Lenovo Center: SeatGeek’s Complete Guide to Events at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina

Located in the bustling heart of West Raleigh, just off I-40 and I-440, Lenovo Center is North Carolina’s go-to venue for sports and entertainment. Home to the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) and NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball, the arena also hosts major concerts, family shows, esports and trade events throughout the year.

Opened in 1999, Lenovo Center blends modern amenities with Southern hospitality. Whether you’re catching NHL action, a Buckeye-style college hoops showdown, or a world-class concert, it delivers an unmatched fan experience.

About Lenovo Center

• Address: 1400 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

• Opened: October 29, 1999, as Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena

• Capacity: Up to ~20,000 depending on event type

• Primary Tenants: Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball

• Ownership / Operations: Owned by Centennial Authority, operated by Gale Force Sports & Entertainment (affiliated with the Hurricanes)

Within its ~700,000 square feet, Lenovo Center features three concourses, four seating levels, over 60 luxury suites, 2,000 club seats and a 9,100 sq ft restaurant on the Club Level. 

A Look Back at Its History

Originally envisioned in the late 1980s to replace Reynolds Coliseum, the arena evolved into a major multi-purpose venue when the NHL’s Hartford Whalers relocated to Raleigh in 1997. Built on public and private funding, it opened in 1999, initially named the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena. Corp. partnerships later led to the names RBC Center and PNC Arena, until Lenovo acquired naming rights in September 2024. 

Since its opening, the arena has hosted the Hurricanes’ playoff runs, NC State basketball games, NBA exhibition games, the NHL All-Star Game (2012) and tournaments including NCAA basketball. Concerts from global artists like Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Beyoncé and Metallica have filled the house.

Getting to Lenovo Center

By Car: Easy access from I-40 and I-440. Over 8,000 dedicated parking spaces are adjacent to the arena, though reserving passes in advance is recommended for large events. 

By Public Transit: OC Transpo offers event-day shuttles from downtown Raleigh. Local bus lines also stop nearby. 

Rideshare & Taxi: Uber and Lyft have designated drop-off/pick-up zones near Edwards Mill Road.

Walking/Biking: Adjacent to NC State campus and fairgrounds, the area is walkable and bike-friendly.

Seating at Lenovo Center

With nearly 20,000 seats across four levels, Lenovo Center offers a range of seating experiences:

• Lower Bowl (10,000 seats): Courtside or ice-level views—ideal for basketball and hockey.

• Upper Bowl (7,000+ seats): Great sightlines at more affordable pricing.

• 2,000 Club Seats: Located between levels, offering wider seats, lounge access and extra amenities.

• 60+ Suites & Loge Boxes: Private, luxury spaces for corporate groups or special events. Suite capacity ranges from 10 to 24 guests and includes in-suite catering. 

Concert configurations vary—floor seating for performances, end-stage or center-stage seating, depending on the artist.

Food & Drink at Lenovo Center

A mix of local and classic options:

• Permanent Concessions (18+) & over 50 portable vendors serve hot dogs, burgers, pizza, nachos, pretzels and popcorn. 

• Local specialties, including North Carolina BBQ, regional craft beer and international snacks.

• Premium Dining: The Club Level’s 9,100 sq ft restaurant offers elevated fare; suite catering is handled on-site by VAB Catering. 

Atmosphere & Fan Experience

Lenovo Center is known for its high-energy, local-feel environment:

• Hurricanes Games: Known to be one of the loudest buildings in the NHL, with passionate fan chants and strong attendance during playoff push.

• NC State Basketball: College hoops nights bring a red wave of Wolfpack fans, especially during ACC battles.

• Concert Nights: The venue’s design and acoustics create an intimate and immersive experience—even with nearly full capacity.

• Family & Community Events: Disney On Ice, WWE Raw, NCAA events and esports tournaments connect with diverse audiences year-round.

Stadium Policies

• Bag Policy: Small bags permitted; all guests are subject to search. Large backpacks prohibited. Re-entry not allowed—this applies even for smoking breaks, as the entire facility is smoke-free including e-cigarettes.

• Ticketing: Mobile tickets recommended; paper tickets may not be accepted for some events.

• Cashless Policies: Most concessions and arena retail require card or mobile payment.

• Guest Conduct: Abusive language or rowdy behavior may result in ejection. Standing is permitted, but fans are asked to be mindful of nearby guests.

Notable Events

• NHL All-Star Game (2012): A marquee event celebrating hockey’s elite.

• Concert Highlights: Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Elton John, Garth Brooks all have drawn record crowds. 

• College Basketball & NCAA Tournaments: Wolfpack games, ACC matchups and postseason rounds.

• Family Shows & Esports: Regular engagements from Disney On Ice, WWE and competitive gaming events.

Nearby Attractions

While located in west Raleigh, Lenovo Center is close to several attractions:

• NC State University: Campus atmosphere, restaurants and bars just a short walk away.

• North Carolina State Fairgrounds: Hosts fairs, rodeos and festivals throughout the year.

• Downtown Raleigh: 10–15 minute drive or shuttle—offering museums, dining, craft breweries and bars.

• Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): Just a short drive away, making national travel convenient.

Why Lenovo Center Stands Out

Lenovo Center is a central hub for sports and entertainment in North Carolina—an arena that combines modern design with local charm. Its home teams—the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State basketball—create electrifying energy, while concerts and special shows bring world-class production into a manageable, fan-friendly space. With ample parking, premium amenities and multiple seating options, it offers something for everyone.

Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek

From hockey faceoffs to sold-out concerts and ACC showdowns, Lenovo Center is a cornerstone of live event entertainment in the Southeast. Use SeatGeek to explore ticket prices, review seating charts and plan your perfect visit to Raleigh’s premier arena.