Igloo’s Crumbling Future

Demolition of Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena, former home to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, began Sept. 26 after preservationists failed to save the historic building nicknamed the “Igloo.”

Demolition crews are expected to work through May tearing down the arena.

Preservation Pittsburgh has tried to save the 50-year-old building with its retractable steel dome-shaped roof from destruction so it could be reused but to no avail. The 3rd U.S. District Court of Appeal refused to intervene in the case.

The venue, previously known as Mellon Arena, was the Penguins home ice until the team moved to its new digs at Consol Energy Center across the street last year.

Officials with the city-county Sports & Exhibition Authority that owns the building plan to use the 28-acre site for a mixed-use development including retail, commercial and residential space.