Raleigh got its first glimpse this week at what a PNC Arena renovation could look like

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.

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• 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 .

Another view of the potential exterior renovation. Rendering: Courtesy of Centennial Authority Board A rendering of a potential expansion to PNC Arena's lobby, courtesy of Centennial Authority Board A rendering of a potential new bar overlooking the arena, courtesy of Centennial Authority Board