Plus, rainy day activities.
 
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6AM City In-House pt 2

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46º | Cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:25 a.m. | Sunset 5:15 p.m.

 

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🤝 Backyard Bistro joins the Canes family

Carolina Hurricanes finalize purchase of Backyard Bistro

The front of the Backyard Bistro restaurant.
Backyard Bistro opened in 2009 near PNC Arena. | Photo by RALtoday
Don Waddell, president and general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced that the organization finalized the purchase of restaurant Backyard Bistro with plans for a sportsbook in its future.

“Backyard Bistro has been serving Hurricanes fans and NC State fans for almost 15 years,” said Waddell in a statement. “While we have been partners for a while, it felt like the right time to officially bring Backyard Bistro into the Canes family.”

The acquisition of this neighborhood sports bar, located an earshot from PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium, makes for the perfect storm surge ahead of the arena’s tentatively allocated $300 million in renovations.

Not only will the restaurant still operate with award-winning Executive Chef Joe Lumbrazo overseeing food services, but the big picture calls for plans to host the team’s sportsbooks, according to WRALSportsFan.

This purchase follows the recent deal between the Carolina Hurricanes and Centennial Authority, agreeing on a 20-year lease extension and $800 million in additional funds for developments to reshape PNC Arena and the vacant land around it. The new lease ties the Canes to the arena until 2044.

Backyard Bistro will act as a temporary sportsbook location for the organization until major arena renovations are complete — construction on the project could begin this year, with completion set for the 2027-28 NHL season.

The NC Lottery Commission has not yet released a date for when mobile sports betting will launch, but the bill’s regulations and licensing structures must be approved by the commission by Jan. 8. The commission also has until June 14 to allow sportsbook operators to begin business.

We look forward to continuing cheering on the Canes at this local spot — our bet is always on the home team.
 
Events
Friday, Jan. 5
  • ZOSO — The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience | Friday, Jan. 5-Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $15-$25 | Rock out with this Led Zeppelin tribute band.
  • ‘Tis The Season To Be Dolly Art Exhibit | Friday, Jan. 5 | 7-10 p.m. | The Green Monkey, 215 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh | Free | Join this art exhibit collaboration with CoLab Art Studio to see a collection of works inspired by Dolly Parton, including paintings and mixed media pieces.
  • Rumours Atl — A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band | Friday, Jan. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Dr., Raleigh | $25 | Be amazed by this Fleetwood Mac cover band.
Saturday, Jan. 6
  • Watch Night with Mary D. Williams | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | $20 | Celebrate Emancipation Day with a performance by Mary D. Williams and the Martin Luther King Jr. All Children’s Choir.
Sunday, Jan. 7
  • Drag Brunch | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 12-4 p.m. | Raleigh Beer Garden, 614 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $20 | Enjoy a fabulous brunch featuring mimosas + dazzling performances.
  • Wedding Showcase | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 1-4 p.m. | The Meadows Raleigh, 1945 The Meadows Ln., Raleigh | $5 | Tour the venue and browse some of the area’s top wedding vendors.
Friday, Feb. 23
  • Adult Nights (Taylor’s Version) | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7-10 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh | $15-$25 | Drop everything now and meet us at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences for Adult Nights (Taylor’s Version). Dance like you’re feeling 22 and enjoy fun + interactive science activities.*
100+ more events
Click here to have your event featured.
Eat

How to Thrive in the new year

picture of an opened cardboard box with a Thrive Market logo on it, surrounded by groceries and goods including black beans, avocado oil cooking spray, almond milk, probiotics, nut pods coffee creamer, beef jerky, rice, and chocolate bars.
Never wait in line at a supermarket again with a Thrive Market membership. | Photo by Thrive Market
Our suggestions on how to thrive in 2024:
  1. Try a new hobby.
  2. Find a fun way to move.
  3. Go organic with groceries.
And Thrive Market can help you out with No. 3.

For a limited time, join Thrive Market and get 30% off your purchase + a free gift up to $60, plus:
  • Access to wholesale pricing (products are up to 30% off traditional grocery stores)
  • Free two-day shipping with orders $49+
  • All organic or non-GMO food
  • Guaranteed price matching and more
Join Thrive Market
News Notes
Environment
  • Yesterday, the City of Raleigh started lowering water levels at Lake Johnson in preparation for potential heavy rainfall this Saturday, Jan. 6 and again on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Make sure to track the weather for this weekend to stay prepared. (WRAL)
Civic
  • Earlier this week, the City of Raleigh approved $5 million in funding to support the construction of 200 affordable rental units. The Battle Bridge housing development will serve senior households with low income and provide 100 one-bedroom units and 100 two-bedroom units in southeast Raleigh. Learn more about the city’s affordable housing plans.
Community
  • The Raleigh Human Relations Commission is hosting a National Day of Racial Healing at John Chavis Memorial Park on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Join this event to celebrate our shared humanity with a table discussion, a viewing of the Collective Art Project, and snacks.
Drink
  • Umbrella Dry Bar is settling into its permanent downtown location beside Kings and is launching its final menu today. Featuring a mix of zero-proof cocktails, wine, beer, and charcuterie bites, this spot offers the buzz of mingling sans alcohol. Make a reservation to check out Raleigh’s first zero-proof bar and bottle shop.
Try This
  • Here is your chance to make your cat or dog Raleigh famous. Second Chance Pet Adoptions is hosting a competition where owners can submit photos of an adopted pet for the chance to be featured on the official Racing for Rescues event T-shirt. Entries are $5 and must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 12.
Ranked
  • WalletHub ranked Raleigh as No. 31 on its 2024 list of the best cities for jobs. After comparing metrics in over 180 US cities, Raleigh earned a top six spot for having one of the highest median annual incomes.
Travel
Finance
 
Plan Ahead

☔ Don’t let a little rain get you down

Rainy day activities in Raleigh

Two couples playing air hockey.
Boxcar Bar & Arcade hosts free air hockey tournaments on Mondays. | Photo by RALtoday
Since we have a few potential rainy days coming up on the radar, we’re here to help with 20 indoor activities to make the most of a wet day in Raleigh.

For the competitors

  • Boxcar Bar + Arcade, 330 W. Davie St. | Grab a drink + play classic and modern games like pinball and air hockey.
  • The Crazy Axe, 3141 Capital Blvd. | Learn how to throw an ax + compete in challenges.
  • ParTee Shack, 5300 Fayetteville Rd. | Choose from three mini-golf courses or take a swing at virtual golf and multi-sport simulators.

For the movie buffs

  • Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 2116-D New Bern Ave. | Enjoy a new film in a retro atmosphere. Pro tip: After the movie, stop by Little Blue Bakehouse next door for sweet treats like macarons and ice cream.
  • Marbles IMAX, 201 E. Hargett St. | Watch a flick on Raleigh’s only certified giant screen.
  • Paragon Theaters, 21 Fenton Main St., Cary | This luxurious movie theater offers box VIP seats with a dine-in menu.
14 more indoor activities
The Buy

The Buy 1.05.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The product you’re most curious to try from Six & Main’s mocktail guide — featuring mixers, sparkling teas, and botanical syrups.
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The Wrap
 
Cat George in a black turtleneck sweater

Today’s edition by:
Cat

From the editor
Something I really love to do in our community is support local talent and creatives. Which reminds me... The Optimist is hosting a Raleigh Real comedy show at its Oakwood location on Jan. 18 featuring local comedians. Snag tickets for $10 to enjoy a night of coffee, belly laughs, and good food — stay tuned for the lineup.
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