For a while there, Civic Arena officials were doing this every other year.
Besides thoroughly mediocre Penguins hockey, the 1970s Civic Arena featured no fewer than a half-dozen celebrations for fans who stumbled into a big, round number.
A hockey team and venue management that averaged little more than three sellouts per season had good reason to celebrate whacky, random milestones. So too did the arena’s boosters who argued for the building’s development and, thus, the lower Hill District destruction.
Which is why you, Mrs. Gertrude Scott and your son, William, should step right over here, and yes — smile!
What did any of these fans do to deserve it?
Not a whole lot, as evidenced by the perplexed, albeit grateful, looks on many of their faces.
They bought tickets to Duquesne basketball, Penguins hockey, Spirit soccer or Triangles tennis events. Then, they stepped through the turnstiles.
And yes, you, little Jeff Kuhn! A cake, two Penguins season tickets and more for you, my boy.
The average attendance in those days at the 12,580-arena — while not awful — was a far cry from the 300-and-counting Penguins sellout streak and packed concert crowds that today fill Consol Energy Center.
Apparently Igloo event attendees just needed a little round-numbered encouragement. (Oh, and Mario Lemieux.)
