A Pittsburgh Hockey Weekend: Skates, Sights, and Bites
Planning a Pittsburgh Hockey Weekend soon? Join me as I share insights from our recent AAA Ice Hockey Showcase in Pittsburgh, blending my expertise as a seasoned hockey parent with our family’s exploration of educational and cultural spots. Discover how this trip went beyond the rink to offer a well-rounded experience in the vibrant Pittsburgh region.
Arriving in Pittsburgh for the AAA Ice Hockey Showcase was a meaningful experience, both as a parent and as a Pennsylvania native. Despite having grown up in this state, I had never before explored the areas of Monroeville and New Kensington, two locales that sit in contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Downtown Pittsburgh. These neighborhoods provided a more intimate, local experience that truly showcased the quality of life in the Pittsburgh region.
This trip was about more than just ice hockey; it was also an opportunity for holistic growth for my student-athlete. We managed to visit the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University.
Visiting the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne during the showcase weekend offered a valuable glimpse into the educational opportunities available for our student-athletes. The experience was both eye-opening and encouraging, adding another layer of depth to the competitive weekend. take an educational tour of Pitt and Duquesne.
These enriching experiences rounded out a weekend that began in the competitive realms of Acrisure Stadium and served as a reminder that personal information, including preferences and some new educational interests, plays a big role in how we plan and experience these athletic trips.
So, fellow Ice Hockey parents, if you’re looking for a destination that offers both athletic rigor and educational benefits, Pittsburgh should be high on your list!
Call to Action: Maybe on our next trip we can hit Carnegie Mellon – we ran out of time as my son had to prepare for two games on Saturday and we were headed back East after Sunday’s game. I also have not been downtown to experience the vast cultural district of Pittsburgh for about 7 years.
In addition, we couldn’t help but wish for a few extra hours to explore Downtown Pittsburgh. The Steel City is renowned for its Cultural District and storied architecture, elements that would have added another enriching layer to our already packed weekend with hockey!
Our stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Pittsburgh Monroeville offered a suite complete with a mini kitchen, two desks, and a living area—a practical setup that almost felt like a home away from home.
While the decor could use a modern touch and we had to request towels and housekeeping multiple times, the expansive grounds and basketball court kept my son entertained; plus, the convenient location right behind a Sheetz was an unexpected bonus!
Dining at Burgatory in Monroeville turned out to be a culinary highlight of our trip. My son relished the chance to custom-make his own scrumptious burger, and I can honestly say I had the most satisfying meal of the weekend here, all complemented by top-notch service
The ambiance was welcoming and close to the hotel, making it an ideal spot for families and teams to gather after a high-stakes game. Not only did the food hit the mark, but the exceptional service also made us feel like VIPs, rounding off an already memorable weekend in the best way possible.
Navigating the world of Travel Ice Hockey as a parent is about more than just the games; it’s about seizing opportunities for well-rounded growth, both for our young athletes and for ourselves. Our Pittsburgh trip was a prime example of this, offering competitive play, educational enrichment, and yummy food that left us eager for the next puck drop and the next adventure.
