University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Petersen Events Center Receives Upgrades for 2019-20 Season
10/30/2019 1:02:00 PM | General, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – The Petersen Events Center will look significantly different during the 2019-20 season with the court flip as well as extensive upgrades and improvements throughout the venue.
"We assessed the Petersen Events Center and have made a number of significant upgrades throughout the building," said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "We all know the Pete is an incredible venue, a tough place to compete with great tradition. Our goal with these enhancements is to provide an extraordinary experience and state-of-the-art amenities for our teams, alumni, donors, fans and of course, the Oakland Zoo. We are excited for our fans to enjoy the new improvements and continue to build the incredible environment in the Pete where our coaches and student-athletes will thrive!"
Already bolstered by the $12.5 million addition of Pitt Studios in 2018, The Pete now features; LED lighting throughout the entire building, a new state-of-the-art center hung video board, two end zone replay/stats boards, free public WiFi and a dedicated media WiFi network, a new media suite complete with press row seating and media room, enhanced and expanded premium seating areas, new in venue dining options at the PEC Food Court, and updated environmental branding throughout the interior of the venue.
As part of the previously announced court flip, the Petersen Events Center floor, baskets and courtside chairs received a fresh, new look.
Back of the house upgrades include; men's and women's basketball locker room and lounge renovations, an enhancement of the teaching space with the creation of a theatre-style video room, expansion of the basketball office space with a new grand entrance as well as conference rooms for men's and women's basketball, redesign of areas around the locker rooms to create a more dynamic pathway to and from the main court.
2019-20 PEC Upgrades
LED LIGHTING
The Petersen Events Center received a comprehensive lighting upgrade with 2,569 light fixtures either replaced or retrofitted with new LED technology. The arena lighting was replaced with Ephesus Lumadapt fixtures with: color temperature tuning from 3000k to 6500k, beam tuning to change distribution of light at the touch of a button, RGBA (Red, Green, Blue, Amber) capabilities to change color of arena lights for special events and theatrical presentations, dynamic entertainment scenes and full dimming from 1% to 100%. The eco-friendly lighting improvements will reduce electrical consumption at the Petersen Events Center by 1,247,259 kwH annually.
FREE PUBLIC WIFI
Working with Extreme Networks and deployment partner, Ideal Integrations, the Petersen Events Center built its own separate WiFi network, which seamlessly sends traffic back to the campus network in order to rapidly authenticate users. The new network supports the high bandwidth demands of spectators and media, and quickly resolves bottlenecks to ensure a quality, interactive fan experience. Leveraging a combination of Extreme Elements™, the Petersen Events Center now has the building blocks in place to enable future digital innovations such as interactive scoreboards, an advanced gameday application equipped with mobile ticketing and mobile ordering services – supported by geofencing and beacon technology – and augmented reality experiences.
VIDEO BOARDS
The Petersen Events Center also received a state-of-the-art center hung video board featuring four outward-curved LED video displays totaling eight million LEDs. Each display features 3.9-millimeter line spacing, the only collegiate display with line spacing closer than 4 millimeters. The sideline-facing displays each measure approximately 15 feet high by 28 feet wide and the end-line facing displays each measure 15 feet high by 16.5 feet wide. In addition, two 16.6' x 31.2' end zone video display boards (10mm pixel pitch with 512 x 960 resolution) will be added above the open concourse for stats, replays and more. New courtside LED displays (6mm pixel pitch with 96 x 2304 resolution) will also be added for the 2019-20 season.
MEDIA SUITE
The new media suite at the Petersen Events Center, located above section 106 and 107 just off the primary elevator at the media will call entrance off Terrace Street, features three levels of tiered seating connected to an 800+ square foot media room. The media suite features a secure WiFi network for working media, comfortable press conference seating for 50, three 70-inch smart TVs, and a food service area for pregame press meals. Media seating begins on the concourse level and extends two tiers down into the lower bowl seating at the Petersen Events Center. With 50 premium seat locations, extending from the home team bench baseline towards midcourt, media members covering Pitt games will have an outstanding view of the game as well as easy access to the media room. The space also includes a 11-seat media overflow section adjacent to the media room
ENVIRONMENTAL BRANDING
Following the April announcement of a new visual identity in collaboration with Nike Global Identity Group to rebrand Pitt Athletics, the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department partnered with Dimensional Innovations for the cohesive branding and graphic design of their athletic facilities. The partnership will develop consistency in branding, signage, banners and specialty graphics throughout the Petersen Events Center and in all of its athletics facilities and student-athlete spaces, influencing the overall experience for fans, student-athletes and coaches.
