Great atmosphere! The size is perfect for college sports (and concerts). Everything is easily laid out and the staff are attentive to the fans during the entire event. Lots of food options including some of the latest technology to make grab and go even quicker. The only knock would be the parking and location literally on the side of a huge hill.... But you quickly overlook that once you are inside and enjoying Oakland's best! read more

Petersen Events Center - Friends grabbing a photo at the Pitt Script Lego logo - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I enjoy visiting the Peterson Events center to watch Pitt Basketball. The facility is very clean and orderly and the employees are all pretty friendly. The seats are comfortable (as much as they can be) and I don't feel overly crowded while sitting. Their chicken and fries are great and the cheeseburger was pretty good as well. I may try to pizza next time. read more

Petersen Events Center - Photo from our seats - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Well, there was a snowstorm so it's very hilly getting here! Our Uber driver did a great job getting us up and down the hills. Not sure of the parking situation, but very nice stadium. Food looks good & friendly people. Go PITT !!! read more

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The Center is Absolutely Not Friendly to Visitors!!! NO PARKING!!! Do not attempt to go without having reserved parking, if any is even possible. They closed down all the parking garages to event attendees and very limited street parking . We could not find any even though we were there 1.5 hours before it started. When I did finally find a place 6 blocks away, I got a ticket for $35 bc didn't see a small sign for a Science Center. They had to have waited until I just left as I came back to car within 15 minutes! read more

We went to a concert at the Petersen events center on March 19th. We had seats but the area in front of stage was standing only. The seats were great and very comfortable. The sound on the other hand wasn't the best for a concert not sure I would go back for a concert, I would go for a basketball game but not for a concert. First time going to this place. read more

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I've been to several basketball games here and I always have a great time. The staff does an excellent job of keeping the lines moving and getting people in the door. The prices for concessions seem a bit steep, but I suppose it's in line with other stadiums. Our seats had a great view of the court. The seats were also quite comfortable with ample leg room. read more

Petersen Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Facility is outstanding and the workers were very friendly and helpful. The LACK of parking needs addressed, you have this great facility with thousands of tickets sold. And knowing that there are few parking options, You cannot use any hospital parking spots so you must park at the top of the hill and walk which is not conducive to anyone with medical issues. read more

Worst concert venue I have EVER been to. To start when getting screened at the entrance an chei machine went off on a man infront of my group and the security did NOTHING. During the show there was a TON of light pollution from curtains not being shut all the way and not all the lights being turned off. The security seemed very untrained for this type of event. They seemed to have ZERO knowledge on how to deal with intoxicated individuals as they crowed them and yelled at them mid show. They also constantly had their backs turned away from the crowd and towards the show, at one point a security ladies even blocked the view of the show from me just to watch (and even looked back then proceeded to watch). Then while leaving they had little control over the flow of traffic. Demanding people get off the one side of the side walk, but then yelling at us for walking on the blocked off road??? Overall the artist did phenomenal, the venue failed them. read more

Wife and I went to the Peterson Events Center the other day for our sons 2018 graduation from high school. This was the first time I was at the Peterson Center. I believe normally they have concerts there and the Panthers play there as well. It is a big stadium with lots of seating. It was a small graduation as there e where only 55 kids in the graduating class. The Center was nice and the seats where pretty comfortable. Overall I was happy with venue. I would go there again if something came up read more

Petersen Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I went to a WAMO Summer Jam concert when the Petersen Events Center first opened in 2002 and hadn't been back for years until I was lucky enough to be given tickets to a Men's Pitt basketball game. It almost feels like a NBA arena inside as the atmosphere is second to none and doesn't fill small at all. Much like PNC Park I don't think that there is a bad seat in any of the 12,000+ seats. The audio visual system during the team introduction is amazing! Every usher or worker I came in contact with was very nice and helpful in getting me to my seats. I really like the Pitt Zoo area or student section. Man can they get loud as they really get into the game! The marching band is very good also. There are quite a few different food choices like bacon cheese fries, ice cream, pizza, popcorn, pretzels and much, much more. The day I went they were even giving out free t shirts on the Concourse level. I must say that the bathrooms are extremely clean also. There are several parking lots nearby, but leaving can be a bit tough as most of the lots have one way in and one way out, but the University of Pittsburgh police and City of Pittsburgh do a great job of directing traffic and controlling the light to get everyone out as quickly as possible. #H2P read more

