.JPG and the former site of Pitt Stadium.]]

The arena opened in 2002 on part of the former site of Pitt Stadium, which housed the university's football team from 1925 to 1999. The Pitt men's and women's basketball programs make their home here, previously residing in Fitzgerald Field House. The new building, due to its larger capacity, also meant that Pitt no longer had to play certain games or hold graduation ceremonies at the Civic Arena.

Its first event was a Counting Crows concert. For concerts the center seats 9,000 for end-stage shows, 14,763 for center-stage shows. The first official women's basketball game at the Pete was a 90–51 win over Robert Morris University on November 22, 2002. The first official men's basketball game at the Pete was an 82–67 win over Duquesne University on November 23, 2002. Since its creation through the end of the 2012–13 season, the Pitt men's basketball team has compiled a record of 180–22 (.891) at the Pete,{{cite web|url=http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030313aad.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221553/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/030313aad.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 2013|title=Post Game Notes|publisher=PittsburghPanthers.com|date=March 3, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2013}} including a 9–1 record against teams ranked in the top five. Pitt broke the 100 win mark on November 22, 2008, with an 86–60 win over Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the 200 win mark on December 30, 2014, vs. Florida Gulf Coast University.

In 2006, the Pittsburgh Xplosion, a professional basketball team in the Continental Basketball Association, played its first game at the arena. The team folded just prior to the start of the 2008–09 season.{{cite web|url=http://timesunion.com/ASPStories/Story.asp?storyID=747072&newsdate=1/21/2009&BCCode=MBTA |title=Shaky CBA getting help from ABA |publisher=Albany Times Union |date=2008-12-05 |last=Wilkin |first=Tim |access-date=2009-02-02 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

In October 2011, a new high definition video board was installed in the Petersen Events Center.{{cite web | url=http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150327534487503.340799.52370832502&type=3 | title=New HD Video Board for the Petersen Events Center | publisher=Pitt Panthers on Facebook.com | date=2011-10-06 | access-date=2011-11-30}}

Since 2010, the Petersen Events Center has been used as the primary alternative to the much larger PPG Paints Arena, which replaced Mellon Arena, and is now the Pittsburgh home of Disney on Ice, Marvel Universe Live! and the Big3, and hosted the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus in its final years. The Petersen Events Center also serves as the primary venue for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), as WWE has exclusive rights to host professional wrestling at PPG Paints Arena while Stage AE (the primary venue for Ring of Honor and NXT) is too small for AEW.

Amenities

With 430,000 total square feet, the Pete seats 12,508 for basketball and 9,000 for end stage concerts. The arena features {{convert|16000|sqft|m2}} of lobby space with {{convert|90|ft|m|adj=on}} high ceilings and {{convert|42000|sqft|m2}} of glass with a barely visible coating that allows sunlight through while controlling heat loss and gain. A video score board that had previous hung in Pitt Stadium was also installed in the lobby. The arena also features 18 luxury suites, including five courtside luxury suites (the only college arena with courtside suites) and a 193-seat SuperSuite.{{cite web |url=http://web-smg.athletics.pitt.edu/about/about.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050327131127/http://web-smg.athletics.pitt.edu/about/about.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 27, 2005 |title=Petersen Events Center |website=Web-smg.athletics.pitt.edu |access-date=2016-08-11 }}

Student section and accolades

{{Main|Oakland Zoo (cheering section)}}

File:2009PittUConn2ndmin.jpg in 2009. A portion of the Oakland Zoo can be seen at the bottom. Pitt won the nationally televised game 70–60.]]

The section known as the Oakland Zoo is composed of the sections across from the team benches and next to the court. The name comes from Oakland, the neighborhood where Pitt's campus resides. The students in the Zoo wear gold T-shirts with the words "Oakland Zoo" in some way, shape or form across the front. This layout and unity is a large factor in why the Pete is such a tough place to play for opposing teams. In fact, Pitt has lost only five home non-conference games out of over 120 since the Panthers moved into the Pete in 2002.

