The Pittsburgh Penguins offer discounted student rush tickets for select home games throughout the NHL regular season. Student rush tickets provide an affordable way for college students to experience Penguins hockey at PPG Paints Arena.
What are Student Rush Tickets for the Penguins?
Student rush tickets are heavily discounted tickets available exclusively to college students in western Pennsylvania. The Penguins release a limited number of student rush tickets on the day of each eligible home game.
To qualify for student rush tickets, you must be a college student aged 18+ and show a valid student ID from one of nearly 30 participating schools in the Pittsburgh area. The full list of eligible schools includes:
- Carlow University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Chatham University
- Community College of Allegheny County
- Duquesne University
- La Roche University
- Penn State University
- Pittsburgh Technical College
- Point Park University
- Robert Morris University
- University of Pittsburgh
In addition to being a student at an eligible university, there are a few other requirements to take advantage of student rush tickets:
- You must be 18+ years old
- You must show a valid student ID from an eligible school
- There is a limit of 1 ticket per student ID
When Do Student Rush Tickets Go On Sale?
Student rush tickets go on sale on the morning of each eligible game day. The box office at PPG Paints Arena opens at 10am, which is when you can start lining up to purchase student rush tickets.
Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis until they sell out. Long lines start forming well before 10am, so you’ll need to arrive early to secure your tickets.
The Penguins recommend arriving no later than 9:00am to get in line. Keep in mind that lines and availability may depend on the opponent and demand for that particular game.
How Much Do Student Rush Tickets Cost?
Student rush ticket prices vary by seat location:
| Seat Location | Student Rush Price |
| Upper Level End | $25 |
| Upper Level Corner | $40 |
| Lower Level End | $50 |
Considering regular ticket prices start at around $75-100, student rush tickets offer big savings off box office pricing.
Where are the Seats Located?
While student rush seats may vary from game to game, common locations include:
- Upper level ends: Sections 204-205 and 228-229 located in the upper level corners down from the netting.
- Upper level corners: Sections 208-210 and 221-223 also located in the upper level corners but further up from the netting.
- Lower level ends: Sections 107-108 and 127-128 located in the lower level by one of the nets.
PPG Paints Arena has excellent sightlines, so even the budget seats have a great view of the ice. The upper level corners and ends are the top value, providing an immersive and loud environment for Penguins fans.
Which Games are Eligible?
The Penguins designate select weeknight and weekend games throughout the season as student rush games. This amounts to 20-30 regular season games per year.
Exceptions are made for high-demand games against rivals (Capitals, Flyers, Rangers), popular team visits (Blackhawks, Bruins), and holidays. Playoff games are not eligible for student discounts.
The team announces the next month’s student rush game schedule towards the end of each month. This gives students ample time to plan which games they want to attend.
Some of the most popular student rush matchups from last season included:
- Detroit Red Wings
- New York Islanders
- Vancouver Canucks
- San Jose Sharks
Can I Buy Tickets in Advance?
No, student rush tickets cannot be purchased in advance. They are only sold on the day of each respective game beginning at 10am until sold out.
The only way to guarantee your spot is to arrive well before 10am and wait in line at the PPG Paints Arena box office. Some students start lining up as early as 6-7am for big games.
Are There Other Discounts for College Students?
Yes, the Penguins offer a College Pass program that provides additional discounts for students who purchase season tickets.
The College Pass allows you to purchase a full or half season ticket package at a discounted rate. You’ll save up to 25% off box office pricing. Perks also include free food vouchers, invites to season ticket holder events, and playoff ticket priority.
For 2022-23, College Pass rates started at:
- Full season (43 games) – $650
- Half season (22 games) – $375
While more expensive upfront than buying individual student rush tickets, a College Pass locks in tickets for the biggest games when student discounts don’t apply. It’s a great way to guarantee tickets for the full season.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key facts to remember about Penguins student rush tickets:
- Only for college students 18+ at participating schools
- Must show valid student ID
- Tickets start at $25
- Big discounts vs. box office pricing
- Limited quantity, sold first come first served
- Arrive early – lines form well before 10am
- Select weeknight and weekend games only
- Can’t buy advance – walk up only
Conclusion
Student rush tickets offer an incredible opportunity to experience NHL hockey in Pittsburgh at a budget-friendly price. As long as you arrive early and come prepared with a valid student ID, you can land seats for as low as $25.
The loud, energized environment in the upper levels is a quintessential part of the Penguins game experience. Take advantage of student discounts to create lasting memories with your college friends and fellow Pens fans!
Let’s go Pens!