Petersen Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Refreshing my review from a few years ago. Still give the Peterson 5 stars. It is a great venue for sports. I'm here quite often for the Pitt Mens Basketball games. Security is quick- make sure you bring a clear bag for a purse and its even faster. If it rains, don't bother with an umbrella, you aren't allowed to bring one in. Currently everyone needs to wear a mask with COVID. Not sure when that policy will change so just be prepared. The soft pretzel is still by far my favorite soft pretzel ever! They did raise the price, its now $6 which is crazy but I continue to pay for it. The women's bathrooms are always clean. I do find old food in the stands though- not sure how often they are cleaned but it should be after every event! The new baseline club section is nice from the outside. I haven't paid for a ticket to sit there yet. We park on the street and walk, however, there are lots nearby. Hopefully the stadium will be full again one day but for now I enjoy the extra space around me. read more

As a student at the University of Pittsburgh -- I can honestly say that I haven't been in the place but one other time. Reason #1) I haven't had the chance to attend a sports event yet. Reason #2) The mountain ... I mean hill that you have to go up to get to this beauty. It is huge and beautiful from the outside , but once you get inside it's not as large as you probably imagined it to be. ( which I appreciated ). My recent visit was for the Funny as Ish Comedy tour. That being said it was good for a comedy show to have such an intimate atmosphere. The audio visuals for the space were pretty good. Cons - the parking is non existent - the prices are not an accurate reflection of the seating seating that the venue is so small. ( for instance in order to be on the floor I would have paid double the ticket price that i paid for my ticket and I was legit 2 or three rows away ) - could use a small upgrade. read more

My husband and I purchased tickets for the November 28th Penatonix concert for our mothers for Christmas. Unfortunately, this venue sold seats that made it IMPOSSIBLE to see the stage! I've been to a lot of concerts, but never have I purchased tickets for a venue in which you could only see the very edge of the stage! Be warned! The diagram makes it appear as if you will be able to see the stage but not all seats made that possi read more

Petersen Events Center - Couldn't see the stage! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I came to the Petersen Events Center for the 2018 University of Pittsburgh graduation ceremony. The area is impeccably clean and modern for a space that usually hosts basketball games. The bathrooms are a bit spread apart but for the most part pretty clean given the heavy use. The seating is not luxurious but more comfortable than some NBA arenas. The concourses are tight and the room to maneuver in and out of the seating area is even tighter. The food options burning graduation were limited I snack fare. Overall a very nice venue for a graduation. Would that it had more seats. read more

This was an awesome surprise to me. As huge of a sports fan as I am. I never expected Pitt to be this exciting of a night. I came simply to catch Duke like any other year when dey travel north for away games. This atmosphere was crazy. I can say I've never experienced a college crowd until this one. The only knock i had was it was super hectic trying find parking. But once we solved that issue ($10 & a 10 block walk) it was on. The Pitt fans were the perfect blend of rowdy & respect. The crowd was loud & electric from tip off until late in the 4th when it was clear the home court advantage wasn't going to stop Duke from getting getting the W. The food prices were reasonable( right about $10) but my only gripe is most of the stands only accepted cash. read more

Petersen Events Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I went to this venue for the tame impala concert. I had to endure the opening act of junglepussy (find God if you read this). After listening to jungle pussy I walked across the street and checked into WPIC. My life will never be the same. read more

