$387M in funding approved to expand Raleigh Convention Center, move Red Hat Amphitheater
A new outdoor concert venue in Raleigh and an indoor sports arena in Cary are closer to becoming reality.
Wake County commissioners have approved funding for those projects and several others using tax money from hotel stays and restaurant meals.
More than $387 million will help pay to expand the Raleigh Convention Center and relocate Red Hat Amphitheater a block south of its current location.
Another $75 million would go toward building a new downtown Raleigh hotel that can accommodate bigger conventions.
"Being able to bring in additional shows, being able to put ourselves on the map in a sports context, in a recreational context, in an arts context is huge," said Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria. "Not only because it brings in money that helps us keep our tax rate low, but it also brings in people and it brings great shows that our residents can experience."
There's also $75 million dedicated for a new indoor sports complex as part of the redevelopment of South Hills Mall in Cary. That facility would include 11 multipurpose courts and a 4,000-seat arena that can hold e-sports tournaments.
"It’s one of the more complicated things we’ve done, but I think it’ll be one of the most far-reaching," said Calabria.
Plans have the revamped convention center expanding to cover two full city blocks. Red Hat Amphitheater will rebuild next to its current location. The city-owned amphitheater opened in 2010 at a cost of $2.5 million. Now, $32 million will help pay to relocate Red Hat Amphitheater.
A total of $355 million will go toward the convention center expansion. There's $75 million for a new hotel in downtown Raleigh to accommodate bigger conventions.
Another $75 million is dedicated for a new indoor sports complex in Cary.
"The one thing that’s lacking in the area is an indoor sports tournament center, so it’s an important contribution," said Doug McRainey, Cary Director of Community Projects.
The center is part of the redevelopment of South Hills Mall.
"In addition to Cary, it just has regional significance," said McRainey. "When finished, there will not be another facility like this in the country."
The hospitality tax dollars will help pay for projects that make Wake County a destination for even more visitors - and their wallets.
"By enhancing our facilities here, we’re bringing more money into the state, more money into the county, and more attention and greater vibrancy and greater opportunities for everyone," Calabria said.
