Mellon Arena & Things to Do Sunday? (to buy, vs)

[gotjenks]

We will be in town Sunday mid-morning and wanted to know if someone has a suggestion of something to do while we are in town prior to the game?
We will be going to the Penguins game so we do not have that much time. We were thinking about going to the Pamente (sp?) Brothers shop to get a sandwich.
We saw that on Man vs Food.
Is there anywhere downtown that you would suggest to buy Pens items? Is there anything to do at the arena prior to the game?
What time does the arena open if the start time is 5pm?
Can you go down to the glass during pre-game warmups?
We are so looking forward to getting the opportunity to see a game at Mellon Arena.
If you were a fan of Simon Baker's The Guardian in the early 90's are there any "as seen on the show" sights that you can tell me about?
Thank you in advance for any advice.

[Burghgirl17]

I would take a trip down to the Strip District on Sunday morning. It's just a few blocks away. Some great stores, great food, and plenty of places to get Penguin items (cheaper, too).

[greg42]

Yep, if you go to the Strip District, you might be able to find some gear, not so sure on a Sunday though. Strip is very busy on Saturdays but not everything is open on Sundays. Also Primanti Bros is there, if you want to see what was on Man vs Food, but to eat I'd recommend Pamela's instead. (Primanti's on 18th Street, Pamela's on 21st) The famous hotcakes at Pamela's are probably more unusual than the Primanti's sandwich. Only problem is there could be a bit of a line unless you go early.

I can't personally shed any light on procedures at the arena or seen on the show stuff from The Guardian, but perhaps others can. :-)

[Benzman66]

A lot of the shots from "The Guardian" were of the Downtown area, the majority being on Grant Street.

[darbywaters]

Enjoy the game! Pens v. Leafs is always a good time even in years like this when it's not likely to be that competitive of a contest.
For a 5pm game the doors should open just before 4. You can usually go down towards the glass during warmups but you will be shooed away if the seat holders arrive early as well.
I can't help you with info about the Guardian!

[JRTurner]

Prior to games, many Pens fans go to the Souper Bowl for food and drinks.

Pens "groupies" hang-out around the player's entrance to try to get autographs, pictures, and to wish them a good game.

They'll let you get close to the glass during warm-ups, but as mentioned above the ushers will make you move when the seat owners arrive. They tend to allow kids a bit more freedom in that regard.

Station Square has a store which has a huge selection of sports gear.

And yes...the gates will open 1 hour before face-off time.

If you've not been to a Pens game at the Igloo before, then you are very lucky to see one before they move across the street to the new arena.