Hurricanes get go-ahead to build mixed-use entertainment district around PNC Arena

• Wake County and Raleigh have committed funds to the upgrades that will come from money collected from hotel occupancy and food and beverage sales.

State of play: The parking lots around PNC are beloved for tailgating. But there's been a nationwide push to build entertainment districts around arenas.

Zoom in: The first phase of construction, expected to begin next year, will include:

• 200,000 square feet of retail
• A 150-room hotel
• More than 500 apartments (10% of which will be set aside as affordable for people making less than 80% of the area's median income)
• 150,000 square feet of office space
• And a 4,300-seat event venue operated by Live Nation

Between the lines: The music venue would be a similar capacity to Red Hat Amphitheater in downtown Raleigh and a proposed venue at the Downtown South project.

• A dedicated tailgating area will remain on the 80-acre property.

What they're saying: "We are thrilled to begin the transformation of the 80-acre campus around the arena," Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon said in a statement.

• "The expansion of our dynamic sports and entertainment offerings beyond the walls of the arena will provide fans with a world-class experience."