AEG Facilities, a world-renowned sports, entertainment and venue organization that operates more than 100 arenas and stadiums on five continents, will take over management of Pittsburgh’s CONSOL Energy Center on September 1, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced.

AEG Facilities replaces SMG, which managed the Civic Arena/Mellon Arena and CONSOL Energy Center for approximately 20 years.

The list of venues in the AEG Facilities family includes the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, the O2 Arena in London, O2 World in Berlin and the MasterCard Center in Beijing, China.

The two new partners signed a five-year deal.

“We are excited to create this dynamic partnership with AEG Facilities and look forward to building on the success CONSOL Energy Center has enjoyed in its first two years of operation,” said Travis Williams, Chief Operating Officer of the Pittsburgh Penguins. “AEG Facilities brings an outstanding reputation for venue management and will work with us to enhance the overall fan entertainment experience at all CONSOL Energy Center events. We welcome them to Pittsburgh.”

“AEG Facilities is thrilled to partner with the Pittsburgh Penguins and add CONSOL Energy Center to our portfolio of elite global venues,” said AEG Facilities President Bob Newman. “This exceptional new arena has achieved great success in just two years, and together with the Pittsburgh community, we look forward to building upon its stellar foundation, and to many years of continued growth and high-profile event activity.”

AEG Facilities and the Penguins announced that workers at CONSOL Energy Center will retain their jobs. This includes part-time workers such as ushers, ticket-takers and concession vendors as well as full-time electricians, carpenters, utility crew, security workers and SMG office staff.

ARAMARK will continue as the food and beverage provider.

AEG Facilities will evaluate members of SMG’s senior management team in Pittsburgh to determine whether they will continue in their current positions

“We want to thank SMG for its years of dedicated service and contributions to the community,” Williams said.

For more information on AEG, please visit www.aegworldwide.com