The estimated construction cost is $290 million. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this September, and the venue is expected to open in time for the 2009-2010 hockey season.

No stranger to Pittsburgh, HOK Sport designed PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and Heinz Field for the Pittsburgh Steelers football team at costs of $237 million and $281 million, respectively. Both of those venues opened in 2001.

The architectural firm and Icon have worked together on numerous arenas, including the new Sprint Center in Kansas City, which, ironically, was chief among the sites that almost drew the Penguins away from Pittsburgh when negotiations for a new stadium here reached a deadlock.

This March, as GlobeSt.com previously reported, an agreement was struck by Gov. Ed Rendell; Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle, who own the NHL team; Mayor Luke Ravenstahl; and Allegheny County chief executive Don Onorato, under which the state Gaming Tourism and Economic Development Fund will contribute $7.5 million a year for 30 years from casino revenues.

The hockey stadium will also accommodate concerts and other events. It is currently called Uptown Stadium, but naming rights are being offered.

Ken Sawyer, CEO of the Penguins, says in a statement that HOK Sport and Icon "have been involved in some of the finest and most innovative arena and stadium projects in the world. The Penguins are delighted to have them join our team as we enter this exciting new era for the team and the city."

Instant Insights /

Penguins Pick HOK Sport for $290M Arena

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