Fresh renderings of Raleigh's convention center expansion
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Raleigh's expansion of its convention center will feature a large LED screen advertising upcoming events, according to new renderings release by the Raleigh Convention Center.
Why it matters: City leaders are making the bet that a much larger convention center and a new Omni Hotel will provide a boost for the city's central business district, which took a hit after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The nearly $400 million project is being financed through Raleigh and Wake County's interlocal fund.
Zoom in: The roughly 300,000-square-foot expansion will bring the total convention center space in the center city to nearly 800,000 square feet, which convention leaders have said is needed to make Raleigh more competitive for events.
Between the lines: Construction is expected to be completed in 2029.
- The move has also led to the relocation of Red Hat Amphitheater, which is moving a block south to accommodate the expansion being built at its current location.
- The new amphitheater was originally set to open for the 2026 concert season, but that has now been pushed back to 2027, with the existing amphitheater sticking around until it's ready.
