Pittsburgh, PA -- (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Penguins broke ground on their new arena Thursday.

The new multi-purpose facility, which is located beside Mellon Arena, is slated to open in time for the 2010-11 season.

Among the dignitaries attending the event were Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell, Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato and Penguins franchise icon/owner Mario Lemieux -- all of whom were instrumental in crafting the lease terms on the arena which allowed the Pittsburgh franchise to remain in the city.

"I am delighted to be part of this event," said Rendell. "Construction of this new multi-purpose arena will provide immediate economic stimulus by creating construction jobs, but more importantly, this arena will benefit residents for decades to come."

The Penguins have called Mellon, also dubbed "The Igloo", home since their 1967 inception, but without a newer facility, the club was in danger of relocating after the 2006-07 season. However, the lease agreement on the new facility ensures that the Pens remain in the Steel City for at least the next 25 years.

Seating capacity is expected to be 18,087 for hockey -- more than a thousand units over what currently exists at Mellon.

"This is an exciting day for the Penguins and our region, and we will be proud to be the anchor tenant of this new multi-purpose facility," said Lemieux. "We look forward to opening the NHL season here in October, 2010."