Choosing the right seat at PPG Paints Arena determines whether you catch every play on the ice or spend the night staring at the back of a speaker stack. Home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this multi-purpose venue holds roughly 18,187 fans for hockey and scales up to 19,758 for center-stage concerts. Because the seating bowl is split into two primary tiers sandwiching a suite level, knowing how the sections align changes everything about your live event experience.
The arena layout features a lower 100-level bowl that circles the floor entirely, an executive suite and loge tier in the middle, and an upper 200-level bowl that handles high-volume crowds. Center ice sections 101 through 103 house the team benches on the Washington Place side, while sections 111 through 113 sit opposite near the penalty boxes. If you're buying tickets for a concert, the stage typically sets up at the Fifth Avenue end, rendering sections 117 through 119 unusable for viewing but making sections directly facing them prime real estate.
Understanding the Lower Bowl (100 Level)
The 100-level seating bowl puts you closest to the action, whether that's crashing boards during a hockey game or floor-level energy at a touring music show. Rows typically run from row A down near the glass up to row 23 or higher depending on the section.
- Center Ice (Sections 101-103 and 111-113): These are premier seats for hockey. You get a direct, unobstructed look at both ends of the ice without missing plays near the boards. Sections 111 through 113 let you look straight across at the team benches, avoiding the obstruction of standing coaches and players.
- Attack Twice Ends (Sections 106-108): Located behind the net where the Penguins shoot twice during regulation play, these sections offer intense, high-action viewing when the puck is in the offensive zone.
- Corners and Sides: Sections like 104, 105, 109, and 110 offer a middle ground. You're close to the action, but you'll track the puck moving horizontally across your field of vision.
One common mistake in the lower bowl is sitting too low in rows A through D for hockey. While you feel the speed of the game, the glass creates visual distortions, and your view of the opposite end can get blocked when play happens along the near boards. Rows 10 through 20 usually provide the ideal elevation to see plays develop across the entire sheet.
Navigating the Upper Bowl (200 Level)
If you're hunting for value, the 200-level sections provide budget-friendly entry points without sacrificing sightlines. Because the arena was built with modern sightline engineering, even the upper deck avoids the severe obstructed overhangs found in older sports arenas.
- Sideline Upper Seats (Sections 201-204 and 218-221): These front rows offer a tactical, television-style view of the ice. You can watch plays build up and unfold from a bird's-eye perspective.
- Corner and End Upper Seats (Sections 208-214 and 225-231): These areas are the most budget-friendly in the building, though rows in the back half can feel quite distant from the ice surface.
When booking upper-level seats, aim for the first five rows of any section. Moving past row 10 in the 200 level introduces a steeper climb and places you further from the concourse amenities, though you still capture the overall energy of the crowd.
Concert Seating Configurations
Concerts alter the arena dynamic completely. Depending on whether the tour uses an end-stage or center-stage setup, capacity shifts and viewing angles change dramatically.
- End-Stage Concerts: The stage goes up at one end of the bowl (typically near Fifth Avenue). Floor sections (usually labeled Floor 1 through Floor 4 or GA Pit) put you right in front of the artist. If you prefer elevated seating, sections 106 through 108 and lower-numbered 200 sections face the stage head-on.
- Avoid Extreme Side Views: Sections directly flanking the stage (like 116 or 120) are often sold as limited-view or side-stage tickets. You will be very close to the physical structure, but you'll look across the stage at an extreme angle, missing front-facing projections and screen visuals.
The video below shows the general scale and interior layout of the seating bowl during events.
Premium Seating and Clubs
For fans looking to upgrade their night out, PPG Paints Arena features several club and suite options that bundle amenities into the ticket price.
- KeyBank Club and Captain Morgan Club: Associated with lower-level center sections, these ticket holders gain access to private concourses, upscale food options, and dedicated restrooms.
- Lexus Loge Boxes: Positioned between the lower and upper bowls, these semi-private spaces offer comfortable seating, in-seat service, and access to the exclusive Lexus Club.
- Executive Suites: Perfect for corporate groups or large gatherings, suites provide climate-controlled interior rooms combined with exterior balcony seating bowl access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sections are behind the Pittsburgh Penguins bench?
The Penguins bench sits directly in front of sections 101 through 103 on the Washington Place side of the arena.
Are there any completely obstructed-view seats at PPG Paints Arena?
Standard seating rows offer clear views of the playing surface. However, extreme side-stage sections for concerts or rows directly behind structural handrails in the upper deck can have minor line-of-sight interruptions. Check the official Pittsburgh Penguins Virtual Venue before purchasing.
How many rows are in the lower bowl sections?
Lower bowl sections typically feature between 20 and 23 rows. Row A sits right against the glass or protective barrier, while the highest rows sit right beneath the suite level.
Is accessible seating available on all levels?
Yes. ADA-approved accessible seating is integrated into all levels and price tiers of the arena, accompanied by elevator access to ensure smooth entry and exit.
