Extra AC added to keep Pens cool

PITTSBURGH -- Six air conditioning units have been added to Mellon Arena, to keep the igloo-shaped home of the Pittsburgh Penguins cool as temperatures reach the 80s later this week.

Arena operator SMG World says the units are needed to make sure the building's internal temperature stays at 62 degrees to ensure the ice stays smooth for Game 2 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals against Carolina on Thursday. Mellon Arena opened in 1961 and is the oldest building in the NHL.

It will be replaced by the $321 million Consol Energy Center being built across the street that is set to open for the 2010-2011 season.

The extra air conditioning could cost $75,000 if the Penguins play through the Stanley Cup finals. Money for such maintenance comes from a ticket surcharge.