I really like this venue! I was never here before yesterday and I had a good experience. It was big enough to accommodate a large number of people while also allowing everybody to see perfectly. I would say it had to do with the rather steep stairs. The show started at 7 and virtually everyone was still outside going through security at that time. The lines were really long but it didn't take long at all. There were different food vendors inside, and long lines where they were selling alcoholic beverages, but I didn't try either of those things in this visit. The only problem I had was the extreme lack of parking options nearby. I really should have taken an Uber! read more

Petersen Events Center - Rehearsal for cirque - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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I don't visit the Petersen Events Center often, but I was here recently for Gabriel Iglesias and wanted to review the space. First off, this place needs an update like yesterday! But that's besides the point. This show was pretty high in attendance and the entrance line when all the way down the hill, crossing intersections, wrapping around street corners - it was a little scary. I wasn't aware of any other entrances, but after we got in, I believe I saw another entrance on the 2nd floor or something, which would've been nice to know or maybe directed to so the main entrance wasn't overflowing into Oakland! But, maybe that's just my lack of knowledge haha. Also, it would be convenient for those who may not be able to do stairs too well. Although it was a little crazy, the staff was available every couple of feet willing to direct you where to go. I've never been to the Petersen before so this was super helpful! Let's talk about the nachos - YUM! If you like spicy queso (aka cheese sauce) and jalapenos, make sure to get some nachos next time you're here for a game or show! As far as parking, we were able to easily get a spot in a garage nearby (I want to say it was the Allequippa Garage) for only about $10. (I'm sorry if that's not 100% accurate, we were just trying to park and get to the venue!) Overall, the experience was very easy and I wanted to give a shout out to the staff because I'm sure they don't get crowds like that super often but they handled it well! But I know for next time to find that other entrance!! read more

With its 9,000 end stage seat concert capacity, Petersen Events Center does fill that tricky gap between Consol Energy Center and Stage AE in terms of larger indoor music venues. Formerly the site of Pitt Stadium, "The Pete," as it is nicknamed, opened in 2002, its construction mostly funded through a 10 million dollar sum donated by philanthropists John and Gertrude Petersen for the primary purpose of hosting college basketball games. Spectacular mirrored and futuristic enough to behold from the outside, the grand lobby is virtually a museum of trophies and sports memorabilia, which brings me to my point: Leave this place to the hardwood contests, a pastime I can take or leave. I attended a Judas Priest gig here recently, and while I had myself a fantastic evening of sound, sight, and fury, it felt as if I was in an oversized high school gymnasium. The planks that covered the floor gave the arena a makeshift feel, and Britain's elder gods of metal deserved so much more. The sound was fine I suppose, but hell...Priest, man, Priest! Yeah, Consol may have been too big (roughly 14,000 end stage) considering Perhaps a two-night summertime open-air stand at Stage AE (5,500 outside, 2,200 inside) would have been more apropos? Are ya thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? That Pittsburgh needs another music hall for events at this level? P.S. I can't comment on the concessions as I usually try to eat before such events to avoid being gouged by peddlers of sub-par grub. read more

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Here for the amazing Cirque performance. Awesome seats !!! In section 102 row F. I have never been here for a sports event, only Arts/Cultural. I must say that floor seats are really not great for the events that I have seen here. When they set up the stage it is usually pretty high, so if you are on the floor you are always looking up. Also if the stage is long, you are not only looking up but, left and right. The better seats are 1st balcony section 101 & 102. If you can sit in the row F, that is the 1st row and its GREAT. However, in 101 & 102 the 1st 15 rows are great !! Actually, pretty much anything on the 1st level balcony are real great seats. read more

Petersen Events Center - This is the stage view from my seat... section 102 row F. Awesome. - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Been to many Pitt basketball games and the arena is great. The student section (Oakland Zoo) get really into games and jump up and down whenever the opposing team has the ball. I think the students get more exercise than some of the basketball players. The students also taunt the other team players a lot. For example, if an opposing team player shoots an air ball, the students will chant "air ball" whenever he touches the ball for the rest of the game. There are several parking lots nearby to use ($10). Let's go Pitt! They also hold concerts and shows here as well. I've seen Cirque du Soleil here. read more

