Ok Steeler fans so your team is not in the Super Bowl this year, you still have an exciting hockey team that thrills a packed house of crazy hockey fans. Just 6 hours from the Canadian “hey” border this would make a great road trip for the best hockey fans in the world. Here is some help as to how to make the trip work:

TICKETS:

Stubbhub or ebay is probably the best route and depending on who is playing tickets will fluctuate.

PARKING:

I didn’t park around the stadium b/c it costs $15-20. If you drive to downtown after 5:00 PM, parking is typically $5.00 so if you don’t mind walking just a tiny bit, save the $$$

CONCESSIONS:

If you are visiting Pittsburgh you have to stop at Primantis inside the CEC! Other interesting fare includes kielbasa grinders, we were surprised had arena had higher end food and things like Caesar Salads

There is a place on the second concourse called The Smokehouse that seems very nice.  Here one can get a brisket sandwich, a BBQ pork or chicken sandwich and kielbasa.  They actually have a person carving the meat right there.

WHERE TO EAT NEARBY:

Seviche:  930 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh www.seviche.com Many visit here several times per year and am rarely disappointed in the fabulous presentation and service. I recommend the chef’s tasting menu to get the full experience, and always a pitcher of sangria.

COMMENTS

We loved this place. The chorizo-wrapped scallops and the filet mignon are worth a try. Fun atmosphere and great service.

The food here is outstanding. I have had ceviche in a number of countries and cities and this is by far the best. Definitely worth a visit if you are in town.

SPORTSBAR:

Tailgaters Sportsbar & Grill  1420 Centre Avenue  washingtonplaza.com… The food was great. The food menu had a great selection to choose from. I ordered the breaded buffalo chicken sandwich with fries and it was…..great!!

COMMENTS

Tucked away in the corner of Washington Plaza, yep that’s the giant white building with the big red “W” on it, right above the new Consol Energy Center is…….. Tailgaters…….our newest find…

WHERE TO STAY:

Marriot Pittsburgh City Center 112 Washington Place,  www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/p…

COMMNENTS

I have stayed here before but had the chance to spend another night this week and found the room very clean, the staff very courteous and helpful, the view spectacular, and the stay rewarding. The name of the hotel may be misleading since the only thing really near is the hockey arena, and perhaps Duquesne University, but there is a hotel shuttle which will take you wherever you want. If you want to be near quaint shops, stay at the Sheraton at Station Square. If you want to be in the center of the city, stay at the Omni William Penn. But if you can get a comparable price and want a quiet, comfortable place with a fine restaurant and a good track record, I recommend this place.