In 2006, Sports Illustrated surveyed the Big East Conference's basketball players, and the Pete was named the "Toughest Place to Play," with specific players mentioning the Oakland Zoo and the fans' creativity.{{Cite magazine|title=Exclusive Players Poll: Big East: Toughest Place to Play |magazine=Sports Illustrated |volume=104 |issue=10 |date=2006-03-06 |url=http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1104289/1/index.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121203013745/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1104289/1/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-12-03 |access-date=2008-04-06 }} In 2013, the facility was also ranked as having the second best game time environment in the nation by USA Today.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/media/cinematic/gallery/1958499/ranking-the-top-game-atmosphere-arenas-in-college-basketball/|title=Ranking the top game atmosphere arenas in college basketball|publisher=USA Today|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=March 8, 2013}}

The Petersen Events Center also has received accolades for being the sixth loudest college basketball venue according to ESPN the Magazine,{{cite web|url=http://www.kake.com/sports/headlines/106777124.html|title=Allen Fieldhouse Named "Loudest Arena In Country|publisher=Kake.com|location=Wichita, KS|date=November 5, 2010|access-date=November 8, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111072902/http://www.kake.com/sports/headlines/106777124.html|archive-date=January 11, 2016}} the eighth best overall college basketball venue according to ESPN's Jason King,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/8848242/nation-best-homecourt-advantages-college-basketball|title=King's Court: Home sweet home|first=Jason|last=King|work=ESPN.com|date=January 16, 2013|access-date=November 8, 2013}} and among the toughest places for opponents to play in college basketball according to multiple Bleacher Report articles.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/764307-college-basketball-power-rankings-10-toughest-places-to-play-in-college-hoops/page/2|title= 10 Toughest Places to Play in College Hoops|first=Kevin|last=Trahan|publisher=Bleacher Report|date=July 11, 2011|access-date=November 8, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/411137-we-have-to-go-there-the-10-toughest-places-to-play-in-college-hoops/page/5|title=We Have To Go There?! The 10 Toughest Places To Play In College Hoops|first=Lance|last=Pauker|publisher=Bleacher Report|date=June 24, 2010|access-date=November 8, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1332703-college-basketball-15-arenas-you-dont-want-to-play-in/page/8|first=Scott|last=Polacek|title= College Basketball: 15 Arenas You Don't Want to Play in|publisher=Bleacher Report|date=September 13, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2013}} The Pitt men's basketball team has also sold out of season tickets since the venue opened.{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2013/11/05/Pitt-men-s-basketball-sold-out-again/stories/201311050144|title=Pitt men's basketball games sold out again|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=November 4, 2013|access-date=November 8, 2013}}

In 2007 and 2010, "The Pete" hosted first and second-round games of the NCAA Women's Division I Tournament.

Other uses

File:PetersenEventsCenter2019.jpg

The Petersen Events Center serves as more than just the home court of the Panthers basketball teams. Located within the facility is a {{convert|40000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} Baierl Student Recreation Center featuring four racquetball courts, two squash courts, Cybex weight machines, a free weight area, aerobics practice room, martial arts room, health assessment area, and aerobic area with treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical and Stairmaster machines and four plasma TVs.

In addition, the McCarl Panthers Hall of Champions, which pays homage to and displays memorabilia from past Pitt athletics achievements, and the official Pittsburgh Panthers Team Store are located in the main lobby of the Pete.{{cite web |url=http://web-smg.athletics.pitt.edu/spaces/spaces.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050327133503/http://web-smg.athletics.pitt.edu/spaces/spaces.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 27, 2005 |title=Petersen Events Center |website=Web-smg.athletics.pitt.edu |access-date=2016-08-11 }}

Also included is the Willis Center for Academics for student athletes which includes computer and writing labs, a math and science area, individual tutor rooms, and a career resource area.

Also, a food court is located within the Pete and is available to students and others during the weekdays in addition to when events are being hosted within the arena.{{cite web |url=http://www.pc.pitt.edu/dining/locations/petersen.html |title=University of Pittsburgh - Panther Central |website=Pc.pitt.edu |access-date=2016-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916031121/http://www.pc.pitt.edu/dining/locations/petersen.html |archive-date=2016-09-16 |url-status=dead }}

The arena also features an auxiliary practice basketball facility, athletic training, office and media facilities.

The Pitt women's volleyball team plays some bigger matches occasionally at the Pete, instead of its primary venue, Fitzgerald Field House. The Panthers hosted the opening weekend of the 2018, 2019, and 2021 tournaments at the Pete.

The Pete also hosts the university's commencement ceremony.

On Wednesday, October 23, 2019, All Elite Wrestling broadcast its weekly TV series Dynamite live on TNT network.[https://www.cagesideseats.com/2019/8/6/20756988/aew-announces-boston-philadelphia-tv-tapings AEW announces locations for second & third TV tapings – Cageside Seats]{{cite tweet|number=1164930401942560768|user=AEW|title=Tickets are on sale now! #AEWPittburgh - Wed, Oct 23rd - Petersen Events Center ( @Petersen_Events ) - 7:30pm Show… |date=23 August 2019}} The event hosted the fifth anniversary of Dynamite on October 2, 2024.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=AEW Dynamite #261 - 5 Year Anniversary|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=400974 | access-date=October 28, 2024|website=Cagematch.net|language=en}}

Notable events

File:Petersen Events Center 1a.jpg, Scaife Hall, and the Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower can be seen reflected in the Pete's glass facade.]]

