PITTSBURGH -- The cheers at Mellon Arena are changing from "Let's Go Pens" to "Don't Go Pens."

With the future of the Pittsburgh Penguins up in the air, nearly 1,000 fans took part in a rally outside the arena before the Pens-Tampa Bay game Sunday.

---

Slideshow: Pictures Of 'Save The Penguins' Rally
Talk About It: Jump On Our Message Board And Share Your Thoughts

---

Team owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux are considering an offer to move the Pens to Kansas City, Mo. They're also negotiating with Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Gov. Ed Rendell and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl to strike a deal for a new arena in Pittsburgh.

Some of those elected politicians were invited to the rally Sunday. They didn't attend, but fans believe the show of support for the Pens will be recognized.

"It's going to be on the news. People are going to hear about it," said Jon Celender, an 18-year-old student who organized the event. "Lemieux is going to see about it. Onorato, Rendell -- they're going to see that the city supports the team and they don't want them to go. I think it's sending a message to them."

No new talks between the Pens and the city are scheduled this week.