Originally constructed as the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena, Lenovo Center opened in 1999 following two years of construction that began in 1997. Developed by the Centennial Authority at an estimated cost of $158 million, the facility was later known as the RBC Center and PNC Arena before becoming Lenovo Center. Thomas Concrete supplied approximately 40,000 cubic yards of concrete for the project, supporting the construction of a large-scale, multi-use arena designed to serve the Raleigh market for decades. Today, the arena is home to the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Men’s Basketball.
Beyond professional and collegiate sports, Lenovo Center has become a central hub for concerts, family shows, comedians, touring productions, and major community events. Its evolution from a single-purpose athletic venue to a flexible entertainment destination played a key role in the relocation of the NHL’s Hartford Whalers to North Carolina. Looking ahead, approximately 80 acres surrounding the arena are planned for long-term redevelopment into a mixed-use district featuring retail, dining, office space, residential units, a hotel, and an additional music venue – a transformation to further anchor the arena’s role in Raleigh’s future.
