[wvuauthor]

What does everyone think about the Pittsburgh Penguins situation. They have been a mainstay in the city for years, and I would hate to see them leave. I used to work for the Penguins a few years back, and it is truly a top notch organization.

It just seems like time is running out with the deal for the new arena is still waiting in the wings. If the casino deal does not come through, it looks like the Penguins are heading out, possibly to Kansas City.

What does everyone else think? What are people saying in other parts of the country, if anything?

[Lefty Noob]

Oh geez, wvu, you scared me with that title! I though it had become official. I know they're banking on this table gaming issue to get them a new stadium, but I don't see it happening.

I live in eastern Ohio, and during the Mario-Jagr Stanley Cup years, this place was Penguin crazy. Now, you barely ever see a Pens t-shirt or anything. Heck, I can't even force myself to watch them on FSN Pittsburgh! I just don't think their fanbase is there anymore. I'd hate to see them move, but it probably would be best for the franchise.

[GigEmAgs]

So, are the Penguins holding the city hostage for a new arena? Do they really need one? Why do teams always do that? It's emotional blackmail and it's bloody unfair. I like sports as much as the next guy, but I also like to see a city council or mayor with intestinal fortitude, too. Say what you might about her, Dallas mayor Laura Miller stood up to the Cowboys when they demanded a new stadium in Dallas, and guess what? Dallas didn't get the Cowboys. Of course, Dallas never officially had them anyway; they played in Irving, not Dallas. Now they play in Arlington. Big whoop really, since Arlington, like Irving, is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Then again, they haven't changed their name to the Arlington Cowboys, either. Or even (shudder) the Dallas Cowboys of Arlington.

[Lefty Noob]

In the Pens defense, the Igloo is the oldest and smallest venue in the NHL. I haven't been there in years, but last I saw it wasn't completely falling apart or anything. That said, if they could get a new stadium and sell more tickets and luxury boxes, maybe they could actually afford to put a major league quality team on the ice. On the flip side, the team in so bad right now, who'd want to buy those extra tickets or luxury boxes?

[wvuauthor]

Lefty,

Yes you are correct, it is the oldest and smallest arena in the league. No, it is not falling apart, but it is not nearly as modern as some of the other arenas in the league. Hopefully the slots license deal with pull through and the Pens can work through a difficult time.