Community Involvement

Legacy projects within the Pittsburgh community are wide and varied. Current and past project examples include:

New Opportunities for Participation

Pittsburgh is home to a variety of local sports related nonprofits, providing incredible opportunities for youth involvement. Supported by the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins ownership group, The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is a local nonprofit focused on charitable and community outreach efforts benefitting the youth in the region. The organization has created a Hockey for All initiative, which includes a variety of youth programs aimed at getting boys and girls involved with the sport. From providing basic skills and development, to supplying new equipment and updating old rinks, this initiative has created incredible opportunities for the local Pittsburgh community to participate in the sport of hockey.

Exposure for Causes

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix(PVGP) is a one-of-a-kind, 10-day vintage racing event with a meaningful mission: benefitting local charities. While celebrating and honoring founding auto enthusiasts, the PVGP annually raises funds to help provide residential care, treatment and support for autistic and intellectual/developmentally disabled individuals in Western PA. Since 1983, the world-class event has raised and donated nearly $6 million to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Merakey Allegheny Valley School.

Volunteerism and Brand Association

One major, annual event with thousands of volunteers is the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. In the city, the marathon takes over the entire weekend with more than 40,000 runners. Ranging from medical personnel to assisting with the expo and hydration stations along the course, the Pittsburgh Marathon is supported by more than 4,000 volunteers. These volunteer opportunities are a way for local corporations to actively engage with this popular event and to continue to build strong brand association. The active volunteerism is a testament to the endless support of the Pittsburgh community.

Iconic Events with an Impact on the Community

The interaction between visiting athletes and fans amongst the local community is key to hosting a successful event. When sports events come to Pittsburgh, it’s apparent they are immediately welcomed by the Pittsburgh community. During the 2019 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships and Fan Festival, local Pittsburghers were able to directly participate in the event through Fan Festival programming, which featured local women wrestling groups, a sports-related STEM program, autograph signing sessions and more. Through collaboration between sports events and the local community, Pittsburgh is able to consistently showcase our city as the ultimate sports destination.

When done correctly, sports events can flip the script and provide their own iconic experiences for Pittsburgh residents.