Fictional portrayals

  • In the 2011 movie Warrior, the arena plays host to a fictional mixed martial arts tournament with Jennifer Morrison and Nick Nolte in attendance.{{Cite news | last=Fuoco | first=Michael A. | title=Extras learn the not-so-glamorous side of showbiz | newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date=2009-05-31 | url=http://postgazette.com/pg/09151/974010-53.stm | access-date=2009-05-31 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928020947/http://postgazette.com/pg/09151/974010-53.stm | archive-date=2011-09-28 | url-status=dead }}

Incidents

At a March 30, 2011 concert by the band Furthur, a 19-year-old man ran through a window at the arena and fell four stories. Police say in the moments leading up to the incident, the man got into a football stance, yelled “hike,” and launched himself through the glass. The man was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital with massive head trauma. He was pronounced dead just after 12:20 a.m.{{cite news | url=http://postgazette.com/pg/11090/1136062-100.stm | title=Man dies after fall from Petersen Center window | first=Vivian | last=Nereim | newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | location=Pittsburgh, PA | date=2011-03-31 | access-date=2011-03-31 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403034237/http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11090/1136062-100.stm | archive-date=2011-04-03 | url-status=dead }}

See also

References

File:PittGraduation2007.jpg

{{Reflist|30em}}

Further reading

  • [https://archive.today/20121214213201/http://www.pittmag.pitt.edu/september2002/feature1.html Pitt Magazine feature on the Pete: Center of Attention]

Gallery

File:Floor-level luxury suite (Petersen Events Center, University of Pittsburgh).jpg|Floor level luxury suite

File:Panther at Pete.jpg|Panther outside the Pete

File:Pittbannerwiki.jpg|Panther outside the Pete

File:PetersonEventsINSIDE.jpg|Main court with floor seats folded up

File:Petersen events center inside.jpg|A view of the arena floor

File:PetersonEventsBACK.jpg|Looking down on the Pete lawn from Sutherland Drive. The lower level of the Pete shows the outside of the Baierl Rec Center.

File:PetersonEventsWINDOW.jpg|Inside the main lobby looking out to Scaife Hall

File:PetersonEventsSTAIRS.jpg|Interior main lobby escalators

File:Pittmensbbtrophycase.jpg|Men's basketball trophy display

File:Womensbbtrophy.jpg|Women's basketball trophy display

File:University of Pittsburgh Spring 2009 Commencement (Petersen Events Center).jpg|The Pete set up for the April 2009 Commencement

External links

{{Commons category-inline}}

  • {{Official|http://www.peterseneventscenter.com/}}
  • [http://www.tour.pitt.edu/tour/petersen-events-center Petersen Events Center on Pitt's virtual Campus Tour]
  • [http://www.tour.pitt.edu/tour/petersen-events-center-rain-garden Petersen Events Center Rain Garden on Pitt's virtual Campus Tour]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20131127153104/http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/m-baskbl/pitt-m-baskbl-body.html Pitt men's basketball]

{{s-start}}

{{succession box

| before = Sennott Square

| title = University of Pittsburgh Buildings
Petersen Events Center

| years = Constructed: 2002

| after = Pennsylvania Hall

}}

{{succession box

| title = Home of the
Pittsburgh Panthers
men's & women's basketball teams
Petersen Events Center

| years = 2002–present

| before = Fitzgerald Field House

| after = current}}

{{succession box

| title = Host of the Jeopardy! College Championship

| years = 2004

| before = Payne Whitney Gymnasium

| after = PNC Arena

}}

{{s-end}}

{{University of Pittsburgh}}

{{Pittsburgh Panthers men's basketball navbox}}

{{Pittsburgh Panthers women's basketball navbox}}{{Atlantic Coast Conference basketball venue navbox}}

{{Pittsburgh sports}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Music venues completed in 2002

Category:Sports venues completed in 2002

Category:Basketball venues in Pittsburgh

Category:Music venues in Pittsburgh

Category:Pittsburgh Panthers basketball venues

Category:University and college student recreation centers in the United States

Category:2002 establishments in Pennsylvania

Category:Wrestling venues in Pennsylvania