Big changes are coming to the Lenovo Center in Raleigh - and they’re not just cosmetic. Starting next season, fans of the Carolina Hurricanes, NC State men’s basketball, and major touring acts will have more chances to snag a seat, thanks to a significant expansion in arena capacity.
As part of an ambitious $300 million renovation project, the arena is set to push its total seating capacity beyond 21,000, depending on the event configuration. That’s a big win for a fanbase that consistently shows up and shows out, whether it's for playoff hockey, ACC hoops, or a sold-out concert.
The Centennial Authority board gave the green light to a key piece of that puzzle last week, approving the purchase of brand-new seating for the entire lower bowl and select sections throughout the building. The price tag?
Over $4.1 million. Installation is slated for July and August, when the arena will go dark for eight weeks to accommodate the construction timeline.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the lower bowl is actually getting a bit of a layout change. By reducing the number of aisles, the arena will be able to add more seats without shrinking individual seat size - which will remain at 19 inches wide.
That’s a subtle but impactful tweak that should boost capacity without sacrificing comfort. A smaller number of seats will also be added to targeted areas in the 300 level.
Originally, there was concern that the renovation might actually shrink capacity, especially with new features like a 300-level view bar eating into available space. Instead, the opposite is happening. And that’s a big plus for the arena’s ability to attract top-tier touring events.
“I can’t tell you how important that is to the touring events,” said Centennial Authority board chairman Philip Isley. More seats mean more ticket sales, and more ticket sales mean a more appealing venue for major acts and events.
The numbers tell the story. Basketball capacity is expected to increase by 663 seats, bringing the total to 20,450.
For hockey, the bump is 694 seats, pushing the number to roughly 19,606. Concerts and other touring shows will see the biggest jump - over 700 additional seats depending on the setup - with a full-arena configuration maxing out at 21,266.
And the timing couldn’t be better. Lenovo Center is already locked in to host the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds of the 2028 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and these upgrades will only enhance its standing as a premier venue.
Meanwhile, construction is steadily progressing on several other elements of the renovation. That includes the new view bar, revamped concourses, floor-level suites, and a new multi-purpose room. Details on the next phase of the transformation are expected to drop in February.
It’s worth noting that this renovation is a standalone project - separate from the broader plans to develop an entertainment district around the arena. But taken together, it’s clear that Raleigh is investing heavily in turning the Lenovo Center into a true destination for sports, entertainment, and everything in between.
Bottom line: more seats, more events, and more energy in the building. The future of the Lenovo Center is looking louder - and a whole lot more crowded.