Hunt Construction Group along with joint venture partner, P.J. Dick recently completed construction of Consol Energy Center. The new home of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins just received its LEED® Gold certification on the day of substantial completion. This achievement makes Consol Energy Center the first NHL arena in the U.S. with this distinction.

Designed by architect Populous, the facility was constructed incorporating sustainable features to ensure it has a minimal impact on the environment. Some of these features include the diversion of 93.7% of the arena's waste from landfills, the use of recycled building materials, sustainably harvested and processed wood, materials that reflect rather than absorb sunlight to reduce heat absorption, lighting control system, low flow plumbing fixtures and use of low emitting materials -- paints, coatings, etc.

The 735,000-square-foot Consol Energy Center stands out from the rest with many unique and upscale features. These include a mix of black and gold seats to give that Pittsburgh feel, a four-sided, 70,000-pound scoreboard, 66 suites, 32 loge boxes and a beautiful view of the Golden Triangle visible from the upper concourse.

Other features of the facility include 795 HD IPTVs throughout the facility, two levels of concourses to ease congestion, east and west main concourse clubs, Lexus Club on suite level, an upscale club on the upper concourse, and 386 toilets and urinals. Additionally, there is a team store, seating for 18,000 for hockey, 19,100 for basketball and 20,000 for concerts and over 150 scheduled events per year.

The first Pittsburgh Penguins game will take place on September 22, 2010 with a preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings.