With the preseason home opener against Detroit less than a month away, we are ready to begin a new era of Penguins hockey at Consol Energy Center.  Before we get swept up in the excitement of that incredible step forward for this franchise, let's pause to look back on the building we have called home for the last 43 years.

Pictured above is a piece that Knitting Lady and I had made to commemorate the final season, and more specifically, the final regular season game at the Igloo.  There has been much debate as to the fate of this historic building.  Though it was not constructed for this purpose, and it has served many needs over the years, I will always think of Civic Arena as the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Starting next month, the Penguins will have a new home.  Whatever becomes of the old steel dome at 66 Mario Lemieux Place, whether it be the wrecking ball or a new life as some sort of environmental tourist destination, the photos below illustrate the way I will always remember Lady Mellon.