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I've never been an event in this place...until recently. I was in here before to grab bite to eat at the various food spots (hot tip: one of the only Burger Kings still in the city (only open until 7 pm though)). It feels and looks big from the outside. However from the inside it looks rather small. I was puzzled how so many people pack into this place. Watching all those people walk up the hill to get there it seems like there is no way for them to all fit in this building. But somehow they make it happen. Like reviewers before, it's showing it's wear. Carpeting ripping in certain areas and other superficial marks every so often. Parking is atrocious, take public transit instead. The people that staff this place are on their game. They know just about every nook and cranny and how to get there from here. I will come back here for another even that is for sure. read more

Very nice facility. Felt brand new although I understand it has a few years on it. I love the glass and steel entrance and the views that are provided of the campus/surrounding from the upper floor concourse. Parking was easy and it was nice to have a shuttle take us "up the hill" even though the shuttle ride was probably a told of 150 yards. I like that the students surround the court for Pitt basketball games. Having the courtside seats is interesting but I'm sure it's worth the money. Bathrooms were clean. I didn't eat or drink anything but the options looked plentiful at typical stadium pricing. At the end of the game the exit took awhile. I was surprised because it was a blowout. Again, great facility for an excellent university. read more

I can't believe (especially being a Pitt alum) I had never been to an event at the Pete until just this past Saturday when Pitt took on St. Bonaventure for NCAA men's basketball! We sat in section 207, sort of mid-court, and had a great view of all the action. We didn't use any of the concessions so I can't speak for that,however, I will say-they should sell beer during the basketball games. WVU does,Syracuse does, most schools actually do. The only real complaint (besides not selling beer) was that where we sat, air was consistently blowing on us and it was 35 degrees that day so that was totally unnecessary and unappreciated. We parked at soldiers and sailors (event day $10) and had an easy walk up to the Pete. For the tickets being only $20 each, I was happy with the experience and particularly, the winning outcome of the game. read more

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Absolutely terrible experience trying to get into this place to see a show. Unless you plan on leaving to be there hours ahead of time, you can forget about finding a parking space ANYWHERE. Their "lots" become full immediately. After driving around for OVER AN HOUR looking for a parking space, we became frustrated and left to go back home. At this point, it was well past an hour after the show had started. So, not only did we miss out on seeing a show that we had bought tickets for months in advance, we are also out over $200 that we paid for the tickets. I highly suggest avoiding this venue! It is in one of the worst locations, sells way over the amount of tickets they can accommodate. Guess it's money for them, so who cares. Sorry, Bill, would've loved to see ya! read more

Went to 2 concerts this past weekend at your facility. First time there but have been at several other large facilities before. Google map shows a handicap parking lot, asked a very nice policeman but unfortunately there is none and where we were told to go they were not accepting event parking. Also a very rude security guard was monitoring the side where we had to turn around. Ran up to the car yelling about being there..Policeman told us ok to turn there. Need to get rid of the older man in the elevator, very rude, obnoxious, overly loud, unprofessional. No family restrooms, only 2 stalls in the ladies room on the lobby floor. Disabled people are a big part of the group going to concerts these days. read more

It was amateur hour tonight with the staff at the Pete. Very unprepared for the laid back crowd tonight. If this beaur

If there is such a thing as an intimate place to watch a major college basketball game then, this is it. Every seat in the place is good and you feel right on top of the action. There is parking on the hill right above it and you can then walk down the hill to go the game. Going back - well you have to walk up the hill. It is really not that bad. The food is pretty typical for a sports venue - mediocre and over priced, IMO. Eat before you go. read more

Came here for sister's commencement, and it was my first time ever inside the Pete. Needless to say, the facility is really clean and bright. Staff was friendly and helpful that day, concession prices were on par for any sporting stadium, and all seats gave you a clear view of the action down below. Congrats to all the new 2013 grads! read more

