Our long local cola issues at PPG Paints are finally resolved

Penguins dropping RC Cola, stepping up with Coca Cola

It’s on the lighter side but ever since opening in 2010, an odd feature of PPG Paints Arena was the place being stocked with RC Cola products. Coca Cola is the dominant pop (or soda if you prefer), Pepsi is common, but RC Cola? It’s almost unheard of and unseen for those products to be featured in a major arena.

14 years later, the Penguins have finally gotten aboard the Coke train, and possibly stepping up into the big leagues by dropping the smaller brand and joining the many with the industry standard.

From the team:

Pittsburgh Penguins Announce Coca-Cola as the Official In-Arena Beverage Provider of PPG Paints Arena

The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages, the local bottler and distributor of Coca–Cola in the area, as the official in-arena beverage provider at PPG Paints Arena and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Coca-Cola’s sparkling beverages such as Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite and Seagram’s will be offered exclusively at PPG Paints Arena, plus other popular beverages like Minute Maid Lemonade, Gold Peak, and Fanta Orange.

“The Penguins are thrilled to enter into a new partnership with Coca-Cola and offer our fans and guests of PPG Paints Arena a wide variety of Coke beverages,” said Penguins President of Business Operations Kevin Acklin. “The addition of Coca-Cola products strongly complements our wide array of food and beverage offerings while enhancing our goal to provide the best overall fan experience in sports.”

As part of the multi-year partnership, the 200s-level of the concourse will be re-named and will prominently feature Coca-Cola branding at over 100 live events each year at PPG Paints Arena. There will also be Coca-Cola themed in-game activations, retail promotions, fan giveaways, a shared commitment to sustainability and several impactful community initiatives.

“We are excited to partner with the Pittsburgh Penguins as they welcome the portfolio of Coca-Cola Beverages to PPG Paints Arena,” said Jim Dinderman, Chief Operating Officer of ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages. “Additionally, we are excited to build a collaborative relationship, enhance community initiatives, and create elevated and exciting programming for the arena and fans in Pittsburgh.”

The concourse level changes and tie-ins with live events speaks to a lucrative business opportunity for the Penguins. Dropping RC Cola and getting Coca Cola is probably good for the bottom line while also being a positive change for thirsty consumers.