PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 08: A general view of PPG PAINTS Arena before Game Five of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final between the Nashville Predators and the Pittsburgh Penguins on June 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Rhode Island Basketball: What Can Rhody Fans Expect in Pittsburgh?
Some Rhode Island basketball fans may already be familiar with the Steel City. But if not, here’s a rundown if you’re headed to Pittsburgh this week.
Unlike last year, Rhody fans will be a short flight (or even a drive) away from URI’s first round NCAA Tournament site. Rhode Island will be playing at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh — an arena where they’ve had some success recently. The Rams cut down the nets at that very venue in 2017 after winning the Atlantic 10 Tournament title. And that weekend saw plenty of URI fans in the ‘Burgh, so there’s definitely some familiarity with the city. But if you’re headed there again, here’s what to expect.
First, the stadium. PPG Paints Arena opened in 2010 as the Consol Energy Center. The name was changed to PPG Paints in late 2016. This will be their second time hosting first and second round NCAA Tournament games. The Dance also came to Pittsburgh in 2012. Also of note: the host of these games is technically Duquesne University, Rhody’s A-10 friends. They also were the hosts in 2012. PPG Paints Arena seats 19.100 for basketball.
As for the city itself, it’s know for it’s three rivers: the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. Pittsburgh also has an up-and-coming food scene, which is sure to pique the interest of Ram fans. Speaking of that, there’s an pregame meetup for fans on Thursday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Buford’s Kitchen near the arena. For more info, including how to register, click here.
It’s time for Rhode Island to take over the city.
