Renovation work at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh is moving forward, with executives from the Centennial Authority, NC State Athletics, and Hurricanes Holdings sharing updates on progress and future plans. The press conference included remarks from Centennial Authority Chairman Philip Isley, NC State Athletic Director Boo Corrigan, and Hurricanes Holdings CEO Brian Fork.
Construction began in spring with back-of-house and foundational improvements. Major visible changes are set to start following the end of the hockey season in June. Phase I of renovations will bring several new features to the arena, including a 300-level view bar and marketplace, premium ice bunker suites, and the Lenovo Legends Club.
Philip Isley explained that the view bar concept is intended to reflect trends seen at other arenas nationwide: “It’ll be a lot of open space where you can see out into the bowl. If you travel around the nation now and look at the new, fancy arenas that are being built, there’s a lot more focus on the networking aspect. A lot of (younger) people like to mingle, not necessarily be in a seat. You see a lot of beer hall-type experiences. There’s open space where you can go to the rail and watch, and you can still see and talk to your friends. There will be monitors around, so you can still maintain whatever game or concert you’re watching. That seems to be the new, general trend when it comes to these new builds that we see all over the nation,” Isley reasoned. “We think this is actually getting us up to a place where it’s certainly going to be unique in North Carolina, but it’s also a tried and true new amenity that these new arenas are making right now.”
The view bar will occupy sections 317 through 319 on the 300 level. According to Brian Fork, while ticketing for this area may change during the season, it is intended for access by any fan attending a Carolina Hurricanes game.
The marketplace addition on level 300 aims to provide improved food and beverage service as part of an overall refresh for that concourse.
Premium seating options are also expanding with six ice-level bunker suites; four have already been sold ahead of completion. These suites blend traditional suite amenities with close proximity seats near rinkside.
A further highlight is the Lenovo Legend Club: “a luxurious space below the South stands that will feature the arena’s most premium food and beverage offerings in a plush entertainment setting.” Access includes all-you-can-eat stations and a full-service bar for fans seated in select rows near center ice as well as bunker suite ticket holders.
Phase II planning is underway for upgrades scheduled across upcoming summers. Anticipated changes include reconfigured lower bowl seating; refreshed existing suites; updated concourses on levels 100 and 200; additional dining options; enhanced entrances; new escalators; operational improvements behind-the-scenes; as well as exterior upgrades for Lenovo Center.
Additionally, development around Lenovo Center remains on schedule for early 2026 launch. Plans call for an indoor music venue seating over 4,000 people along with retail spaces focused on entertainment and lifestyle needs—plus office space totaling about 150,000 square feet—a hotel with approximately 150 rooms—and more than 200 apartments integrated into surrounding property.
Phase I of Raleigh Sports & Entertainment District is expected to begin December 2025 featuring an expanded plaza area designed for gatherings along with tailgating suites among other amenities.
