Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Igloo - Retractable Dome (Gone)
Nicknamed "The Igloo," the Civic Arena was built in 1961 with a stainless steel retractable dome, the first of its kind in the world. From the glory days of Pittsburgh steel, Igloo fans wept when it was knocked down in 2001.
Pittsburgh Civic Arena
- Directions:
- Pittsburgh Civic Arena, Centre Ave. and Washington Pl.
- Hours:
- Oct. 2011: Demolished
- Status:
- Gone
Visitor Tips and News About The Igloo - Retractable Dome
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The Civic Arena was built in 1961 of 2,950 tons of Pittsburgh steel in its stainless steel retractable dome, the first of its kind in the world. A perfect tribute to the city of Pittsburgh! Upon completion it was viewed as a monumental technological achievement, and to this day it remains one of the largest retractable domes in the world.
It was initially constructed for the Civic Light Opera, whose intention was to sing under the stars. Because of its shining stainless steel dome, it was nicknamed "The Big Igloo," which then established the "Penguins" as the newly formed hockey franchise in 1967 (so in effect the "Igloo" is the official Mother of the Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey team, thereby making the Civic Arena an indelible part of their history as well).
This building is currently being threatened by demolition despite its historical significance.
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