Setting the Record Straight on Red Hat Amp

The Raleigh rumor mill has been churning around the fate of Red Hat Amphitheater—and a key figure sits at its core whose unique position carries massive gravitas—the trifecta if you will. Now, in a sit-down interview with Raleigh Magazine, mayoral candidate, South Street resident and current Dix Park Conservancy CEO Janet Cowell sets the record straight.

Despite public speculation regarding her alleged opposition, “I am in support of keeping Red Hat Downtown,” says Cowell, whose last day as Dix Park Conservancy CEO is Oct. 4. When asked, to be clear, how she would vote today if it meant closing South Street, she replied: “I think you’re going to see this council vote yes; I would vote yes—if this was the absolute best we could do.”

That said, the current plan that includes the South Street closure is by no means ideal to Cowell. “There’s a lot of water under the bridge. But this is where we are: We know we want it Downtown. This is the location. So I think it’s these final questions of: Are you telling me there can’t be two-way traffic? Is this the best we can do?”

She notes closing a street is a really serious decision, and with that allowing for as much vehicular throughput, pedestrians and bicycles is a “win-win for everybody in Southern Downtown,” she says. 

That dream of a win-win largely hinges on the “everybody”—specifically massive affordable housing project Heritage Park (one of Raleigh’s biggest), where residents could be detached from Downtown by South Street’s closure. That said, the street sees relatively little traffic, just 3,300 cars daily (one-third the 10K it was built for). 

“All of these questions with Red Hat are relevant to Heritage Park—not only are you trying to create more units, but you have existing residents who have been through a lot and displaced,” maintains Cowell. Heritage Park has long been under redevelopment plans to multiply the number of affordable and mixed-income units on that site, “and the redevelopment of that site does depend on some of these roads and networks and access,” she adds.

“I think that’s what we’re pushing for—have you absolutely gone to the mat on the negotiations on the design with NCDOT,” she continues, “and have you pushed for the absolute best long-term solution for Southern Downtown—because I live there; I’ve invested in it; I’m writing grants; I want this to be a very successful area for everybody.”

As far as other rumors regarding her potential conflict of interest in discreetly angling to have DTR Red Hat Amp fail in lieu of a Dix Park relocation, Cowell sets the record straight on that as well. To be clear, Dix Park Conservancy has absolutely no formal position on the matter, but Cowell confirms that while there is an amphitheater in the Dix master plan, it’s not this kind of amphitheater. Think less 7K screaming fans at Lizzo and more picnic baskets, Theatre in the Park vibes. It’s really just “an unfortunate diversion of attention,” she says. 

Ultimately, she says, “[Red Hat’s] good energy for Downtown; it keeps Downtown as a regional arts and tourist destination, so I think there are a lot of positives. … Everybody wants Downtown to do well. I think this is all going to go through.”

Coming Soon: 10 most-asked questions about Red Hat Amp relocation answered. Subscribe to Raleigh Insider.

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Raleigh Mayoral Candidates Weigh in on Red Hat’s Future

Are you in favor of Red Hat Amphitheater staying Downtown or moving to Dix Park? 

Terrence Ruth
“The location of the Red Hat Amphitheater should be determined by what best serves the community’s needs and enhances the cultural vibrancy of Raleigh. Keeping it Downtown supports local businesses and maintains the city’s cultural hub. However, moving it to Dix Park could offer unique opportunities, but the fragile nature of our Downtown requires the city’s full attention. I would advocate for extensive community input before making a decision.”

Paul Fitts
“Leave it where it is.”

Eugene Myrick
“I am not in favor of moving the Red Hat Amphitheater to Dix Park. While the amphitheater is a beloved venue, relocating it would have significant and far-reaching consequences that outweigh the potential benefits. Moving the amphitheater would negatively impact local businesses that have long benefited from its downtown location. The foot traffic and economic activity generated by events at Red Hat Amphitheater support our small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy. Disrupting this ecosystem could lead to closures and lost livelihoods for many who rely on this steady stream of patrons.”

James Shaughnessy IV
“I am in favor of keeping Red Hat Amphitheater Downtown. It’s become a cultural staple in the area and plays a vital role in supporting local businesses by driving foot traffic and generating economic activity. Its presence Downtown is beneficial both for the economy and the cultural vibrancy of the city.”

Red Hat Amp’s fate will be decided on Sep. 17. If Raleigh City Council doesn’t pass the proposed plans to expand and relocation it, Red Hat Amphitheater will be demolished for good—there is no alternative plan.