BEER SALES
General fans will now have the opportunity to purchase beer throughout the arena for the upcoming season. Concourse concession stands will sell domestic beers, poured into hard plastic cups, for fans to enjoy in their seats with the exception of the Oakland Zoo seating. Craft beer options along with wine and spirits will only be available in the premium seating sections at Petersen Events Center.
PREMIUM SEATING UPGRADES/EXPANSION
The Petersen Events Center features several premium seating options including; the Courtside Club, Platinum Club, Champions Club, and upper and lower level suites. All premium seating sections (outside of the suites) are available for purchase as part of the reseat process and have access to the Campus View Club. Upgrades and amenities in each of the spaces are:
Courtside Club
Platinum Club/Champions Club
Courtside Seating
Suites
Campus View Club (Hospitality Room)
Additional information on the Petersen Events Center premium seating options is located HERE.
PEC FOOD COURT
The food court on the lawn level of Petersen Events Center has also seen changes heading into 2019-20 with Chick-fil-a (opening in January) and a new sushi location, Roc 'N Rolled, joining Sub Connection and Burrito Bowl as reliable, high-quality food stops housed within the Petersen Events Center. The PEC Food Court is open daily throughout the school year, including during games and other special events at the venue.
Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets for the 2019-20 basketball season can be purchased online HERE or by calling the Panthers Ticket Office at 1-800-643-7488.
"We assessed the Petersen Events Center and have made a number of significant upgrades throughout the building," said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "We all know the Pete is an incredible venue, a tough place to compete with great tradition. Our goal with these enhancements is to provide an extraordinary experience and state-of-the-art amenities for our teams, alumni, donors, fans and of course, the Oakland Zoo. We are excited for our fans to enjoy the new improvements and continue to build the incredible environment in the Pete where our coaches and student-athletes will thrive!"
Already bolstered by the $12.5 million addition of Pitt Studios in 2018, The Pete now features; LED lighting throughout the entire building, a new state-of-the-art center hung video board, two end zone replay/stats boards, free public WiFi and a dedicated media WiFi network, a new media suite complete with press row seating and media room, enhanced and expanded premium seating areas, new in venue dining options at the PEC Food Court, and updated environmental branding throughout the interior of the venue.
As part of the previously announced court flip, the Petersen Events Center floor, baskets and courtside chairs received a fresh, new look.
Back of the house upgrades include; men's and women's basketball locker room and lounge renovations, an enhancement of the teaching space with the creation of a theatre-style video room, expansion of the basketball office space with a new grand entrance as well as conference rooms for men's and women's basketball, redesign of areas around the locker rooms to create a more dynamic pathway to and from the main court.
2019-20 PEC Upgrades
LED LIGHTING
The Petersen Events Center received a comprehensive lighting upgrade with 2,569 light fixtures either replaced or retrofitted with new LED technology. The arena lighting was replaced with Ephesus Lumadapt fixtures with: color temperature tuning from 3000k to 6500k, beam tuning to change distribution of light at the touch of a button, RGBA (Red, Green, Blue, Amber) capabilities to change color of arena lights for special events and theatrical presentations, dynamic entertainment scenes and full dimming from 1% to 100%. The eco-friendly lighting improvements will reduce electrical consumption at the Petersen Events Center by 1,247,259 kwH annually.
FREE PUBLIC WIFI
Working with Extreme Networks and deployment partner, Ideal Integrations, the Petersen Events Center built its own separate WiFi network, which seamlessly sends traffic back to the campus network in order to rapidly authenticate users. The new network supports the high bandwidth demands of spectators and media, and quickly resolves bottlenecks to ensure a quality, interactive fan experience. Leveraging a combination of Extreme Elements™, the Petersen Events Center now has the building blocks in place to enable future digital innovations such as interactive scoreboards, an advanced gameday application equipped with mobile ticketing and mobile ordering services – supported by geofencing and beacon technology – and augmented reality experiences.
