Pittsburgh Civic Arena Roof Open

The hydraulic jacks never functioned properly so the roof was kept permanently closed after 1994.

Pittsburgh civic arena roof open.

You could see the orange upper seats from outside. The building was constructed in 1961 for use by the pittsburgh civic light opera at a cost of 22 million which would equal 171 million in 2012 dollars. 19 1961 but then closed after 22 minutes because of fears that the. It s maximum opening would be about 75 open with the roof leaves under the support arm.

It was opened for the arena s first act an ice capades show on sept. It was crazy looking to me since it drastically changed the appearance of the arena. It was the first retractable roof major sports venue in the world. 66 mario lemieux place at sunset.

Constructed in 1961 for use by the pittsburgh civic light opera clo it was the brainchild of department store owner. 1964 the beatles played their only pittsburgh show at the civic arena. The civic arena formerly the civic auditorium and later mellon arena was an arena located in downtown pittsburgh pennsylvania the civic arena primarily served as the home to the pittsburgh penguins the city s national hockey league nhl franchise from 1967 to 2010. Its roof which was supported by a 260 foot long cantilevered arm.

The civic arena opened on september 17 1961 with a symphonic concert by members of the pittsburgh symphony. They opened it partway during god bless america before an arena football pittsburgh gladiators playoff game. Opening the roof would be a fitting end for the building. It was a sellout.