The Lower Hill is Suite At PPG Paints Arena

Hosting community members in the Lower Hill Suite at PPG Arena has been a fantastic affair, led primarily by Dr. Kimberly C. Ellis, Buccini/Pollin Group’s Director of Community, Arts and Culture.

“It’s such a pleasure to give people the opportunity to be spoiled and catered to while in the suite,” Dr. Ellis said, “They really feel special and appreciated.”

Her journey began by being treated, herself, in the Mario Lemieux suite, for her birthday in October and for which she is still grateful to Kevin Acklin, especially. She then began activating the Lower Hill Suite for ticket giveaway winners on social media and experiencing her first, ever, hockey game.

“I’ve lived in the Hill my whole life and have never been to a hockey game,” she said, shaking her head, “and it’s been the same for my brother, Paul, who is now a major hockey fan.”

Next, were the Harlem Globetrotters, more hockey games, Simone Biles, Disney on Ice, more hockey and Justin Bieber! We have had a full “Making Black History” program (noted earlier), small business owners, our partners such as Tammy Thompson, head of Catapult, decorator and business owner, Montia Robinson, head of DEI at Master Builder’s Association, Lance Harrell, owners of the Cameron Group, Francine and Kevin Cameron, and our own street team manager, consultant and business owner, Naomi Ritter, and her street team; and ticket winners for the various games and events! 

On April 2, one day before Justin Bieber performed at the Grammy Awards, the First Source Center team took the chance to enjoy his fabulous band in concert. Jaden Smith opened for him and performed a variety of songs, including his smash hit, “Icon.” We were delighted to be able to treat Daniel Anderson, our iconic First Source Center hire, who now works at Rycon Construction, as well as Janise Zenmon, who works at PPG Paints Arena and was stationed at Burgatory before coming up to the Lower Hill Suite to enjoy the rest of the concert with her street team. Justin Bieber sang fan favorites such as “Lonely,” and four-time Grammy nominated, “Peaches.”

It was a fun night for all!  “I really look forward to continuing to activate the Lower Hill Suite and bring together members of the community. It’s also my job, a pleasure and an honor to do so,” says Dr. Ellis. Would you like to have the Lower Hill Suite experience?

​Stay tuned for more ticket winners from the First Source Center Job Fair and Open House and follow us on our social media, so you can be the next winner!