Recently, plans for Raleigh’s new entertainment area were uncovered. This will be a mixed-use development with Carter-Finley Stadium and PNC Arena—now known as Lenovo Arena—in close proximity. The project will transform 80 acres of land into a dynamic mixed-use area that is expected to revolutionize local sports and entertainment. The project will provide sports fans a wide range of dining, retail, and entertainment options while fusing Raleigh’s enduring sports culture with contemporary luxury design.
“We’re not just upgrading the arena; we’re building a world-class destination. This is about creating experiences that keep people coming back, whether it’s for a game or simply to enjoy everything that Raleigh has to offer,” Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon stated, capturing the aspirations of this development. This large-scale project’s first phase includes a brand-new 4,300-seat music arena that will give the neighborhood more options for year-round entertainment. A 150-room hotel, over 500 apartments, and 200,000 square feet of retail space will also be added to the region. In addition to these upgrades, a 600-foot walkway featuring entertainment venues and tailgating suites will improve the fan experience on game days.
Over the course of the next 15 years, this massive $1 billion project, led by Pacific Elm Properties and Gale Force Sports and Entertainment, will drastically alter the 80-acre land next to the stadiums. The improved tailgating experience is one of the development’s main advances. The strategy combines classic fan favorites with contemporary conveniences, such as opulent tailgate suites and spacious club balconies, to make game day experiences unforgettable for supporters of both NC State and the Carolina Hurricanes.
“We are committed to bringing new amenities to fans,” said Brian Fork, CEO of Hurricanes Holdings, LLC, “This development is the next step toward building the premier sports and entertainment district in the country and keeping the area a regional economic driver for decades to come.” Fork also highlighted the importance of bringing more people to events at the arena, “I think the goal we have out here is just to bring more people out to the arena, we’ve got about 160 events a year within the arena, plus football at the stadium, so you’ve got about 200 days of the year where there’s not much going on out here. This can be such an asset for the community.”
The project also includes major infrastructure updates. Two parking garages are planned, ensuring more accessible and efficient parking for events. Additional entrances and exits are being considered to reduce traffic congestion around Wade Avenue, a notorious traffic-inducer during large events. As part of the overall vision, the district will be divided into four subdistricts, each offering unique functions. The Entertainment Subdistrict, connecting PNC Arena to Carter-Finley Stadium, will be the focal point of sporting and entertainment activities. It will feature a blend of food and beverage offerings, hotels, and retail outlets. Meanwhile, the mixed-use and live/work subdistricts will offer office spaces and residential units, further integrating the district into Raleigh’s broader urban area. Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said the plans look “really well-thought out.” She also added in an interview for The News and Observer, “I love how they have preserved the tradition of tailgating but still allow for the expanded amenities that we need. There is a great balance of space. I’m excited.”
With construction set to begin in 2025, the first phase is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 NC State football season. The district promises to elevate Raleigh’s status as a regional hub for entertainment and business, with its mixed-use design encouraging visitors to stay beyond the typical game-day events. As development proceeds, it will continue to serve as an economic driver for the region, adding new jobs and attracting both local and out-of-state visitors.
This large-scale investment signifies Raleigh’s growing importance in the national sports and entertainment scene, and once completed, the district will offer fans, residents, and tourists alike a dynamic space that combines the best of sports, entertainment, and urban living.
