PPG Paints Arena

(Formerly: CONSOL Energy Center)

Home of the Pittsburgh Penguins

PPG Paints Arena owned by the Pittsburgh Sports and Exhibition Authority and home to the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins was a design assist project. Lighthouse Electric was chosen for the electrical construction because of our ability to provide a substantive design contribution and then manage the project to an on time completion. PPG Paints Arena was the third major project that Lighthouse constructed for the Sports and Exhibition Authority, having previously built PNC Park and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Lighthouse also had experience working with the architectural team of Populous (Formerly HOK Sport) / L.D. Astorino & Associates at PNC Park. As a design assist contractor, it was our duty to review the engineers design, estimate the construction cost, and then provide, if appropriate, alternate options to keep the project on budget and on track.

Virtual Design & Construction

PPG Paints Arena was a Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)/Building Information Modeling (BIM) project. Lighthouse took the 2D design intent drawings and turned them into a 3D model. We coordinated the model with other trades to create a clash free building installation document. Our Lighthouse team drew and accurately represented each piece of equipment, cable tray, power distribution conduit, bus duct risers and underground utility conduit. With this information, we were able to order materials more accurately as information put into the model can be exported directly to a bill of materials. Looking good on paper and being able to buy materials smarter are only a part of a CDC/BIM project; the installation too must be accurate. With our design model we were able to locate, using our Robotic Total Station, all points of installation including manholes, duct banks, conduit stub-ups, pour sleeves, and hanger inserts accurately and quickly. The final product was a living document that continues to serve the owner by supporting all aspects of the building management.

CONSTRUCTED: 2008 - 2010
OWNER
Pittsburgh Sports & Exhibition Authority
ARCHITECT
Populous, formerly HOK Sport
PROJECT MANAGERS
P.J. Dick-Hunt a Joint Venture
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Lighthouse Electric Company, Inc.
ELECTRICAL / COMMUNICATIONS / SECURITYCONTRACT VALUE
$30,000,000
LEED CERTIFIED

Lighthouse Electric | PPG Paints Arena | West Facing Window
West Facing Window Wall of Main Entrance

One of our commitments to the owner was to support M/WBE. Lighthouse pulled several projects from its contract and subcontracted them to disadvantaged companies. These companies, without Lighthouse support, would not have qualified to construct the project as a whole. Lighthouse was able to give them the backing they needed to work on a major construction project and at the same time learn how to deal with the reporting, project coordination and documentation aspects of the job.

Lighthouse Electric | Consol Energy Center | Virtual Design & Construction
Virtual Design & Construction

CONSOL Energy Center was a Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)/Building Information Modeling (BIM) project. Lighthouse took the 2D design intent drawings and turned them into a 3D model. We coordinated the model with other trades to create a clash free building installation document. Our Lighthouse team drew and accurately represented each piece of equipment, cable tray, power distribution conduit, bus duct risers and underground utility conduit. With this information, we were able to order materials more accurately as information put into the model can be exported directly to a bill of materials. Looking good on paper and being able to buy materials smarter are only a part of a CDC/BIM project; the installation too must be accurate. With our design model we were able to locate, using our Robotic Total Station, all points of installation including manholes, duct banks, conduit stub-ups, pour sleeves, and hanger inserts accurately and quickly. The final product was a living document that continues to serve the owner by supporting all aspects of the building management.

Lighthouse Electric | Consol Energy Center | Fun Facts
Fun Facts
  • 18,000+ Seat Arena
  • 720,000 Sq. Ft.
  • 13,000+ Architectural Light Fixtures plus
  • 500 Event Fixtures
  • 2-Year Construction Schedule
  • 2500A , 5KV Incoming Service
  • Project included the fit-out of (1) Team Store, (2) Retail Spaces, (2) Club Seat Lounges plus (1) Full-Service "Igloo" Club, (56) Suite Boxes, (6) Concession Areas, (4) Locker Rooms, Player Training/Treatment Facilities, Suite "66", and Team Offices