PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It looks like we may be one step closer to seeing development at the former Civic Arena site in Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill District. 

Developers are hoping to move forward with a music venue in the coming months, but there are concerns about promises made to the Hill District neighbors.

A community meeting on Tuesday with the site developers and Hill District talked about progress on what is currently just parking lots in the Lower Hill. The hope is to have an indoor Live Nation music venue built.

“Live Nation has been very interested in building a venue within the city of Pittsburgh. They’ve been focused on the Lower Hill as a central location for that,” said Craig Dunham, vice president of development for the Penguins.

It would hold about 4,500 people and a 900-space garage. The garage has been put on hold, and that has concerns from the Hill Community Development Corporation, as the garage’s parking taxes were going to neighborhood needs. It said in a statement, it said the lack of a parking garage will “pause desperately needed funds for the Ammon Recreation Center and housing development.” 

The group is calling on the city, URA, and Sports and Exhibition Authority to address this. The group feels it’s a promise that is not coming to fruition.

“The venue is ready to move forward. The garage has some work ahead of still relative to finances given our current climate,” Dunham said.

This all comes as the FNB Financial Center is finishing up, but there are still questions about when plans for housing on the site will be done, some of which are slated to be affordable housing. That has been an ongoing battle for years. It is still in the early stages of planning and figuring out the finances to make it happen.

“Until we have that figured out, we don’t have a specific timeline,” Dunham said.

The Hill CDC said it is still closely following this development and wants its needs met.

The Penguins said Bethel AME Church, which got its land back in the Lower Hill, should be moving forward with some development of housing soon.

The Malone Family Foundation, founded by former Pittsburgh Penguin Ryan Malone, will host the 2^nd Annual Black & Gold Breaking the Mold presented by Tomahawk Charitable Solutions as part of Mental Health Awareness Month in May. This two-day event will feature a mental health reception and panel on Wednesday, May 15, and the Hero & Celebrity Hockey Game on Thursday, May 16, the date for MTV’s Mental Health Action Day.

For the second straight year, The Malone Family Foundation received a grant from MTV and the Paramount Veterans Network to support positive mental health action. One of only 22 organizations selected, The Malone Family Foundation’s event focuses on the mental wellness of Veterans, active-duty military and first responders in line with the foundation’s mission and pillars.

Ryan Malone shared, “We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with MTV on Mental Health Action Day. I believe it gives the city and hockey community a chance to shine by showing the spirit of hockey and how it can help people overcome life’s challenges. We are overwhelmed by the support and truly thankful to be part of the mission to advance the conversation from mental health awareness to action. Together WE can accomplish anything. It will be a great day for hockey!”

The Hero & Celebrity Hockey Game on May 16, to be held at the RMU Island Sports Complex, is open to all members of the community. Tickets are available now for $22 with Veterans, military, first responders and their families receiving complimentary tickets. Prior to the game, YaJagoff will host a family-friendly Mental Health Rally presented by Mancini’s Bakery starting at 5 p.m. to shine a light on the cause, share celebrity advocacy, highlight MTV’s A.S.K. (acknowledge, support and keep in touch) campaign and offer mental health resources to attendees. The 911th Airlift Wing Honor Guard will present the colors prior to puck drop at 7 p.m.

Participating celebrities representing the black and gold on the ice include Ryan Malone, Max Talbot, Jeff Carter, Colby Armstrong and Tyler Kennedy, all alumni of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition, former NHL players Corey Hirsch, Kyle Quincey and Matt Bartkowski will join to share their advocacy. Greg Malone, Ken Wregget and Dave Hanson will serve as honorary coaches. Media personalities Paul Steigerwald and Josh Getzoff will play a role in hosting this event, along with additional celebrities set to be announced as the event nears.

NHL alumnus, mental health advocate and author of The Save of My Life: My Journey Out of the Dark, Corey Hirsch expressed, “There was a time in my life where I couldn’t see a tomorrow. I’m living proof that it gets better. There is always a path ahead. Thank you to The Malone Family Foundation for all the work you do.”

Hirsch’s story will be shared further during the Black & Gold Breaking the Mold mental health reception and panel on May 15 for the military and first responder community, celebrities and corporate partners. Six local hockey clubs will be part of the event including the Pittsburgh Warriors, Pittsburgh Icemen, Pittsburgh Fire, PA State Police, It’s About the Warrior Foundation and the Johnstown Generals. Members of each organization will also play in the game.

“The Pittsburgh Icemen are delighted to work with the Malone Family Foundation to champion mental health initiatives for public safety personnel and Veterans. The Malone Family Foundation recognizes the critical importance of mental health of those who serve our communities and country. Hockey has always been more than just a sport for us, it is a platform for positive change and community engagement. Working with this great foundation, we are able to promote healing through hockey,” stated Frank Phillips with the Pittsburgh Icemen.

The mental health reception and panel on May 15 is a private event with sponsorship opportunities available to attend. To inquire, please contact amanda@thevieagency.com by Friday, May 3.

The fundraising goal for Black & Gold Breaking the Mold is $122,000 in recognition of the 22 Veterans who die by suicide each day in the United States. All fans may assist The Malone Family Foundation to achieve this goal by bidding in the Mental Health Auction presented by 84 Lumber, which will launch in mid-May, or by donating online. Text MHAD to 99192 to lend your support and get your tickets here or at: hockeyishealing.org

Sam Johnson, Chairman of the Board for the Pittsburgh Warriors, concluded, “The Malone Family Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting our Veterans and advancing our mission. Their unwavering support forms the foundation of all our aspirations. Without their generous contributions, our efforts in using hockey for healing would lack the same impact. We express our deep gratitude and appreciation for everything they have done for the Pittsburgh Warriors.”

Passionate about giving back to the game that gave him so much, Ryan Malone founded The Malone Family Foundation alongside his family in 2022. The mission of The Malone Family Foundation is to catalyze healing and personal growth through hockey, inspiring impactful individuals and communities. For more, visit: hockeyishealing.org