PRO SPORTS SIMULATOR AT KAMIN SCIENCE CENTER

Sports Simulator
37 minutes ago
3 min read

SPORTS SIMULATOR INSTALLS A PRO SPORTS SIMULATOR AT THE KAMIN SCIENCE CENTER NEAR THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS ARENA, ENRICHING THE HANDS‑ON SPORTS360 SCIENCE EXHIBITION.

A new partnership rooted in proven success

Sports Simulator has sold a Pro Sports Simulator to the Kamin Science Center in Pittsburgh, a move inspired by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors at the Boston Bruins’ Ice Hockey Simulator in TD Garden. In Boston, the state‑of‑the‑art ice‑hockey simulator allows museum guests to experience the thrill of the game while learning about the sport’s heritage; the experience is as educational as it is entertaining. After consulting with the Bruins’ team and museum staff about how well visitors responded to the immersive gameplay and the historical connection, the Sports Simulator team realised the concept would be a perfect fit for the Sports360 Exhibition.

The Kamin Science Center is located at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, just a short walk from the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL stadium. The newly renamed centre recently launched Sports360 as its first major initiative following a transformational $65 million donation. Sports360 is a 9,500 sq ft high‑energy exhibition that immerses guests in the science of athletic performance across football, baseball, ice hockey, basketball and Olympic‑inspired sports.

THE PRO SPORTS SIMULATOR AT KAMIN SPORTS CENTER PITTSBURGH - FUN FOR ALL AGES

What is Sports360?

Sports360 bills itself as “Where Curiosity Meets Competition”. The exhibition is divided into four zones—Prepare, Practice, Participate and Go Pro—and features around two dozen hands‑on stations designed for all ages and abilities.

Visitors can:

Challenge their accuracy, reaction time and instincts on the sports simulator.
Dash, jump, weave and race through NFL Combine‑inspired obstacles that test agility.
Discover how athletes train, adapt and compete, exploring biomechanics and the physics behind power and motion.
Drive a virtual Zamboni—a nod to Pittsburgh’s ice‑hockey heritage.

This high‑energy exhibition is just the beginning of a multi‑year transformation of the science centre, which will eventually reimagine over 75 per cent of its exhibit spaces. Future developments include the Science of Speed exhibition, Peirce Atrium, a Responsive Science display and an interactive Building Futures gallery. Jason Brown, director of the centre, notes that the initiative aims to connect people and science by igniting curiosity that lasts a lifetime.

THE PRO SPORTS SIMULATOR AT KAMIN SPORTS CENTER PITTSBURGH

How the Pro Sports Simulator fits in

By adding the Pro Sports Simulator to the Sports360 exhibition, the Kamin Science Center has extended its exploration of athletic science and performance. The simulator offers a variety of sports—including ice hockey, football and baseball—and uses precision ball‑flight technology to replicate realistic trajectories and object movements.

Because the simulator can analyse shot accuracy, measure reaction times and provide instant feedback, it complements Sports360’s goal of fusing education and entertainment. Its installation was influenced by the success of the Boston Bruins’ Ice Hockey Simulator, where fans of all ages enjoy a blend of fun and learning. The positive reception at TD Garden convinced the Sports Simulator team and the Kamin Science Center that a similar installation would resonate with Pittsburgh visitors.

INSIDE KAMIN SCIENCE CENTER - PITTSBURGH - SCIENCE OF HOCKEY AREA

What visitors can expect

The Pro Sports Simulator is located within the Go Pro zone of Sports360 and uses high‑definition projection and real‑time tracking to create a realistic sporting environment.

Guests can:

Compete in ice hockey shootouts and challenges that replicate Pittsburgh Penguins match day action.
Attempt penalty kicks or basketball free throws while sensors record reaction time and accuracy.
Compare their performance with professional athletes and friends, transforming every attempt into an educational mini‑experiment.

The simulator’s data‑driven insights allow the Kamin Science Center to engage visitors in discussions about force, momentum, angle and spin. By combining sports‑themed excitement with scientific analysis, the centre shows how science and sport are intertwined, reflecting its mission to ignite curiosity.

Planning your visit

Sports360 is just a short walk from PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins; visitors can easily combine a museum trip with a matchday experience. The Kamin Science Center is open daily, and you can plan your visit on the centre’s official website. With a Pro Sports Simulator now in place, the Sports360 exhibition provides a compelling blend of hands‑on activities, cutting‑edge technology and educational content that will appeal to families, sports fans and science enthusiasts alike.