Inside PNC Arena’s major transformation 🏗️

PNC Arena is approved for a major transformation

PNC Arena opened in October 1999. | Courtesy of the Centennial Authority

PNC Arena, a 23-year-old multi-purpose event venue (and home to the Carolina Hurricanes and the NC State men’s basketball team), could see some major changes in upcoming years. A recent report by consulting firm CAA Icon outlines a possible process for facility renovations and a new real estate development on the venue’s property, adjacent to the arena.

In addition to improving the fan experience, a significant goal of the projects is to encourage the Hurricanes to further extend their lease beyond 2029. Additionally, upgrades would help maintain the arena’s competitiveness with venues such as Charlotte’s Spectrum Center when it comes to attracting highly sought-after performers, like Elton John.

After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions about renovation plans have been reignited and the process is moving forward.

The renovation

The Centennial Authority — the group that owns and operates PNC Arena — is considering numerous arena renovations, including adding more premium seating and VIP areas, diversifying food and drink options, and creating additional spaces for socializing.

The upcoming refresh will be the arena’s largest renovation since it opened in October 1999. “It will feel like a brand new building,” Centennial Authority Executive Director Jeff Merritt told RALtoday.

A rendering of possible renovations to be made to PNC Arena. — A rooftop bar could be added to PNC Arena.

PNC’s main entrance, located on the arena’s south end across from Carter-Finley Stadium, will look the most different after the renovations. The indoor/outdoor plaza will be expanded to improve entry to the arena and increase socialization opportunities — there could even be a rooftop bar.

There will also be more space dedicated to food and drink to make the arena a culinary experience. Read: Craft beer and chef-crafted menus. Other priorities include expanding the Hurricanes’ team store and expanding concourses around the arena to disperse crowds and shorten lines.

The Authority is also discussing adding a sportsbook for betting inside of the arena, which is dependent on the legalization of mobile sports betting in NC.

So, how much will all this cost, and who’s footing the bill? What about the new development? Click the link below to find out what comes next.

MORE OF THE MASTER PLAN

What would you like to see added to PNC Arena?

LET US KNOW

Click here to have your event featured.

Today

The Music of Harry Potter | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 p.m. | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 East South Street, Raleigh | $40.00 - $70.00 | The North Carolina Symphony will perform enchanting music from the movies.

Saturday, October 29

Day of the Dead 5K | Sat., Oct. 29 | 10 a.m. | Centro Mexican Restaurant, 106 S. Wilmington Street , Raleigh | $35.00 - $40.00 | This downtown race begins at Centro Mexican Restaurant and weaves through Oakwood Cemetery — don’t miss the two traditional altars set up for the event.
Movies on the Lawn: Halloween Double Feature | Sat., Oct. 29 | 6 p.m. | Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr, Raleigh | Bring a blanket to watch “Hocus Pocus” and then stick around for “Scream” at 9 p.m. — come in costume for themed activities, sweet treats, and a parade.
Pumpkin Picnic | Sat., Oct. 29 | 1-4 p.m. | Mordecai Historic Park, 1 Mimosa Street, Raleigh | Free | Celebrate all things Halloween with carnival games, inflatable slides, and costume contests.

Sunday, October 30

Crank for a Cause | Sun., Oct. 30 | 12-5 p.m. | Crank Arm Brewing, 319 West Davie Street, Raleigh | Free | Support Oaks and Spokes during this 12-mile causal bike ride.

Monday, October 31

Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes | Mon., Oct. 31 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh | $25.00 - $318.00 | See the Canes play the Capitals before they meet again at the NHL Stadium Series in Carter-Finley Stadium.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

3 buzzworthy restaurants to try in Columbia, SC

Dishes from Ratio, a Peruvian restaurant in Columbia, SC.

Take your tastebuds on a trip with a weekend getaway to Columbia, SC — photo from Ratio. | Photo by Forrest Clonts

If you’re looking for a getaway filled with scrumptious dishes and unique drinks, Columbia, SC is the place to be.

