Gov. Tom Ridge has had preliminary discussions with the Pittsburgh Penguins about using state money to build a new hockey arena in the city.
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Ridge confirmed Wednesday that efforts to replace Mellon Arena, the oldest arena in the National Hockey League, will begin after the team finishes the playoffs.
"We'll support state money for a new trophy case for the Stanley Cup after they win this year," Ridge said, smiling.
Ridge would not commit to anything beyond a new trophy case, however. He said that there will be state money for a new arena, but he's not saying how much.
"A case has to be made for the level of public support," Ridge said, "and I'm going to forewarn you it will be less than the stadiums, because it's an entirely different kind of venue."
That's because unlike the new stadiums, a hockey arena can generate revenue year-round from concerts and other events, WTAE-TV's Paul Van Osdol reports.
The candidates for Pittsburgh mayor also have refused to commit to a figure for a new arena. Mayor Tom Murphy and City Council President Bob O'Connor both said that they would rule out the use of city tax dollars. O'Connor also opposes using county RAD tax money.
Ridge said that the city and county will need to give monetary support before he commits to using state dollars.
"We will need public support at other levels of government, and I think everybody with an eye toward making it happen should meet subsequent to the season and see if we can," Ridge said.
The Penguins already have taken the first step toward building a new arena by buying the St. Francis Hospital property near Duquesne University.
Owner-player Mario Lemieux has said in the the past that a new arena, which could cost as much as $200 million, is a long-term priority for the team.
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