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Could Mellon Arena be converted into a giant fish bowl, or the world's largest Jell-O mold, as some Pittsburgh Tribune-Review readers suggest?

We're not certain City Council would approve. Regardless, it's a good time to consider creative ways to re-use Mellon Arena, now that the Pittsburgh Penguins might receive a new home. While the hockey team favors demolition of the Igloo, preservationists would prefer to keep it standing, even if it's no longer a home for professional hockey.

Over the past week, readers heeded the Trib's call to offer up their best, most creative ideas for re-using Mellon Arena. Concepts ranged from silly to serious, and suggested there's something about the 1960s-era, retractable-roof arena that ignites the imagination.

YOUTH RECREATION CENTER

There are hundreds of activities for kids in Pittsburgh, said local parent William King, but most cram families into "the smallest, not-so-hospitable places." So King and others suggested making the arena into a spacious home for youth events.

"We need a place exclusively for children in Pittsburgh," not just sports teams, King said. "I have an 8-year-old child, and I dream big dreams with her. Maybe we can fit some of them in the arena for all to see and enjoy."

The Igloo could house recreational activities for kids such as basketball, ice hockey and swimming, readers said. Part of it could function as a performance center and theater. Also, Edward Wagner said, it could offer computers, plus job training and counseling.

Gwendolyn J. Duke called for a roller-skating rink. "I have been in Pittsburgh my whole life, and it seems that the recreation centers are all gone. We need something for our children to do to keep them off the streets."

MUSEUM

To Kurt Lansberry, Mellon Arena could find its future in the past. He was among a handful of readers who envisioned recreating the former Civic Arena as a sports museum or, as he put it, "a unique sports hall of fame for Pittsburgh's famed sports history."

The museum could have interactive features, Jeff Kruzic suggested. It could feature donated items from famous players, team statistics, or re-creations of locker rooms, others said. And it could include high school and collegiate sports histories, added Greg Yoko.

To Paris Lundis, Pittsburgh could right a wrong by turning the arena into a black history museum. "That building ripped out a good, active jazz community that was recognized all the way to Japan. Throw in the Teenie Harris collection and you have a most properly-placed and certain to be globally recognized museum."

PERFORMANCE OR SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER

When there's a huge, flat floor surrounded by seating, options seem endless. Readers called for converting Mellon Arena into a live performance center, a giant casino or a dog-racing track. It could host flea markets, dog shows, craft shows, and auctions. Upper box seats could become restaurants.

Lee Chraska fondly recalled a nightclub for U.S. military personnel in Garmich, Germany, that featured a sliding dance floor and an ice rink. Called Casa Carioca, the "most unique nite club in the command" was built in August 1946. Around the edges of large central floor, the club offered drinks and dining.

Jim Emmett said the arena could become an annex or Great Hall for the newly expanded David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

RAZE IT, SAVE IT, MOLD IT

Some argued the arena should be torn down. "I can't think of anything more ridiculous than having two arenas next to each other," wrote Brian Irwin. Others said the Pens should be happy with Mellon Arena and stay.

Stephen Jaye leaned towards saving the structure, proposing, "How about renting it out to large parties, to be used as the world's largest Jell-O mold?"

And Howard Little said, "Seems to me that once you pull out the seats from the arena you are left with a very large concrete bowl. What do you do with a bowl? Fill it with water. Turn the arena into a huge aquarium."

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