<P> The effort was successful , and on February 8 , 1966 , the National Hockey League awarded an expansion team to Pittsburgh for the 1967 -- 68 season . The Penguins paid $2.5 million ( $18.7 million today ) for their entry and $750,000 ( $5.4 million today ) more for start - up costs . The Civic Arena 's capacity was then boosted from 10,732 to 12,500 to meet the NHL requirements for expansion . The Pens also paid an indemnification bill to settle with the Detroit Red Wings , which owned the Pittsburgh Hornets franchise . The investor group named McGregor president and chief executive officer , and he represented Pittsburgh on the NHL 's Board of Governors . </P>
<P> The effort was successful , and on February 8 , 1966 , the National Hockey League awarded an expansion team to Pittsburgh for the 1967 -- 68 season . The Penguins paid $2.5 million ( $18.7 million today ) for their entry and $750,000 ( $5.4 million today ) more for start - up costs . The Civic Arena 's capacity was then boosted from 10,732 to 12,500 to meet the NHL requirements for expansion . The Pens also paid an indemnification bill to settle with the Detroit Red Wings , which owned the Pittsburgh Hornets franchise . The investor group named McGregor president and chief executive officer , and he represented Pittsburgh on the NHL 's Board of Governors . </P>
when did the pittsburgh penguins enter the nhl
when did the pittsburgh penguins enter the nhl
February 8 , 1966
February 8 , 1966