Red Hat buys naming rights to Raleigh Amphitheater

The venue to be known as Red Hat Amphitheater opened in June 2010 across from the Raleigh convention center.

Posted 9:03 p.m. Sep 4, 2012 — Updated 11:08 p.m. Sep 5, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C. — Open-source software maker Red Hat Inc. has struck a deal with the City of Raleigh for naming rights on the downtown, open-air Raleigh Amphitheater. The city council unanimously approved the deal at a meeting Tuesday.

The five-year, $1.175 million deal is the latest between the technology company and the capital city. Red Hat is expected to complete the move of its headquarters from North Carolina State University's Centennial Campus to downtown Raleigh later this year, replacing Progress Energy in the 19-story building at 100 E. Davie St. and rechristening that Red Hat Tower.

“This downtown venue, that offers the very best in entertainment in a uniquely Raleigh setting, is the perfect match for this uniquely Raleigh company,” Mayor Nancy McFarlane said in a statement.

The venue to be known as Red Hat Amphitheater opened in June 2010 across from the Raleigh Convention Center. It seats about 6,000 and has welcomed performers including Mumford & Sons, Chelsea Handler, Maroon 5, the Black Crowes and Barenaked Ladies.

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