Design firm earns initial approval for PNC Arena's $300 million renovation project
Posted February 29, 2024 12:42 p.m. EST
Updated February 29, 2024 5:56 p.m. EST
Raleigh, N.C. — The group that owns PNC Arena made its initial choice for an architecture and design firm for its $300 million renovation project.
The Centennial Authority's building and construction committee voted to pick Gensler and local partner LS3P. The full authority board must approve the selection and could do so as soon as next week.
The renovation project is slated to begin in the summer of 2025 and be finished sometime in 2027 or 2028. The board cut ties with its previous architect in January.
On Thursday, over three hours, three different pitched the committee on why they would be the best fit for the job. Perkins&Will was the second choice of the committee.
"Gensler had more wow," said Pam Townsend, a member of the committee.
The committee and the authority has consistently said it is looking for a "wow" factor for fans who use the building, which is home to NC State's men's basketball team, the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes as well as concerts and other entertainment events.
"One of the things we feel really strongly about is that fan experience," said Doyle Parrish, the chairman of the committee.
"We want this place to be rocking ... for sporting events and for events like we just had with Andrea Bocelli. We want this community to appreciate and be proud of the venue they have."
On Thursday, each design firm flexed their previous projects and experience, including work in other cities, and discussed how they plan to incorporate newer trends like sports betting, more communal spaces and more experiences for fans at all price levels.
"For us, this project is about changing the look, changing the feel and changing the experience for the arena," said Demetria Thompson, the principal in charge for Gensler. "With the growth of the market and everything that's happening in the market, we know there are some pain points that we need to keep updated with the industry standard."
Gensler presented an option to expand the wings of the building, converting what is now generally dormant space into two 15,000-square foot wings.
"We can focus investment where you fans, your community can really experience it," said Greg Brown, Gensler's senior project designer.
Perkins&Will is working on the renovation of the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
The money for the PNC Arena renovation project comes from taxes collected on hotel room stays and prepared food and beverage in Wake County. The county and Raleigh signed off on the project as part of an agreement that saw the Hurricanes extend their lease at PNC Arena and get development rights to area about the arena.
The renovation will have to work around the schedules of both major tenants.
