The FedEx Ground Fan Zone outside of Consol Energy Center unveiled a new “big screen”  last week for the Penguin’s 2013 Stanley Cup playoff run. Since 2008, “Mario’s TV” (officially dubbed the Trib Total Media “Big Screen”) has been a great chance for fans who don’t have the opportunity to experience playoff hockey to come together, get rowdy, and support the Pens. It’s become a playoffs staple, and a great Pittsburgh tradition the past 5 years.

And now there’s even more to be excited about as the new screen is 11′ wider 6′ taller than before and boosts a high-resolution LED screen (now it’s 27′ by 15′). So if you’ve gone in the past and had trouble seeing, it shouldn’t be an issue anymore. I went last week for the Pens game 5 close-out victory over the Ottawa Senators and sat in the back row and had no issues seeing the screen.

#TribBigScreen is now #TribBiggERscreen! We’ve made it 11′ wider, 6′ taller, with awesome high-res: pens.pe/16QHS0E Try it out tmw!

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 23, 2013

The FedEx Ground Fan Zone is located on the corner of Centre Ave. and Mario Lemieux Place, where Mellon arena once stood (single tear).   It opens up 4 hours before game time for home games and 2 hours prior for road games. Tomorrow’s game starts at 8 p.m. and is at home, so for those who are uninterested in math the Fan Zone will be open at 4 p.m. There will be live performances, great promotions/giveaways, and general fanfare/merriment.

No grills, glass, or alcoholic beverages. Safety First!

Game 1 against the Bruins is tomorrow, Let’s Go Pens!

As an added bonus we were all given free towels. Props to my brother for the excellently timed Vine and shot of the Gulf Tower goal light.