Raleigh Convention Center shares first look at new expansion project
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Raleigh Convention Center is sharing a first look at renderings of its new expansion downtown.
The expansion is part of an over $387 million project, which includes the expansion of the convention center and the relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater.
It's part of a handful of projects bringing growth downtown, including the construction of a new Omni Hotel.
Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts Complex Exec. Director Kerry Painter says the new construction will bring new and old conferences back to the convention center.
"We've had groups outgrow us already who've gone to other locations. So we are saying, 'Come back," she said.
The new space will go right behind the current convention center, where the Red Hat Amphitheater currently is located.
Red Hat will relocate a block south to make room for the new convention center space.
The new and old spaces will be connected by pedestrian bridges over McDowell Street.
"We are building flexible spaces that can hold more basketball courts and more volleyball, and at the same time can also do a beautiful keynote and a great lunch," said Painter.
Painter says feedback from industry experts helped guide their design process.
"There's a lot of thought that's gone into where the Wi-Fi is and how are we going to activate security and all those things that matter to planners," she said.
The new site will also have 13 meeting rooms, separate from large-scale event spaces.
The hope is that the new, state-of-the-art space will bring more events and conferences downtown.
"We bring people from every country, and they're here. They're here in Raleigh," said Painter. "It's us on a world stage being who we authentically are. And I think that is such a gift that we can share."
Convention center staff say a specific timeline is still being worked out, and it'll be a few years before they break ground.
The new Red Hat Amphitheater needs to be completed before construction on the new convention center space can begin.
