The Carolina Hurricanes released the first renderings of a $1B entertainment district

The parking lots between PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh could be transformed into a mixed-use entertainment district featuring outdoor spaces for tailgating, according to the first plans unveiled by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Why it matters: The Hurricanes, after getting public money to renovate the soon-to-be renamed PNC Arena , plan to invest $1 billion to turn the area around its arena into a place where people can live, work, eat and play year-round instead of just on game days.

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Driving the news: On Wednesday, the Hurricanes released the first renderings of the project, which is being led by owner Tom Dundon's Gale Force Sports and Entertainment and the development firm Pacific Elm Properties.

Zoom in: Phase one of construction, according to the Canes, would begin in December 2025 and include:

• An expanded plaza for tailgating and a 600-foot promenade lined with tailgating suites
• More than 200,000 square feet of retail
• 150,000 square feet of office space
• 150-room hotel
• More than 500 apartments
• Two parking garages
• A 4,300-seat music venue run by Live Nation

The housing and office components of the project would be located closer to Edwards Mill Road, while the entertainment offerings would be closer to the stadium.

• The first part of the construction will be the two parking garages, which are expected to be open in time for the 2027 N.C. State football season.

What's next: The Hurricanes will need to get the property rezoned before construction begins. The project has already gotten the go-ahead from the Centennial Authority, which owns the property.

• The rezoning application is expected to be filed later this month, the team said.
• Earlier this year, Hurricanes CEO Brian Fork also said the team would work with the Centennial Authority on plans to add another entrance to the area along Wade Avenue, as part of a plan to reduce traffic congestion.

What they're saying: "After more than two decades, we are fulfilling the creation of a world-class destination that our local and state partners expected when the arena was opened in 1999," Philip Isley, chairman of the Centennial Authority, said in a statement.

• "This proposed development ensures that our arena renovations will be enhanced by building this transformational sports and entertainment district to ensure our arena remains a regional attraction and economic catalyst for many decades to come," he added.

The two parking garages planned for the area would also include space for tailgating. Rendering courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes Rendering courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes

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