PSR Showdown
What has been the most important sports-business related development in Pittsburgh?

Arena Development
By Rob Cochran,
#1 Cochran

When it comes to assessing the most impactful sports development in the Pittsburgh area, the question should focus on what makes the largest MARGINAL impact.

The construction of the two new stadiums six years ago began a redevelopment of the North Shore that continues to accelerate today. The strength of the Steelers, the multitude of restaurant alternatives, the future casino and amphitheater, and the hope of a Pirates turnaround even in the face of a long, frustrating stretch of losing seasons all point to the North Shore continuing to grow and thrive.

While this is great for Pittsburgh, this growth was really put in place several years ago. We are merely beginning to see the impact today.

From a regional development standpoint, Pittsburgh has an opportunity to spawn another retail cluster in and around the new hockey arena. While the ultimate success of the development will depend on its' execution, the potential impact is significant. As you walk from a hockey game now, the choices are limited. There is little retail vibrancy. Just think about what Pittsburgh could be like if this plan is executed correctly.

From an entertainment perspective, we would have the Uptown/Lower Hill area to go along with a thriving North Shore, the South Side, and the Strip District. More choices make Pittsburgh a better destination. It is a step in keeping younger people in town.

It must be recognized that this is ONLY a step. It must be combined with a large effort to make Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania more business friendly as ultimately, it is employers who can provide jobs that will keep younger people from leaving. But that is a completely different column!

It is exciting to see Pittsburgh working to get better. As a community and region, we need to become better faster but we are improving. The arena project can be another gem in the city's skyline. More importantly, it should be another economic engine for a part of the city that has had little to get revved up about for some time.

Rob Cochran is the chairman, president and CEO of #1 Cochran. Rob is also a contributor to the Pittsburgh Sports Report.