Alert

Today's Alerts:

New Utility Billing Portal Launches Nov. 12 • Three Leaf Collection Options

Published 11/5/2025 at 8 a.m. Updated 11/5/2025 at 8 a.m.

Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/community/improving-your-future-great-evenings
10/22/2025 9:06 am

View from the top of the Performing Arts Parking Deck facing northeast

Improving Your Future Great Evenings The Latest on Expansion and Improvements at The Complex

Red Hat Amphitheater was originally built on land intended for the expansion of Raleigh Convention Center (RCC). With RCC now at capacity, the City is relocating the amphitheater one block south to make room for more flexible event space, rooftop terraces, and outdoor spaces. 

Construction of the new amphitheater is underway. Convention center expansion and construction of a 550-room Omni Hotel are also on the horizon. Check back here for updates as things progress!

The Latest:

  • The surface parking lots across the street from Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts will close on Nov. 23 in preparation for construction of the Omni Hotel.
    • Visitors are encouraged to park in the nearby Performing Arts Parking Deck, the second level of which is reserved for guests with disability placards and license plates.
    • Visitors may use an accessible loading area in front of the performing arts center for drop off/pickup.
  • Lichtin Plaza in front of Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is currently undergoing a transformation. Enhancements will include a dedicated drop-off lane, added wheelchair accessible ramps, enhanced greenspace, and new flex space.
  • Underground utilities are being relocated around the amphitheater project site, including on South, Dawson, McDowell, and Lenoir streets. Waterline potholing and sewer abandonment projects have been completed, and screening for the fence around the Red Hat Amphitheater jobsite has been installed.
  • One block of South Street between Dawson and McDowell has permanently closed.
  • There are several design options under consideration for the new RCC building. Final designs will be presented to City Council in a public meeting soon. 

Helpful Links

Creating New Paths

As shown below, much of the South Street traffic is now using Lenoir Street (one block north) to get to and from downtown.

There are some exciting projects under consideration for getting around downtown. Read about our Strollway plans that will come through this section of downtown. 

South street detour map

Project Details and FAQ

Get details on the relocation and expansion project by visiting the Red Hat Amphitheater site!