A number of Penguins players will use rainbow-colored Pride tape on their sticks during the pre-game warmup, and the sticks will be auctioned by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. Proceeds will benefit "You Can Play," an advocacy organization that promotes safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans.
There will be 8 special "Junior Starters" for the game, including representatives of Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey, Penguins Blind Hockey, Steel City Icebergs Special Hockey, Pittsburgh Emperors Special Hockey, Beaver County Ice Sharks Special Hockey, Happy Valley Special Hockey Association, Johnstown Sitting Bulls Sled Hockey, and the Schenley Ice Breakers.
Among the other initiatives:
- The Penguins, The Delta Foundation and local businesses and individuals have partnered to provide roughly 150 free tickets to local LGBTQ youth for the game from 13 area High Schools. More than 400 tickets were purchased by the Pride community via The Delta Foundation.
- The Highmark Wall of Champions at PPG Paints Arena will feature representation from many groups who fall under the "Hockey Is For Everyone" umbrella, including the Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey, the Beaver County Ice Sharks, Steel City Icebergs and Pittsburgh Emperors Special Hockey, Pittsburgh I.C.E., Pittsburgh Blind Hockey, Pittsburgh Gay Hockey. The Persad Center, the Stonewall Sports Alliance, Steel City Volleyball and Softball, and the Delta Foundation will also have presence on the concourse.
- Members of Pittsburgh Blind Hockey will play during the second intermission.
- Twelve-year-old Annika Batavia, affiliated with Hockey Sticks Together, will sing the national anthem.
- The PPG Paints Arena exterior sign above the Highmark Gate will be lit in rainbow colors.
- There will be photo opportunities with a large puck wrapped in Pride tape next to the oversized stick on the mezzanine of the FedEx Level, above the Highmark Gate entrance.
- Themed Pride merchandise, including t-shirts, hats and pucks, will be for sale at the PensGear store inside PPG Paints Arena.
