Fans Hoping For First Championship Clinched In Pittsburgh Since 1960
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the verge of doing something this city hasn't seen in decades.
With a 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Penguins hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. With the series coming back to Pittsburgh for Game 5, the Penguins have a chance to win the Stanley Cup in front of their fans for the first time in franchise history.
Pittsburgh sports fans have been fortunate to celebrate their teams winning several championships over the years. But, none have clinched a title here in Pittsburgh since the Pirates did it in 1960.
"We've won so many championships in Pittsburgh, I never realized that we hadn't won them at home," Bill Mazeroski said.
Perhaps you remember or have heard of Mazeroski's Game 7 homer against the New York Yankees?
Here's a refresher:
KDKA-TV's Bob Pompeani spoke with Mazeroski about that moment on Tuesday.
"I remember it very, very well. It never leaves my mind almost because I'm reminded of it almost every day," Mazeroski said.
He also remembers where the Penguins were at the beginning of the year and how different things are now.
"I went to Florida early in the year and when I came back, I saw a different team. It was completely different. I mean, they were so fast, they're everywhere, they're to every loose puck. I'm just so amazed to see them skate the way they're skating. They're so fast and it's wonderful to watch," Mazeroski said.
The Penguins have been overwhelming teams with their speed and it's gotten them to within one game of winning the fourth Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Mazeroski is hoping to be one of the lucky few in attendance for Game 5.
That's because when the Pens wrapped up Game 4 with a win in San Jose Monday evening, it lit a rocket under Game 5 ticket prices.
"It's incredible how much demand has been going up," said Chris Leyden, of SeatGeek.com. "They've gone up about 50 percent."
And those ticket prices seem to be going up by the hour.
"Twelve hours ago you could have gotten a ticket for $700," said Leyden. "Now the cheapest ticket is around 1,200, and if you want to sit closer, you're going to pay 2,000."
KDKA checked other sites around the Internet and found SeatGeek to be right in the arena; $1,000 has quickly become the cellar of pricing.
Leyden doubts the prices will drop.
"I don't necessarily think we'll see that here because the demand just seems to be increasing," he said.
And even at $1,000, tickets are selling.
"That's crazy," said Jennifer Rignani, of Lawrenceville. "That prohibits a huge part of the population who will never have that experience. That's too much."
"There are some serious hockey fans in Pittsburgh who would love that experience and will pay for it," says Susan Bonadie, of Wexford.
And that's what it is, paying for more than just a hockey game; they're paying for the chance of a lifetime.
Here's hoping the Penguins treat us all to a celebration Thursday night, those in the arena, outside and watching from home.
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