First renderings released for PNC Arena's $300 million renovation
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PNC Arena's facade would look significantly different under a renovation plan put forth. Rendering: Courtesy of the Centennial Authority Board
Newly released renderings give the public a first glimpse at what a $300 million renovation of PNC Arena could look like.
Why it matters: As part of a deal to keep the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh long term, the city of Raleigh and Wake County are contributing public money to refresh the 25-year-old arena with modern venue amenities.
- In exchange, Canes owner Tom Dundon signed a 20-year lease and pledged to invest at least $800 million in building a mixed-used development around the arena, featuring restaurants, retail, apartments and offices.
Driving the news: On Thursday, architecture firms Gensler and LS3P released their first renderings and renovation plans to state-owned Centennial Authority, which manages PNC Arena.
- The firms' visions call for creating a new lobby at the southern entrance of the arena, a new facade, a rooftop bar, more luxury suites and expanded food and beverage spaces.
Yes, but: The final design remains uncertain as Centennial Authority must decide which renovations are possible within the $300 million budget.
- Gensler presented three different scales of renovations to the authority, which hopes to begin construction in phases starting next summer.
- "While these pictures are incredible, we still have to find a way to pay for all this," Centennial Authority Board Chair Philip Isley said at the Thursday meeting, per WRAL.
