Penguins, Pirates Mean Big Business For City
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- There is no shortage of excitement for Pittsburgh sports fans.
The Penguins aren't the only exciting team in town right now. The Pirates are also on a roll, and they have a big homestand this weekend against the Reds.
Both teams have been big business for the city in recent weeks.
There's an air of confidence among Pens fans after getting through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Some fans think Boston won't be a problem.
"I think the Penguins are gonna win it," said Greg Souser, a Penguins' fan. "I really feel like they're going to go all the way to the Stanley Cup."
"The Penguins should go all the way," added Jim Ellis, another fan.
The Pens won all three regular season games against Boston, and there is not much love lost between the teams, especially after Jarome Iginla chose to come to Pittsburgh in a trade with Calgary.
"It's always a slap in the face when a team beats you that's got one of your guys, but we'll see what happens," said Penguins fan Matt Belgie.
As the Pens prepare for Game 1 on Saturday, the Pirates kick off an important three-game series against the Reds Friday night.
"I think we'll be able to pull it off. It'll be an awesome weekend in Pittsburgh," said Kristina Rosus, a Pirates fan.
The Penguins and Pirates are expecting to draw a combined total of well over 100,000 fans for the game at CONSOL Energy Center and the series at PNC Park.
"We know that at least one Penguins home game in this round will equate to $4 million worth of direct spending. Added to that, at least $2 million for a regular season game of the Pirates, and you've got a big weekend," said Craig T. Davis, of Visit Pittsburgh. "I've spoken with our hotel partners and they've told us while there is some limited availability, the hotels are at near capacity right now for this weekend."
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