Pittsburgh Penguins Bring Back Free Ticket Program for Local Students

The Pittsburgh Penguins are giving Pittsburgh Public Schools students an opportunity to attend one of the team’s upcoming preseason games at no cost.

Through the PPS All-Stars program, eligible students from pre-K through 12th grade can receive two complimentary tickets to a Penguins home game at PPG Paints Arena. The offer covers the September 21 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres and the September 22 game against the Detroit Red Wings.

The initiative is returning for its fourth season through the Penguins’ partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools.

“We are thrilled to host our fourth season of the PPS All-Stars ticketing campaign,” Penguins Chief Legal and Community Affairs Officer Tracey McCants Lewis said in the team’s announcement.

McCants Lewis said the program has allowed the team to introduce students and their families to hockey, with some participants returning to attend additional games after their first visit.

“It’s a joy to see families introduced to the Penguins four years ago become dedicated fans today,” she said.

In addition to two game tickets, each student can receive digital vouchers for complimentary concessions provided by Aramark. Each voucher can be redeemed for a hot dog and a 16-ounce fountain drink at participating stands inside PPG Paints Arena.

“The mission is really to get students involved, interested in hockey, and give them an opportunity,” McCants Lewis told CBS Pittsburgh.

Families can redeem the tickets online by choosing one of the two preseason games, selecting an available seating area and entering the student’s unique Pittsburgh Public Schools username as a discount code. Each code unlocks two complimentary seats.

Households with more than one eligible student can combine multiple codes during checkout. Additional tickets may also be purchased during the same transaction, depending on availability. Families are encouraged to secure any paid seats while redeeming the complimentary tickets if they want the entire group seated together.

All tickets will be delivered digitally and can be accessed through the Penguins app or an online Penguins account. Mobile barcodes are scheduled to appear 48 hours before the selected game. Printed tickets and screenshots will not be accepted for entry.

McCants Lewis  shared, “Hockey is for everyone, and we just wanted to make sure that we invited students at PPS. It’s a great opportunity for them to enjoy the game of hockey.” 

The ticket campaign is part of a broader relationship between the Penguins and Pittsburgh Public Schools. The organization also supports free learn-to-skate opportunities and diversity-focused hockey programs at community rinks.