Quick Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Lenovo Center |
| Formerly Known As | PNC Arena |
| Location | Raleigh, NC |
| Address | 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607 |
| Venue Type | Multi-purpose indoor arena |
| Opened | 1999 |
| Main Events | Carolina Hurricanes, NC State basketball, concerts, family entertainment |
| Seating | Floor, lower bowl, club/premium seating, suites, upper level |
| Official Website | lenovocenter.com |
Venue Overview
Opened in 1999, Lenovo Center is a major indoor sports and entertainment venue in Raleigh. Formerly known as PNC Arena, it is home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and hosts NC State basketball, major concerts, comedy shows, family entertainment, and other large events.
What Is a Concert Like at Lenovo Center?
The arena’s size gives major touring productions plenty of room for large stages, lighting systems, and video screens without making the venue feel as massive as a stadium. Concert layouts vary considerably, so the exact floor and lower-bowl configuration depends on the artist and stage design.
Lenovo Center Seating & Layout
- Floor: Concerts may use general-admission standing areas, reserved floor seating or a combination of both.
- Lower Bowl: The 100-level sections surround the floor and generally provide a closer perspective than the upper level.
- Club & Premium Seating: Premium areas and suites provide upgraded amenities and hospitality options.
- Upper Level: Higher seating offers a wider view of the complete stage setup and is often among the more affordable options.
Best Seats at Lenovo Center for Concerts
| Seat Type | Recommended Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Center lower bowl | Balanced stage view without being on the floor |
| Best View | Centered lower/upper sections opposite the stage | Good perspective of the full production |
| Best Value | Front rows of the upper level | Elevated view of the stage and screens |
| Closest to Stage | Floor GA or reserved floor | Closest physical position to the performers |
Seats to Consider Carefully
- Extreme side sections: End-stage concerts can create more pronounced viewing angles from the far sides.
- Rear upper-level rows: These provide a broader but more distant view of the stage.
Lenovo Center Capacity
Capacity depends on the event and seating configuration. The arena is used for hockey, basketball and concerts, with the number of available seats changing according to the floor plan and stage design.
Concerts & Events at Lenovo Center
Lenovo Center hosts national and international touring artists, as well as comedy, family entertainment, college basketball and Carolina Hurricanes hockey. The venue has also hosted large-scale productions requiring substantial stage and video equipment.
Lenovo Center Parking
Parking is available in extensive lots surrounding the arena. Parking is not universally free; current prices vary by event. The venue recommends purchasing mobile parking in advance, and lots for many events open roughly 2½ hours before the event.
How to Get to Lenovo Center
- Driving: The arena is located on Edwards Mill Road with access from major Raleigh roads including Wade Avenue and I-40.
- Public Transportation: GoRaleigh and GoTriangle services provide connections in the surrounding area.
- Rideshare: Use the designated event-day pickup and drop-off areas shown in the venue’s current arrival information.
Lenovo Center Entrances & Arrival Tips
Entrance locations can vary depending on the event and ticket type. GA ticket holders may be directed to a specific entrance; for example, Lenovo Center has directed GA guests to the East Entrance for certain concerts.
Arrive early enough to allow time for parking, walking to the arena and security screening.
Lenovo Center Bag Policy & Venue Rules
Lenovo Center currently states that bags 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller are permitted, and its event pages repeat that policy. The older 12″ x 6″ x 12″ clear-bag language in the original draft should not be presented as the current general rule.
Because policies can change for individual events, check the event listing before leaving for the arena.
Accessibility at Lenovo Center
The venue provides accessible seating and accessibility services for guests with disabilities. Guests who need specific accommodations should contact Lenovo Center ahead of the event to confirm seating, entrances, and available services.
Food & Drinks at Lenovo Center
Concessions are available inside the arena, with additional dining options in the surrounding Raleigh area. The Arena Club Restaurant has also offered pre-event dining for selected events.
Things to Do Near Lenovo Center
The arena sits near Carter-Finley Stadium and the NC State Fairgrounds. Downtown Raleigh and attractions such as the North Carolina Museum of Art are a short drive away.
What Makes Lenovo Center Different?
Its location within Raleigh’s larger sports and events district makes it easy to combine a concert with other activities around Carter-Finley Stadium and the NC State Fairgrounds.
Tips for Going to a Concert at Lenovo Center
- Check the event page for the current bag and parking rules before leaving.
- Buy parking in advance when available to reduce arrival hassle.
- If you have GA tickets, confirm the designated entrance before arriving.
- Allow extra time for parking and walking across the surrounding event lots.
FAQ
What is Lenovo Center?
Lenovo Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, formerly known as PNC Arena.
Where is Lenovo Center located?
It is located at 1400 Edwards Mill Road in Raleigh, near Carter-Finley Stadium and the NC State Fairgrounds.
Is parking available at Lenovo Center?
Yes. Large parking areas surround the arena, but fees vary by event. Advance parking purchases are available for many events.
What is the bag policy at Lenovo Center?
The venue currently states that bags measuring 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller are permitted.
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