LET'S GO PITT!!! I wish the Pete had been around when I was in college. Unfortunately it was still under construction and we had graduation at Mellon Arena instead. Too bad because this is a great venue and would've been a nice place to have graduation. I've come here for numerous Pitt basketball games as well as a Kanye West concert. Sight lines for basketball are pretty good everywhere in the place. I've had seats at the absolute further row back and "good" seats on the corners and been ok with both. In addition, the exercise facility is pretty top notch for students. Sure beats trudging all the way up to Trees Hall like we had to back in the day. read more

HAIL 2 PITT. I spent so many days in the Zoo during Undergrad and Grad school. I was very happy when my schedule allowed me to come back to Pittsburgh. The Pete is the best college basketball arena hands down. Remember when Gibbs shot the 3 to beat Prov? Or when Ramon shot the 3 to beat WVU 55-54? or when Dejuan flipped Thabeet? I wish I was still a student at Pitt. Maybe I should go back to undergrad at 26.... read more

Before you wonder why a 30+ man (refers to self) was at a Demi Lovato concert, please know that I accompanied a friends daughter. WAIT! I also appreciate some of Lovato's music so um, yea. I was curious to hear her sing live (no shame) and was pleased with the outcome. Of course, with all shows, there were high and low points. Demi Lovato is an early 20 something who got her start along with Miley and the Jonas Brothers via Disney (like many others). Lovato has actually managed to surpass the child star curse in a unique way that some from her generation should take note. She candidly talked with the audience about overcoming addiction and spending time in Africa. So young and wise, Lovato sometimes came off strong (in my opinion) to an audience of primarily tween girls with her wise words of wisdom and empowerment. I do, again, appreciate her delivery of some tough love in which she stressed that people need to care about themselves and not the thoughts of others. She ended one of her speeches with, "I really don't care," punning her current hit with fellow young diva, Cher Lloyd. Now for the missteps in the show. Honestly, there are only 2 comments here. Some of the high energy pop-rock songs (presumably album cuts) drowned out her vocals, leaving my ears to only hear Lovato basically scream over the clash of guitars and synthesizers (not to mention the loud cheers of the audience). One other misstep was a cover of "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. No typo, Lovato escaped the stage for her one and only costume change and came back to a karaoke version of Jackson's massive hit. It was karaoke at best, to which she gave a try at joining her back-up dancers with some forced choreography. Taking from her previous speech, I know she was having fun and just "really did NOT care." Ending on a positive note, Lovato showed us that she can play the piano and guitar in stripped down versions and melodies of fan-chosen songs. I was so very impressed by the 1 hour, 30 minute set that saw Lovato push out vocals from her tiny frame with NO backing track. Refreshing in today's age of pop-tart fast food music. An honorable mention must go to Christina Perri for her vocal talent. She warmed the crowd up with a catalog I did not realize she had with such charisma and simplicity. The 13 year old I attended the show with enjoyed her time and said it was her most favorite concert ever in life. So, Demi, you made an impression. Keep doing you staying as authentic as presented yourself in Pittsburgh and it will be a life well lived. read more

It's loud (they even put on the jumbotron their loudness rating), there's zero parking, it's on a hill, and overall is kinda blah. Before Consol Energy Center it beat anything else in this town hands down for arenas....but now it's aging. If you're going to have a multi-million dollar arena, here's a suggestion: keep it up. Keep it clean. Their restrooms were gross and disgusting, and there weren't nearly enough men's facilities. The entrance to the place was flooded and they had you walking through power cables covered in water. I'm not a fan. If Pitt decided to hold games at Consol I wouldn't cry. read more

We came here for the Circus show-OVO. The show was fantastic, every actor and actress was impressive and I was afraid to blink to miss anything. We parked two blocks away from the theater because we weren't sure whether there will be parkings available since it was a on campus theater. Turns out we have to climb a slope and it was hard on a rainy night. read more

