Fans Celebrate Penguins, React To New Arena Name At 'Fan Fest'
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Penguins fans flocked to the newly renamed PPG Paints Arena to get autographs from players and celebrate the Stanley Cup winning team Sunday at the Penguins' "Fan Fest."
Many Penguins players made appearances throughout the day at "Fan Fest" to sign autographs, answer questions and even play on a drop-in hockey rink. Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford and head coach Mike Sullivan appeared to talk about the upcoming season and this year's Stanley Cup win.
The "Fan Fest" featured a Hockey Hall of Fame trophy exhibit, historical displays and activities for kids. Fans also had the chance to win locker room tours, free concession food and more.
"The event today is a wonderful event for the people of Pittsburgh and every Pittsburgh fan from everywhere. We're here from South Carolina," Penguins fan Karen Adams said.
As for the arena's new name, fans are still divided.
"I don't think it should have been changed. [CONSOL Energy Center] just sounds better," Hailey Groves, from Maryland, said.
"I like CONSOL because it sounds better," Alexa Rohaley, of Uniontown, said.
Other fans were more open to PPG Paints Arena.
"I think it's a good name," Sarah Gossman, of Elizabeth, said. "It captures the city of Pittsburgh."
"It's gonna take a while to get used to, but I think it's great," Adams said.
Whether you like the name or not, all Penguins fans can probably agree the name outside the arena doesn't matter as much as what happens inside on the ice.
"It's really not about the name, it's about the team that's inside," Debbie Fannin, of Pittsburgh, said. "I'm all for the Pens."
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