NCAA proceeding with Frozen Four in Pittsburgh in April

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a dearth of events at PPG Paints Arena over the past 11 months. But “plans are moving forward” for a major collegiate event to be held at the facility in April.

Organizers Robert Morris and SportsPittsburgh are proceeding with preparations for the Frozen Four to be held April 8-10. The NCAA several years ago named Pittsburgh as host of this year’s Division I men’s hockey championship semifinals and final — better known as the Frozen Four. But after covid-19 concerns canceled championships for 2020 winter, spring and fall sports, many assumed there was no guarantee for winter 2021.

Friday’s announcement — for now — puts that speculation to rest, albeit the games could be played without any (or a limited number) of fans.

“The entire Pittsburgh community is grateful to the NCAA for its continued confidence in our city to host championship events,” SportsPittsburgh executive director Jennifer Hawkins said. “A lot of planning and teamwork have taken place throughout the last few months.

“We continue to work with state, county and city officials on an event plan that allows us to safely welcome the student-athletes, coaches and families to Pittsburgh. … I’m looking forward to seeing another championship trophy hoisted in Pittsburgh.”

Ticket sales are “on hold,” according to a news release. Pennsylvania restrictions on crowd sizes remain in place, and the Penguins have yet to sell any tickets to any of their home games this season. Updates will be posted at sportspittsburgh.com/frozenfour.

SportsPittsburgh is the sports event arm of VisitPittsburgh, the official tourism agency of Allegheny County.

Pittsburgh also hosted the Frozen Four in 2013, a tournament won by Yale. Robert Morris was the host of that event, too, which was also held at what is now called PPG Paints Arena.

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