The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1506671
46 ■ THE WOLFPACKER O BY MATT CARTER n Friday, Nov. 19, 1999, the NC State men's bas- ketball team christened the Pack's new home, then called the Enter- tainment and Sports Arena, with a 67-63 victory over Georgia. In the nearly quarter century since, the venue has undergone many changes, including being first renamed RBC Cen- ter and then PNC Arena. Different itera- tions of the videoboard came and went before the installation of the massive 4,000-square-foot version that looms large over center court today. Kevin Keatts is the fourth men's bas- ketball head coach to patrol the NC State bench since the venue opened. The row of press seating that was once located across the court from the team benches has given way to coveted court- side seats. But most of those changes are subtle compared to what is about to unfold. In August, the Carolina Hurricanes, NC State and Centennial Authority an- nounced a 20-year lease extension for the NHL franchise that included a com- mitment to a $300 million renovation of the arena by the Authority. The ad- ditional redevelopment of surround- ing areas that will be financed by the Hurricanes will also have an impact on NC State. "To be sure, this building is going to be a phenomenal place for NC State athletics to continue to play in and thrive in," said Philip Isley, chairman of the Centennial Authority. The Carolina Hurricanes' parent company, Gale Force Sports and Enter- tainment, will have the rights to develop the land owned by the state and leased to Centennial Authority. The first phase of the project will include 20 acres and be completed within five years. Smaller developments will be part of each sub- sequent phase. Gale Force will commit to a minimum $200 million in Phase 1 of the area de- velopment and $400 million within 10 years for additional phases. The invest- ment extends to $800 million within 20 years, and Gale Force will pay for 100 percent of all private renovations to PNC Arena. Although specific details of the plans have not been fully worked out, there will be a new indoor music venue that seats between 3,000 and 5,000 specta- tors built adjacent to PNC Arena at an estimated cost of $40 million. There will also be 100,000 square feet of re- tail/dining space, 150,000 square feet of office space, 200 multifamily resi- dential units and a 150-room hotel as part of Phase I. Other proposed projects include a sports betting lounge in the arena. Sports betting became legal in the state thanks to a law passed and signed in June that approved eight venues, PNC Arena included, for in-person sports- books across the state. As part of the agreement, NC State will have a say in renovations to the arena. NC State director of athletics Boo BIG PLANS PNC Arena And Surrounding Areas To Undergo Massive Renovation And Development