Yesterday, October 4, 2016, the  name of the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins was officially changed. The original name of the arena was CONSOL Energy Center, but it is now PPG Paints Arena. It was announced yesterday that PPG had reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins to immediately assume naming right for Pittsburgh’s multipurpose arena. PPG also becomes the official paint supplier of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Financial terms for the 20-year agreement were not disclosed.

In the coming weeks, signage inside and outside of the arena and all related marketing materials will transition to reflect the new logo and name.

Michael McGarry, the PPG chairman and CEO, made a statement on this new agreement. “As we continue to invest in building our brand, PPG Paints Arena offers us a unique platform to showcase our paint and coating products that help protect and beautify the world. This partnership – with of the most-watched sports franchises on television – enables PPG to showcase our consumer products to an audience of home-improvement consumers and paint professionals. We are proud to support the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins and to invest in this important venue in our hometown,” McGarry continued. “On behalf of our customers, employees, and business partners around the world, PPG sends a hearty, ‘Let’s Go Pens!’ cheer to the team and all of Pittsburgh.”

The PPG Paints Arena logo will be installed at center ice and on dasher boards around the playing surface. In addition to having a presence at the arena, PPG material and advertising will be at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, the primary practice and training facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

PPG is also planning a variety of engagement initiatives, including providing PPG Paints products coupons and promotions for its paint products as well as Pittsburgh Penguins tickets and gear giveaways.

This is an interesting move considering the Pittsburgh Penguins just won the Stanley Cup with CONSOL Energy Center, but was probably a smart move to ensure the future of the arena. Let’s all hope this new name does not affect the outcome of the season.