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https://raleighnc.gov/community/amphitheater-relocation-and-convention-center-expansion
08/29/2024 5:13 pm

Aerial view of the Raleigh Convention Center and the amphitheater

Amphitheater Relocation and Convention Center Expansion

The Latest:

  • In 2010, Red Hat Amphitheater was built on land intended for the expansion of Raleigh Convention Center (RCC).
  • The Amp has driven economic activity on otherwise vacant land. With RCC now at capacity, the City is carefully planning next steps.
  • To keep booking top performers, the Amp needs 6,000 seats. The new venue will offer upgraded amenities, including performer space, concessions, restrooms, and safety, all within a $40 million budget.
  • After exploring many options, the City, its architect and contractor identified one option that meets all needs.

    A Public Hearing will be at the 1 p.m. Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17.  Sign up to speak.  Read more about the plan below.

Helpful Links

rcpac rha relocation traffic graphic

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The trade-off:
One block of South Street will permanently close, but the remaining capacity can handle the traffic with room to grow.

The bottom line:
The new, relocated Amp will remain a vital hub for downtown, continuing to enrich the local economy and serve as a central gathering place for the community.

Creating New Paths

We know how important South Street is to our community. While it's not an easy decision, closing one block is vital to maintaining this important downtown destination and economic engine for the city. The City is working on a variety of enhancements to get you around downtown. 

Much of the South Street car traffic will use Lenoir Street (one block north) to get to and from downtown. Even if all the traffic from South Street reroutes to Lenoir Street, studies show Lenoir Street would be at roughly 60-percent capacity for the size of the two-lane road.

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

The Amphitheater’s Impact: Economy, Community, and Culture

Visitors spend a lot at and around the amphitheater, generating $17.5 million in 2023. With twice as many concerts this year and the season only half over, 2024 has already had a much greater impact. We needed a plan that would keep that revenue flowing into the city.

rcpac - rha - relocation - visitor spending

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Relocation Bookings

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World Class Acts

Red Hat Amphitheater

Red Hat Amp lands world class acts, from Lizzo and Chappell Roan to Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan. In order to keep attracting big names, we need 6,000 seats.

Project Timeline

Relocation Project TImeline

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Saturday on South

The video above is from our Saturday on South event, held to invite the community to learn about the relocation plans and ask questions.  

Project FAQ

For answers to your questions about the relocation and expansion project, visit the Red Hat Amphitheater site.

Where We are Now: Council Action

On Aug. 20, Council authorized City Manager to:

  • Purchase the .19-acre site at the intersection of W. South St. and S. McDowell St. 
  • Adopt the resolution to close the portion of the W. South St. and W. Lenoir St. rights-of-way
  • Amend the Comprehensive Plan

What's next?
A Public Hearing will be held at the 1 p.m. Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17.  Sign up to speak.

Helpful Links

*Photo credit (top of page): Willa Stein

Additional Resources

 

Wake County Interlocal Agreement

JLL and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau 2028 Destination Strategic Plan

Greater Raleigh CVB Destination Strategic Plan: RCC Refresh

Red Hat Amphitheater to Move One Block South

Major Expansion Ahead For Raleigh Convention Center

Raleigh Convention and Peforming Arts Complex

Amphitheater Relocation and Convention Center Expansion