@pensbeergeek, a twitter pal from Pittsburgh who's a WVU fan, kindly offered me the following travel information for anyone who might be heading out to the opening rounds. (I've edited slightly for clarity.)

Here are the recommendations that I promised earlier. (Here's) the venue website for the CONSOL Energy Center; there is a visitor's guide on there, but I'd offer some additional recommendations.

One thing is that there aren't a lot of restaurants within immediate walking of distance of CONSOL at the moment. The building has been open less than 2 years, and the previous Civic Arena across the street is in the process of being demolished after a lengthy battle with preservationists, so the land hasn't yet been redeveloped. Two of my favorites have been the Steelhead Grille in the Marriott and the Souper Bowl on 5th Avenue (one street down from Centre Avenue).

There are two hotels within immediate proximity of the CEC: the Marriott right across the street from the building and the Cambria Suites. They've tended to be somewhat expensive for events though. My recommendation is to stay on the South Side of the city. There is a Holiday Inn Express on S. 10th St. that is next to the bridge and tunnel that puts one right in the vicinity of the arena. Station Square is another possibility, with numerous hotels and bars/restaurants along with a T (light rail) stop.

Now the important part...the bars! The South Side is the bar district in Pittsburgh. My personal favorites are within 3 blocks of each other. Fatheads (18th St. and Carson) has 38+ taps and I would say the best bar food in the city of Pittsburgh...it can get a bit crowded though. Piper's Pub (also 18th and Carson) is the local soccer bar, with a British-themed menu. Finally, Smokin' Joes (21st and Carson) has the most taps (60-ish) and bottles. The South Side Works is another option, with a Claddagh (Irish pub) and Hofbrauhaus, though it's a little further up the road (about the 2900 block of Carson). If someone is willing to travel a little, I can provide quite a few other recommendations further out from the arena/South Side.

I hope this helps, at least a little. If you or anyone else has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.