Parking, bag policy, transit and history are on the main PPG Paints Arena guide.
The short version: two tiers, close to the ice
For a Penguins game, the best seats at PPG Paints Arena are center-ice sections of the lower level, about 10 to 20 rows up, and the best value is the center of the 200 level. Two independent seating guides agree that the Penguins shoot twice toward the end with lower sections 106 to 108 and upper sections 210 to 212.
The arena is a two-tier bowl, which keeps its upper level closer to the ice than arenas with three stacked tiers:
- 100 level: sections 101 to 122, ringing the ice.
- Loge boxes and suites: a premium ring between the tiers. Seating guides list the loge boxes as L1 to L23.
- 200 level: sections 201 to 234. The upper ring is larger, so it has more sections.
The PPG Paints Arena venue guide covers transit, entry rules and the building's history; this page works through the seats.
100 level: center ice, ends and corners
Seating guides divide the lower level this way for hockey:
- Center ice: sections 101 to 103 and 111 to 113, which seating guides also list as the club seats, with access to premium lounges.
- Sidelines toward the ends: sections 104 and 122, and 110 and 114.
- Corners: sections such as 105, 109, 116 and 120.
- Ends: sections 106 to 108 (the Penguins' shoot-twice end) and 117 to 119 at the opposite end.
Rows are lettered from A at the glass, with up to about 24 rows in a section. Some sections start at a later letter: seating guides list the sections behind the benches starting at row C, and several corner sections starting at C to E. For basketball, extra rows are added near the court, so row A becomes the first row in some sideline sections.
Seating guides place the Penguins bench in front of sections 101 and 102, with the visitors' bench beside it toward section 103. The low rows behind the benches look into players' backs; choose a higher row there.
200 level: short sections and a standing row
The upper level is the arena's value tier. Two seating guides agree that most 200-level sections run from row A to row Q, with a standing-room row, labeled SRO, behind row Q at the top. Seating guides describe it as about 15 lettered rows, and a few sections near the ends are shorter.
Entrances are at the top of each section, so the front rows require the longest walk down. In exchange, the first rows of the upper level at center ice give a full view of the rink, and seating guides note they look much like the back rows of the 100 level at a lower price.
- Best upper seats for hockey: center-ice sections, rows A to F.
- For Penguins fans on a budget: sections 210 to 212 at the shoot-twice end, lower rows.
- Weakest: the top rows of the upper corners, which are far from the far net.
Where the Penguins shoot twice
The Penguins attack the same net in the first and third periods. Seating guides place that end in front of lower sections 106 to 108 and upper sections 210 to 212, with the visitors shooting twice toward the opposite end. Loge boxes are not built at the Penguins' shoot-twice end, according to one seating guide.
For a home fan who wants an end seat, the shoot-twice end is the better choice. Teams can change ends, so check the seat map for your game; The Best Seats at a Hockey Game explains the shoot-twice rule.
Concerts and basketball
For most end-stage concerts, the stage is set at the end with sections 115 to 120 below and 222 to 233 above; seating guides list those sections as behind the stage or side-stage, often closed or sold as limited view. The floor becomes numbered sections in front of the stage.
- Head-on seats: lower sections 106 to 108 and upper sections 210 to 212 face the stage directly. They are the farthest fixed seats from it, but seating guides note the front rows of the 200s there give a surprisingly good view.
- Side sections near the stage: the lower-level sections on the long sides closest to the stage are among the most desirable non-floor seats, with an angled view and elevation over the standing floor.
- Weak angles: seating guides flag lower corner sections near the stage end as sharp side views.
For basketball, the court sits in the middle of the floor with added courtside rows. Sideline sections 101 to 103 and 111 to 113 give the best views; seats behind the baskets are the least expensive lower-level option.
Accessible seating
Wheelchair and companion seating is available on both levels. Because most sections are entered from the top, the rows near the concourse are the easiest to reach without stairs. Request accessible seats through your ticket seller or the arena box office and confirm the exact location before the event.
Frequently asked questions
Which end do the Penguins shoot twice at PPG Paints Arena?
Two seating guides place it at the end with lower sections 106 to 108 and upper sections 210 to 212. Teams can change ends, so check the seat map for your game.
How many rows are in the 200 level at PPG Paints Arena?
Most upper sections run from row A to row Q, about 15 lettered rows, with a standing-room row labeled SRO at the top.
Where is the Penguins bench at PPG Paints Arena?
Seating guides place it in front of sections 101 and 102, with the visitors' bench beside it toward section 103.
What are the best seats at PPG Paints Arena for hockey?
Center ice in the 100 level, about 10 to 20 rows up. For value, the front rows of the 200 level at center ice.
Which sections are behind the stage at PPG Paints Arena concerts?
For most end-stage shows, seating guides list lower sections 115 to 120 and upper sections 222 to 233 as behind or beside the stage.
Are the club seats at PPG Paints Arena worth it?
Seating guides list the club seats as center-ice sections 101 to 103 and 111 to 113, which combine the best hockey view with lounge access. They carry a premium price.