Penguins fans excited about return of the big screen

Despite the cloudy, chilly weather, hundreds of Pittsburgh Penguins fans flocked to perch on a chair and cheer on their team outside of PPG Paints Arena as the “big screen” made its return Saturday.

Fans were able to watch Game 3 of the first round from the corner of Centre Avenue and Logan Street.

For many, it was their first time attending the staple event.

Samantha Hahka, 17, of Moon Township said she and her friends were going to get tickets, but it fell through so the big screen was a compromise. For her first time watching from the big screen, she looked forward to cheering on the team with her friends.

“I was excited to allowed to be around friends and be as loud as we want for the team,” she said.

The @penguins big screen is back for game three against the New York Rangers, and many fans are already sat outside PPG Paints Arena ready for some action!@TribLIVE pic.twitter.com/DZVCyIyJLz

— Tanisha Thomas (@tanishajanae) May 7, 2022

Megan Bonelli, 23, of Apollo always had heard of the big screen for the playoff games and wanted to see it for herself.

“It’s a great way to be able to watch the game with your friends when you can’t afford tickets,” she said.

Dustin Long, 32, of Bloomfield would travel from West Virginia to attend Penguins games. He was looking forward to being a part of the atmosphere during playoffs season.

“Watching a game surrounded by other fans is fun especially after not being able to gather because of the pandemic,” he said.

It was the first time fans were able to gather in front of the screen since the 2018-19 season. The screen was absent the past two campaigns because of the pandemic. The screen was introduced in 2007 and became a staple for the past decade.

Melina Galla, 22, of Robinson attended the big screen as a teen until covid hit. She was pumped to hear about its return because she enjoys the energy of the crowd.

“The energy is so positive. It makes you excited for the playoff season,” Galla said.

Marisa Captline, 19, of McKees Rocks said she was unaware of the big screen’s absence, but she was excited to hear about its comeback.

“I just wish it wasn’t as cold,” she said.

The energy and atmosphere of being surrounded by fans in a unique environment is what brings some fans come back.

Fans cheer as the Penguins are on a roll with a 3-1 lead over the Rangers. pic.twitter.com/jE1iin9Tfe

— Tanisha Thomas (@tanishajanae) May 7, 2022

Josh McCrumb, 24, of New Castle said he attended the event in previous years and was excited to be surrounded by other fans during the game.

“It’s nice being around people who have the same interest of wanting to see the Pens win,” McCrumb said.

Rachel Defeo, 19, of Robinson was attending for the second time.

“It’s just so exciting because Pittsburgh loves hockey so whenever there is a goal or good play, people get excited,” she said.

James Reesman, 27, of Tarentum has come to watch the playoff games on the big screen since got its start. He enjoys the scenery in the background while watching the game.

“It’s fun,” he said.

Sean Harrison, 25, was visiting from Columbus, Ohio, for Mother’s Day. He said he has not been back to watch a game on the big screen since the last five seasons.

“I was so excited. I have been waiting all week for this,” Harrison said.

The Penguins announced on Instagram the screen will return for all first-round home games.