Fairly intimate setting for a concert. The concessions were only located in one area, which after we figured out where - was really simple to access. We had floor access for the Justin Moore/Lee Brice tour, but walking through the seating areas, there wouldn't have been a bad one in the place! Just in case anyone is wondering (because my friends and I were, but we could NOT find it in any other review or on any FAQs elsewhere), there WAS beer (only) available during our event. read more

This place is great for a sporting event or concert. There should be an O Hotdog stand on each floor. Books, check em out read more

Went to I Love the 90's tour. Sound was horrible, only 2 doors opened to get in. I actually wanted to move further away from the stage. At the end of the night , with Vanilla Ice left to go I sat in a seat and had an usher ask for my tickets!!!!! The worst worst place to see a concert. read more

Very nice event center and the Cirque Du Soleil show here was amazing. Best show I have ever seen!

Security paid almost 700 for front row seats for the Millennium Tour on March 8th 2019. Coming in the arena looked nice & clean. It seemed normal. Ive been to multiple concerts in multiple states & i HAVE NEVER EVER in my life witnessed security allowing any & everyone to walk straight up to front row. The concert was at least 3.5 hours. Security came thtough one time to clear people out. The people that were cleared out didnt even leave. They stood off to the side & walked right back in. This kept going on. There was one lady that got kicked out at least 10 times & security kept letting her walk right back in. They would have to be complete idiots to forget the faces of the people who they already knew did not have tickets to be in front row. It was to the point where i couldnt even stand up or sit down comfortably because there was about 50 ppl standing in front on side & on top of me. I came to the concert to see the headliners, B2k. Since the rest of the concert was completely ruined i asked security to at least clear out the people before the last act came on. The security guard was extremely rude but still said he would. He never did. B2k came on & even more people ran to the front row. It was to the point I couldn't take it anymore. I could barely move. The security was just blatantly ignoring the fact that front row was getting trampled over. I asked to speak to security supervisor he basically said they have better things to do than keep clearing people out & i should talk to an usher. I tried to stand on the side because that was the second person i spoke to that was extremely rude & did not offer anything. I walked to the back & spoke to another man that completely blew me off. I walked past him & spoke to another woman. As im speaking with her another male staff walked up. They just sat there and kept saying their boss had already went home and the best thing for me to do was call on monday. Thats what i did. The first representative i spoke to was extremely rude as well. She kept saying i shouldnt of came to a concert if i wanted to sit down the whole time. Wow. When you pay for a concert arent you paying for your seat? If I explained to her she was just as rude as everyone of the staff there. I said is everyone in PA this rude? She said yup. I was livid. I called back she said she was a supervisor so id have to speak to her boss. So i did - i went on for 20 mins about how this was the WORST & unsafe experience ive ever had. If there was a fire or earthquake people would have easily been trampled over bc front row was completely congested. After all that he basically said i had never been in front row before so i wasn't familiar with how it works. You have got to be kidding me. I have never in my life been to a concert where any & everybody can walk right up to front row. Might as well let everyone back stage while youre at it too. It was absolutely absurd! I had to go out of my way to write this review because it was that bad. No one offered any help no one offered to move my seat nothing. None of the staff could even point me in the direction of the head boss. I felt like i was in a twilight zone. This was the WORST venue i have ever been to. & from the few parts i could see the show was actually good & we could have had a good time if security was maintained like it should be at any concert or arena. One more thing i wanted to add was the boss & supervisor i spoke to over the phone kept saying that id have to speak to the tour manager because they decide how many security guards are at the concert. The problem was not how many security guards there was. The problem is that the security guards were doing absolutely nothing. There was two on either side of front row and three in the middle. And youre telling me 7 men over 300 pounds cant control a bunch of women trampling over eachother? Smh. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR HARD EARNED MONEY GOING HERE. ALMOST 1,000 DOWN THE DRAIN. DONT EVEN BOTHER PAYING FOR FRONT ROW! Just pay the $50 for nose bleeds and walk right up to the front like everyone else! read more

I've been to all the major college basketball arenas within about a 3hr drive and this on is the best. Other newer ones are passing it up thogh. read more