RALEIGH, NC (CelebrityAccess)—The Raleigh Convention Center has selected the TVS architecture firm, associated with RATIO Design, to relocate and redesign downtown Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater. The amphitheater will shift one block south so the convention center can complete its expansion, due in 2028.
With the relocation, Red Hat is set to get upgrades and renovations, but only if the city leaders agree to close down part of a downtown street while the amphitheater is moved. According to The News & Observer, it is due to move one block south across Lenoir Street to the vacant city parking lot the city purchased in 2019. COVID-19 stalled the renovation and planned move but has now picked up steam so that the music venue can open before the 2026 season.
The nearly 5,900-capacity venue hosted 26 concerts in 2023, hosting artists like Khruangbin, Dwight Yoakam, Gary Lee Clark, Jr., and emerging pop star Chapell Roan.
The relocation would expand the amphitheater’s capacity to 6,500-7,000 seats, but only if the city closes South Street between McDowell and Dawson. Otherwise, the capacity would decrease to about 4,500 seats, reports The News & Observer.
On Saturday (July 20), WRAL reported a party on South Street downtown where Assistant City Manager Evan Raleigh presented the vision for the new convention center and arena.
The city council still needs to approve the move and will make a final decision in the Fall. Concerts will continue at the current location for another season through 2025.