VIDEO BOARDS
The Petersen Events Center also received a state-of-the-art center hung video board featuring four outward-curved LED video displays totaling eight million LEDs. Each display features 3.9-millimeter line spacing, the only collegiate display with line spacing closer than 4 millimeters. The sideline-facing displays each measure approximately 15 feet high by 28 feet wide and the end-line facing displays each measure 15 feet high by 16.5 feet wide. In addition, two 16.6' x 31.2' end zone video display boards (10mm pixel pitch with 512 x 960 resolution) will be added above the open concourse for stats, replays and more. New courtside LED displays (6mm pixel pitch with 96 x 2304 resolution) will also be added for the 2019-20 season.
MEDIA SUITE
The new media suite at the Petersen Events Center, located above section 106 and 107 just off the primary elevator at the media will call entrance off Terrace Street, features three levels of tiered seating connected to an 800+ square foot media room. The media suite features a secure WiFi network for working media, comfortable press conference seating for 50, three 70-inch smart TVs, and a food service area for pregame press meals. Media seating begins on the concourse level and extends two tiers down into the lower bowl seating at the Petersen Events Center. With 50 premium seat locations, extending from the home team bench baseline towards midcourt, media members covering Pitt games will have an outstanding view of the game as well as easy access to the media room. The space also includes a 11-seat media overflow section adjacent to the media room
ENVIRONMENTAL BRANDING
Following the April announcement of a new visual identity in collaboration with Nike Global Identity Group to rebrand Pitt Athletics, the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department partnered with Dimensional Innovations for the cohesive branding and graphic design of their athletic facilities. The partnership will develop consistency in branding, signage, banners and specialty graphics throughout the Petersen Events Center and in all of its athletics facilities and student-athlete spaces, influencing the overall experience for fans, student-athletes and coaches.
BEER SALES
General fans will now have the opportunity to purchase beer throughout the arena for the upcoming season. Concourse concession stands will sell domestic beers, poured into hard plastic cups, for fans to enjoy in their seats with the exception of the Oakland Zoo seating. Craft beer options along with wine and spirits will only be available in the premium seating sections at Petersen Events Center.
PREMIUM SEATING UPGRADES/EXPANSION
The Petersen Events Center features several premium seating options including; the Courtside Club, Platinum Club, Champions Club, and upper and lower level suites. All premium seating sections (outside of the suites) are available for purchase as part of the reseat process and have access to the Campus View Club. Upgrades and amenities in each of the spaces are:
Courtside Club
- Each game features an action station in Suite B
- Discounted drinks
- Expanded to include 18 additional seats in the club space opposite the team benches
- Campus View Club access
Platinum Club/Champions Club
- Discounted drinks
- Food now available as buffet in club area instead of via a concessions menu
- Expanded to include club space located above sections 108-110 behind the team benches
- Campus View Club access
Courtside Seating
- Attendant service with options to purchase beer, soft drinks, water, popcorn, soft pretzels, nachos and candy
- Campus View Club access
Suites
- Cosmetic upgrades including new carpet, paint, customized jerseys and new glass-front refrigerators
- New technology to easily call an attendant for service
- Campus View Club access
Campus View Club (Hospitality Room)
- New meal buffet options including three choices of entrée stations, starter salad and a side with each entrée
- Discounted beer, wine, and spirits
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Panther popcorn, pretzels, and pub mix (pregame)
- Halftime sweets/dessert tray
- Opens two hours before each game
Additional information on the Petersen Events Center premium seating options is located HERE.
PEC FOOD COURT
The food court on the lawn level of Petersen Events Center has also seen changes heading into 2019-20 with Chick-fil-a (opening in January) and a new sushi location, Roc 'N Rolled, joining Sub Connection and Burrito Bowl as reliable, high-quality food stops housed within the Petersen Events Center. The PEC Food Court is open daily throughout the school year, including during games and other special events at the venue.
Season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets for the 2019-20 basketball season can be purchased online HERE or by calling the Panthers Ticket Office at 1-800-643-7488.
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