Lenovo Center renovation project enters next phase

Article posted by Coliseum, May 8^th, 2026

Image: Gensler and Carolina Hurricanes

The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and NC State University are set to push ahead with additional plans for the remainder of the Lenovo Center renovation project.

NHL.com said this summer’s improvements, in conjunction with the Centennial Authority, will feature refreshed seating throughout the lower bowl, including the re-aisling of the 100-level.

The refresh of the third-level concourse will also be completed, including the second new grab-and-go concession area, all new bathrooms, new family services and a family restroom.

The Lenovo Center (originally the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena and formerly the RBC Center and the PNC Arena) is an indoor arena located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States.

The arena seats 18,700 for ice hockey and 19,500 for basketball including 61 suites, 13 luxury boxes and 2,045 club level seats. The building has three concourses and a 300-seat restaurant. Lenovo Center is home to the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League.

Image: Gensler and Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina (US). The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at the Lenovo Center.

The Centennial Authority provides facility oversight, finance monitoring, operations, upgrades, new additions, and all activities associated with ensuring the Lenovo Center, a sports and entertainment venue, remains a first-class facility for the people of the State and the region that it serves.

Philip Isley, Chairman of the Centennial Authority, said, “Lenovo Center hosts hundreds of events every year, from NC State Men’s Basketball to Hurricanes hockey to world-class touring acts and family shows.

Image: Gensler and Carolina Hurricanes

“These enhancements will help us continue to bring top entertainment and events to Raleigh.”

The following spaces will be included among the major enhancements for the Lenovo Center renovation project:

Exterior: The outside of Lenovo Center will receive a complete refresh, including expanded facades and grand lobby areas at what will be the new primary entrances to the arena on the east and west sides.
Beer Hall: A flagship gathering space and restaurant will be added on the arena’s south side, available to fans and locals 365 days a year.
Team Store: A new team store will be created on the southwest side of Lenovo Center, featuring an elevated design and nearly three times the square footage of the current team store.
Arena Club: The PNC Club Level Arena Club will be overhauled to create a cohesive feel between the Club Ledge and Arena Club, giving the PNC Club Level an updated gathering space.

Additionally, main concourse will receive a full refresh to match the upper concourse, including renovated bathrooms, an upgraded Lenovo VIP entrance and the addition of escalators to help fans better circulate the building.

Image: Gensler and Carolina Hurricanes

The PNC Club Level will also receive an update to the concourse, bathrooms, suites, loges and priority lounges as part of the Lenovo Center renovation project.

Brian Fork, CEO of Hurricanes Holdings, said, “When this project is complete, Lenovo Center is going to look and feel like an entirely different building, inside and out.

“Every person who comes to this building is going to have a first-class experience to match the top venues in the NHL.”

Boo Corrigan, McMurray Family Director of Athletics, said, “The experience of attending an NC State basketball game or any event in the Lenovo Center is going to be even better following these updates.

“From improved operations to enhancements for our general fans and premium spaces, every aspect of the building has been thoughtfully designed to elevate the experience for Wolfpack fans.”

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