News Summary
The North Carolina legislature has approved an additional $35 million for the renovation of the Lenovo Center in Raleigh. This funding is part of a $300 million initiative aimed at modernizing the sports and entertainment venue. The project, which will include adding luxury suites and improving traffic access, is expected to start after the NC State football season and could take up to eight years to complete. Local businesses anticipate an influx of visitors that will benefit the area’s economy.
Raleigh, North Carolina — State Approves $35 Million for Lenovo Center Renovation
In Raleigh, North Carolina, the state legislature has given the green light to allocate an additional $35 million toward the renovation of the Lenovo Center, a key sports and entertainment venue. This funding boost is part of a broader effort to improve public infrastructure surrounding the arena, which is situated on a 80-acre development project.
Details of the Funding and Project Scope
The approved bill, part of the larger Senate budget package (HB 358), now awaits approval from Governor Josh Stein, who has 10 days to sign, veto, or let the bill pass into law without his signature. The $35 million funding is specifically designated for infrastructure improvements linked to the development of the land surrounding the Lenovo Center. Once fully realized, the total renovation cost for the center is projected to reach $300 million.
The renovation effort aims to modernize the arena and enhance fan experiences through various upgrades. Planned improvements include the addition of new luxury suites, a viewing bar for spectators, and a marketplace designed to foster a more engaging environment for attendees. These updates are expected to boost the venue’s appeal while also supporting the economic vitality of the surrounding area.
Infrastructure and Traffic Improvements
A significant goal of the renovation is to improve road access along Edwards Mill Road, which is a critical route for visitors attending events at the Lenovo Center. The plan includes upgrades to traffic flow to help reduce congestion during peak times, which has been a concern for local businesses and residents.
Local businesses like The Oak-Raleigh anticipate increased patronage due to the renovations and the anticipated influx of visitors attending events at the arena. The general manager of The Oak has highlighted concerns about congestion during event days and expressed support for improved traffic management to better accommodate visitors.
Construction Timeline and Development Phases
Construction work on the renovation is expected to commence after the conclusion of North Carolina State University’s football season. The project is projected to span five to eight years, emphasizing a phased approach to ensure minimal disruption during construction. Initial phases include updating air-handling units and expanding luxury spaces, with ongoing work focused on the arena’s main concourse, club level, loading docks, and exterior infrastructure over the next two summers.
Historical Context and Future Developments
Previous negotiations clarified that the Hurricanes would be responsible for upgrades related to access to the property. The project is led by Pacific Elm Properties, a Charlotte-based development company owned by Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, which is spearheading efforts to develop an entertainment district around the arena.
The first phase of this district development includes the construction of a 4,000-seat music venue and parking structures. These projects aim to bolster Raleigh’s entertainment options and contribute to economic growth in the area.
Impact on the Community and Economy
The Lenovo Center’s renovation reflects efforts to stimulate local economic growth through infrastructure development and increased activity. The location of the arena near the State Fair Grounds and major roadways makes it a focal point for regional entertainment and sporting events.
The state has previously invested in infrastructure projects with similar goals of supporting economic expansion and community development. The ongoing upgrades and developments are expected to have long-term benefits for Raleigh and surrounding areas, attracting more visitors and supporting local businesses.
Summary
The North Carolina House and Senate have approved a bill that allocates $35 million for the Lenovo Center renovation, which is part of a larger $300 million project aimed at modernizing the arena and developing surrounding infrastructure. The funding will support road improvements, fan amenities, and downtown development initiatives. Construction is set to start after NC State’s football season, with work scheduled over the next five to eight years. The project is led by Pacific Elm Properties, emphasizing economic growth and community benefits in Raleigh. The bill now awaits the governor’s decision.
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HERE Resources
Additional $35 Million Approved for Lenovo Center Renovation
Additional Resources
- ABC11
- WRAL
- CBS17
- News & Observer
- Axios
- Wikipedia: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Google Search: Lenovo Center renovation
- Google Scholar: Lenovo Center renovation Raleigh
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- Google News: Lenovo Center
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
