The Pittsburgh Penguins will celebrate the LGBTQ+ community as they host their third annual Pride Game on Monday, December 12 at PPG Paints Arena at 7:00 PM.
Penguins players will tape their sticks for pre-game warmups with rainbow Pride Tape, use pucks during warmups with a rainbow pattern and take to the ice wearing commemorative warm-up jerseys that feature the Progress Pride Flag within the numbers. Pride Tape aims to end homophobia in sports and is a badge of support from pros to young LGBTQ+ players. It shows every player that they belong playing the sports they love.
All fans attending the Pride Game will receive a commemorative Pride Game You Can Play rally towel courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. Rally towels will be distributed in various colors to create a rainbow within PPG Paints Arena with the goal of showing allyship and inclusivity together with the Penguins’ fan base.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were named the NHL’s 2021-22 Inclusion Champions by You Can Play. The recognition acknowledged the organization’s efforts in categories such as education, arena visibility, fundraising, social media, and resource sharing.
The Penguins Foundation will hold an online auction featuring autographed Pride jerseys, a set of Pride Game locker room nameplates, and team-signed items. The auction kicks off on December 12 and runs through December 19 at 12:00 PM. Once live, fans may bid at pridegame.givesmart.com or by texting PRIDEGAME to 76278.
The Penguins Foundation will also host fundraising opportunities on the concourse during the Pride Game, including the sale of warmup pucks, Pride Game shirts and UNRL rainbow hats from Penguins forward Jason Zucker’s Give16 campaign.
Fundraising will benefit the You Can Play Project and Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation. Penguins President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke and his son, Patrick, helped launch the You Can Play Project in 2012, with the goal of ensuring the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans. It was founded in honor of the late Brendan Burke, Brian’s son and Patrick’s brother. Burke has also purchased two suites to host local LGBTQ+ community members and allies at the Pride Game.
Leading into the Penguins Pride Game, the Pittsburgh Tigers, the city’s only LGBTQ+ friendly hockey team, will host an open skate event at the Hunt Armory on December 10 starting at 2:00 PM.
Local organizations will be on-hand in the Penguins Pride Zone, behind the Captain Morgan Club, during the Pride Game and QBurgh will be on hand to capture every moment. Resources will be shared by Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, PFLAG, Three Rivers Business Alliance, Proud Haven, Gay for Good, and the Pittsburgh Tigers. Fans are encouraged to visit the Penguins Pride Zone and nearby Ford Lounge to meet representatives. In addition, the Lexus Club will serve as a post-game meet-up spot for our LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Tickets are still available for the Penguins Pride Game through a special offer here.