Lenovo Center Expansion Moving Forward with New Fan Amenities, Live Entertainment Venue, and Affordable Housing Commitment
First phase to break ground after 2025 college football season; officials detail enhancements and development strategy.
Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 22, 2025 — Wake County officials received a progress update on the multi-phase expansion of the Lenovo Center and surrounding entertainment district at the April 21 Board of Commissioners Growth and Economic Strength Committee meeting. The presentation, delivered by representatives from the Centennial Authority and Hurricanes Holdings, outlined a timeline for improvements to the arena itself, as well as plans for the development of adjacent land over the next decade.
Major Enhancements to Fan Experience Inside the Arena
As part of the arena renovation, the project will introduce new fan-focused features, including a 360-degree “view bar” located on the upper level. This standing-room-only space will not be ticket-restricted, allowing fans throughout the venue to enjoy a premium viewing and social experience. Officials noted that it’s designed to “give the upper-level fans an amenity like that,” and will be open to all, providing a more inclusive premium option.
Other key improvements inside the arena will include:
Modernized marketplace-style concessions to speed up service and expand food options
Redesigned stairwells to improve fan circulation
Upgraded restroom facilities, increasing capacity and accessibility
Enhanced seating in suites, aimed at improving comfort and usability in tight areas
Back-of-house upgrades, including a new service yard and loading dock, will support more efficient operations and facilitate hosting larger events.
Entertainment District: Phased Development with Community Impact
The development will be carried out in four phases, each covering approximately 20 acres. Phase 1A—slated to begin construction after the 2025 football season—includes:
Two parking decks
A Live Nation concert venue
The first retail space in the district
Officials explained that the arena and district are situated on state-owned land, which means they are exempt from traditional property taxes. However, in place of property taxes, the development agreement requires that payments be made to the City of Raleigh and Wake County, based on the scale of public infrastructure needed for each phase.
Each phase will also trigger a phased ground lease at 6% of fair market value, paid to the Centennial Authority. These revenues will support the maintenance of the arena and the upkeep of the surrounding public areas.
Affordable Housing Requirement
A notable feature of the development plan is its commitment to affordability. The project includes a binding requirement that 10% of residential units built across the entire development remain affordable. This commitment will be assessed at the end of the full buildout to ensure compliance.
Public Space and Accessibility Emphasized
During the discussion, Commissioner Shinica Thomas expressed excitement about how the development could benefit the broader community, not just event attendees.
“I think the idea that people could have dinner there early, have events happen there before shows, that you could have concerts and hockey and make it feel like it’s more of a pregame,” she said, emphasizing the potential for inclusive public space.
The arena renovations also consider accessibility in their design. “We are increasing the size of restrooms and trying to make them more accessible,” an official confirmed during the presentation.
Development Timeline and Next Steps
The project has moved through several milestones over the past year:
In May 2024, the Tri-Party Agreement was executed between the County, City, and Centennial Authority.
On June 27, 2024, lease, enhancement, and development rights contracts were finalized.
A rezoning application was submitted on September 23, 2024, and entitlement work is ongoing.
Phase 1A construction is anticipated to begin after the 2025 football season.
Officials emphasized that the upcoming phase is focused on building momentum, attracting anchor tenants, and establishing a mix of uses that bring activity to the district year-round.
The Lenovo Center and its surrounding entertainment district are on track for transformative growth, with arena renovations designed to enhance the fan experience and a phased mixed-use development strategy aimed at supporting the region's economic, cultural, and housing needs. As Commissioner Thomas summed up, the expansion represents “an opportunity to make it feel like the community can be a part of it.”