Now the Ball is ROLLING!

It would seem as though the recent announcement of the groundbreaking ceremony has got the ball rolling and that things have been swiftly set in motion for the construction of the Penguins new arena. This is something that all Pens fans have waited a long time for (the 2010-2011 will be here before we know it) and this is only the beginning - it's exciting!!

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority awarded $38.4 million in contracts yesterday towards the construction of the new arena for utility, concrete foundations and walls, electrical, and metal stairs and handrails. This is in addition to the previous $52.6 million in contracts awarded last month.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for next Thursday and Mary Conturo, SEA Executive Director, told PPG that construction should begin "in earnest" next week.

The SEA board also signed off on a community benefits agreement with the Hill District relating to the arena work. The agreement includes money toward a Hill grocery store, development of a neighborhood master plan and a first crack at arena-related jobs for Hill residents

For more information on the new arena (most of which are the technical details, but also includes a few more pictures), visit the SEA's webpage.