Here are three can’t-miss restaurants to add to the itinerary:

Hunter-Gatherer: Columbia’s very first microbrewery is still going strong, known for elevated American dishes and house-brewed beers.
Coa Agaveria y Cocina: Columbia’s upscale Mexican destination for bold flavors and tasty cocktails.
Ratio: Ratio puts a twist on authentic Peruvian cuisine with seasonal plates and hand-crafted drinks.*

MORE RESTAURANTS TO VISIT

Weather

66º | Mostly cloudy | 6% chance of rain ☁️

Coming Soon

Sugar Euphoria, a bakery specializing in custom cakes and celebratory sweets, is opening a shop downtown at 606 N. Person St. The storefront will also host tastings and sell party supplies like flowers and decorations. Stay tuned for an opening date. 🍰

Eat

Triangle Vegan Restaurant Week is Tues., Nov. 1-Mon., Nov. 7. Local eateries, such as Young Hearts Distilling, Sitti, and The Durham, will be offering special vegan dishes. View participants. 🍽️
Carolina Brewery is hosting its annual oyster roast in Pittsboro on Sat., Nov. 5. Freshly-caught NC oysters from Ghost Fleet Oyster Co. will be served alongside the brewery’s newest beer, Fin Chaser. A portion of the sales will support the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

Arts

New chalk art has been installed at Pullen Arts Center. The mural by local artist Pepe Caudillo was inspired by Día de los Muertos and can be viewed through Dec. 3.

Cause

Today from 4-7 p.m., Saving Grace is hosting a Barks & Boos Open House at its farm. Meet adoptable pups, donate to the supply drive, grab a bite from a Caribbean food truck, and see the property decked out for Halloween. 🐶
For 60 years, The Blood Connection has been committed to supporting our community’s healthcare partners with a steady blood supply. To say “thank you” to the blood donors who make that mission possible, TBC is giving a $20 eGift card and a commemorative pin to all who donate now through Sun., Nov. 6. 🩸 *

Try This

Ogres are like onions. Peel back the layers at the Shrek Rave on Fri., Nov. 4 at The Ritz. The event’s slogan? “It’s dumb just come have fun!” Snag tickets to this Shrek-themed rave.

Plan Ahead

The Carolina Hurricanes are hosting a free, family-friendly event in downtown on Feb. 17. The Fan Fest will feature street hockey and ice skating, Canes alumni, local vendors, inflatables, and more on Fayetteville Street from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 🏒

Sports

SportsTravel Magazine named Raleigh the Best Host City during the 2022 SportsTravel Awards in Oklahoma City this week. The City of Oaks was selected based on hosting events such as the NCAA Men’s College Cup and Apex Legends Global Series Championship over the past year.

DYK

Did you know we want to share your Black Friday deals with our RALtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by Wed., Nov. 16.

Drink

Getting groceries delivered is great, but getting your favorite beer, wine, and liquor delivered is even better. With Drizly, you can order your go-to libations as well as mixers, party supplies, and snacks + they’ll be delivered to your door in under 60 minutes. Order now. 🥂*

Real Estate

This 2 BD, 2.5 townhome has it all — a great location, stunning updates, a community pool + a dog park. Complete with a bright, sun-filled kitchen, generously sized bedrooms, and a fenced-in back patio, this home is a must-see. Bonus: It’s a 10-minute drive to Duke, RTP, and Southpoint. *

The Buy

If you constantly wake up with a stiff, sore neck, your pillow might be the problem. This pillow (designed specifically for side sleepers) can eliminate issues caused by stiff, flat pillows with three supportive angles, customizable firmness, and cooling technology. Code 6AM saves you 10%, plus buy-more, save-more discounts up to 40%. ☁️ *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Talk to the fin 🐧

A Raleighite is in the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards finals

Jennifer took “Talk to the Fin” on the Falkland Islands on her way to Antarctica in December 2017. | Photo by Jennifer Hadley

Raleigh wildlife photographer Jennifer Hadley is a finalist for this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. The competition harnesses funny animal photos to build empathy for wildlife and encourage conservation efforts. It’s her first time entering the contest and her photos are two of the 40 in the final round.

Jennifer is competing against photographers from around the world with her images of a sassy penguin on the Falkland Islands and a lion cub falling out of a tree in Tanzania (the cub landed on all fours and was OK). “I think the only thing hurt was his pride,” Jennifer told RALtoday.

Vote for your favorite photo by Sun., Nov. 27 — the winner will be announced Thurs., Dec. 8.

When Jennifer isn’t traveling, one of her favorite places to take photos in Raleigh is around Shelley Lake. “I love photographing the resident bald eagles and their babies every year,” Jennifer said.

Click the link below to view the cub with “Un-Cat Like Reflexes.”

SEE THE LION CUB

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Anne.

Editor’s pick: This weekend, I’ll be in Chapel Hill for homecoming (I can’t wait to get my hands on a Blue Cup). Please send all the good vibes to Carolina’s football team. Go Heels! 🏈

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Test your Raleigh knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Charis Painter | Advertise with us.

ADVERTISE | SHOP | CAREERS | ETHICS

Did a friend forward this free newsletter to you?