Plus, convention center fire + this week's top events.
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🏟️ Basketball to hockey, step by step

RAL_lenovochangeovergif2_JAN2026
Crews lift 530 pieces of black plastic to reveal the Hurricanes’ home ice. | Video provided by the Lenovo Center, gif by RALtoday
Hardwood to ice in just a few hours — 232 basketball court pieces, 530 ice coverings, leaf blowers, forklifts, three retractable basketball hoops, checkerboard-placed plastic, hockey helmets, a grocery cart, and yes, a bomb-sniffing dog.

That’s what it takes to flip the Lenovo Center from an NC State men’s basketball game to a same-day Carolina Hurricanes matchup — all thanks to 500+ crew members.

With 150+ basketball and hockey games, concerts, comedy shows, and even rodeo events per year, the Lenovo Center changeover process is a well-oiled machine. We got a firsthand look at the same-day transformations and how quickly the ice is revealed before fans can be welcomed in.

Lenovo Center VP and General Manager Tom Embrey told me it’s not a matter of inches between fans and the ice during a basketball game, but centimeters.
Here's how they make it happen

Events

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Echoes of the Belle Époque: Two Visions of France | Tuesday, Jan. 20-Saturday, Feb. 7 | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Gallery C Fine Art | Free

Skate the Square | Tuesday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Feb. 8 | Fenton Square | $15+

Wednesday, Jan. 21

Pilates Mat Class | 8:30 a.m. | Heights Pilates | $35

Artful Story Time: Ready for Ramadan | 10:30-11 a.m. | North Carolina Museum of Art | Free

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners | 7-8:30 p.m. | Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing | $65

Thursday, Jan. 22

Napa vs. Bordeaux | 6-7:30 p.m. | Westgate Wine Bar | $36+

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Chicago Blackhawks | 7 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $50+

Art Heist Dinner | 6-9 p.m. North Carolina Museum of Art | $175
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Closing

Mac’s Speed Shop shut the doors on its Five Points location near the Rialto. The spot opened in March 2024 and served burgers, barbecue, and beer. We’ll let you know what’s next for this storefront. (Raleigh Magazine)

Try This

Vidrio will launch a new chef’s table experience starting Wednesday, Jan. 28. The dinner series will be held every other month, and January’s menu features flavors from Southern France. Grab your seat.

Watch

Last week, the City of Raleigh removed burnt + damaged equipment from Raleigh Convention Center’s roof. The first public event after the fire is this weekend, the Downtown Raleigh Home Show.

Ranked

Is it hot in here? Texas Pete is the most popular hot sauce in NC, according to new data from Instacart. If you ask us, hot sauce pairs well with one of these local lunches that won’t break the bank.

The Word

Bongo. That was the Wordle answer that stumped the most players in 2025. Ready to redeem yourself this year? Fire up a fresh winning streak in RALtoday’s Games portal. (TODAY)

Real Estate

A new record-breaking condo recently sold for $21 million in Las Vegas, with skyline views of Sin City from within a prestigious country club. Here in Raleigh, the most expensive condo we could find on the market is spectacular, too. (Realtor)
Looking for a pilates, yoga, or fitness studio that gets you moving in 2026? Get one month free of ClassPass and build your perfect workout routine — balance weight lifting with meditation, or HIIT with hot yoga, all under one membership. Hurry, offer available for a limited time only.*

The Buy

We sifted through thousands of Nordstrom Rack deals to bring you five you don’t want to miss. Add them to your cart before they’re gone.

🛍️ Score these rarely-on-sale UGG slippers that are marked down to under $100.
🛍️ Take up to $100 off this cozy longline cardigan with an attached scarf.
🛍️ Get over 50% off this buttery-soft bralette with zero wires, elastic, or seams.
🛍️ Stun in this versatile cowl neck satin blouse that’s on sale for under $30.
🛍️ Don’t miss these top-rated flare leggings that are over 70% off.
More great deals this way
RALtoday Games

The Wrap

From Allie

I hope you had as much fun with today’s story about the Lenovo Center as I did. The Lenovo Center does approximately 75 changeovers a year, so give this crew some props the next time you’re at a hockey or basketball game.
RAL_LenovoChangeover1_JAN2026

Watch as the changeover crew methodically removes the hardwood.

Video provided by the Lenovo Center, gif by RALtoday

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