What Raleighites can expect from the Lenovo Center enhancement and Entertainment District projects.
Over just five days in May, more than 100K people made their way through the doors at Lenovo for a pentad of sold-out cross-genre hot tickets including stand-up Shane Gillis—who set the Lenovo record for most tickets sold for a comedy appearance—a Canes playoffs twofer and a pair of Pearl Jam performances. It’s precisely the type of vibe Raleigh hopes to deliver on the daily via the fast-approaching Lenovo Center renovations and Raleigh Sports and Entertainment District.
“The Entertainment District and the renovated arena will have a significantly positive effect on quality of life and civic pride—things you can’t quite put a dollar figure to,” emphasizes Centennial Authority Executive Director Jeff Merritt, who imagines crowds from all over flocking in, not just for the game—but for the energy and experience. “I wish I could teleport to 2029 and see what this place looks like because it’s going to be so, so cool,” he adds of the Lenovo Center reno set to wrap by December 2027—with the Entertainment District expected to unfold over the next 15 years.
As momentum builds, the streets are talking—and about more than just the hype. Here, we break down everything you need to know right now.
Parking Shift
Between hockey season, football fast approaching, and a steady stream of events in the mix, parking is top of mind. Two surface lots on the Northeast side of the building will remain as-is, with a potential new lot also in the works (location TBD as of press time). Lots on the East side will be replaced with two multilevel above- and below-ground parking decks, slated to kick off construction right after the final home football game this year—unless detoured by an NC State playoffs run—and slated to be game-day ready by the 2026 home opener. During deck construction, cars will likely be funneled temporarily to Carter-Finley and the State Fairgrounds.
Tailgate Time
Upping the ante for sports fans, the two new parking decks will house “Tailgate Suites” on the first and second levels facing a shared promenade for NC State and Canes fans looking to level up their pregame. Serving up a literal gamechanger, this first-of-its-kind setup connects two parking spots with a decked-out suite—think furniture, fridge, TV, counterspace—so fans can roll up and plug straight into the party. But for old-fashioned tailgaters, have no fear—those longtime authentic NC State tailgating lots aren’t going anywhere.
Live Nation
At the same time construction kicks off for the parking decks, work will begin on an adjacent 4,300-seat Live Nation venue—resulting in a plaza between the two buildings feat. enhanced outdoor public spaces.
Arena Level Phase 1
While Lenovo’s full vision is still in blueprint mode, come July 1 (🤞), contractors will hit the ground running with Phase 1 public-facing construction. Think: an ice-level Lenovo Legend Club, packed with premium all-you-can-eat food stations and a full-service bar—exclusively for fans in the first and second off-ice rows, plus rows C–E in sections 101, 122, and 125–128 on the South end. Fans in the new private “bunker suites”—complete with oversize screens rolling an exclusive feed from 8K cameras to catch every play—will also score access to the Club, in addition to seats in the first few rows of the lower bowl around the corner from their suites.
300 Level Phase 1
In place of sections 317–319, an open-to-all-fans state-of-the-art View Bar is landing, serving up direct ice views and fresh F&B options—plus a new grab-and-go concession space and refreshed bathrooms on the 300-level. While select work on these sections can be done behind, say, a plywood wall, some of the work will pose an inconvenience—period. Nate Bargatze fans headed to his July 17–18 stand, for example, can’t buy tickets in the three sections being swapped for the upcoming View Bar. And, if you’ve got a ritual beer or dog stop, it might be MIA for a little while, says Merritt. “But, hopefully, the payoff is worth it,” he adds.
Phase 2
Once Phase 1 wraps around year’s end, Phase 2 is on deck for 2026. While plans are still taking shape, look for bigger, better back-of-house service and loading spaces, a 100-level facelift, a 200-club-level refresh, more grab-and-go and amenity spots—and potentially a fresh facade for the green glass section to bring it all home.
We may be big fans of Hurricanes’ rising star Seth Jarvis on the ice, but off the ice, he’s a big fan of Raleigh—which will serve the Canadian center well, as he’s less than one year into an eight-year contract here in Oak City. During Jarvis’ early NHL seasons with the Canes, the breakout player quickly established himself as an MVP on the rise, and Carolina took notice—with the team signing a $63.2 mill contract in 2024.
But the deal is clearly paying off for both parties. Last season, Jarvy ranked second for the Canes in both goals and points with 33 and 67, respectively. To boot, the 23-year-old became the third member of the 2020 NHL Draft Class to have a 30-goal season, and he also had a hand—and to much chagrin after the initial American W—in helping Canada clinch the win in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off in Montreal in February.
Answering the call for more about the man behind the mustache off the ice, an episode of Faceoff: Inside the NHL featuring the hockey star is set to air on Amazon Prime in September. Until then, get to know a little bit more about No. 24 when he’s away from the game.
► Does your hefty contract add additional pressure to how you play? I don’t think anything of it. There’s a lot of guys who could probably make more money than me on this team, and we’re all doing the best we can. I just have to be the best version of myself and that’s what I focus on.
► What was it like to represent Canada and play your teammate in the 4 Nations Face-Off? That was a lot of fun—obviously a lot more fun when you win. It was everything I could’ve wanted. The atmosphere was great. Hockey is a way of life in Canada, especially in Montreal, so you feel a little more pressure, but I think everyone on the team knew what we needed to do. I’m just happy we could win. Playing against Slavin sucked about as much as I could’ve expected. He’s shown the world how good of a hockey player he is, and I got to see the forefront of it.
► What has filming for Faceoff: Inside the NHL been like? It’s good, we did a little bit in Montreal at 4 Nations, so I got a little taste of what it’s like. I’m not used to having a camera follow me around, but we’ll start [in March] here. I don’t do anything, so I don’t know what they’re going to film. Right now, the plan is to golf on my off-day. But on the game day and the practice day, I’m not going to change my routine for those guys.
► Your pregame ’fit influence? That would be me. I spend a lot of time on TikTok, and some of the stuff on my TikTok is cool clothes—so I’ve been working on expanding my fashion. When he was here, [Martin] Nečas was a big influence for me. He took a lot of the heat for a lot of the stuff he was wearing, so I could kind of slide in behind him and copy him a little bit. He definitely took the reins.
► Nicknames on or off the ice? Just Jarvy—teammates only though. My older brother was always Jarvy so it would get confused at home.
► Fave local restaurants? I eat a lot of my pregame meals at Vivace, so I’ve spent a lot of time there. I do like Bar Taco.
► Fave local bar and drink of choice? Teets and vodka Red Bull
► Local college sports picks? NC State in football and Duke in basketball
► TV show you can watch on repeat? I’ve watched Shameless a few times, and I’m in the middle of it right now.
► Favorite music ATM? A lot of everything. Right now, alternative rock. I don’t know if it falls in that category but Tame Impala is my favorite lately. I don’t listen to anything to warm up, maybe just on the bus on the way to games. I’ll usually listen to rap or something like that.
► Hopes are high for the Cup. What will it take to get over the Eastern Conference Hump? A lot of things have to go right, especially in the playoffs. Your power play needs to be on and that’s what we’re working on this year. Getting that figured out will be a big help. You need to get a lot of that right to get to those positions, and I think it’s a matter of time until we get those bounces. And I think we can up our physicality—we have a lot of big bodies, and I think if we play a little bit harder it’d be beneficial.
Launched Oct. 11 during the Canes’ opening night and available at all home games this season, the Hurricane cocktail—a special edition release of an existing award-winning EOD mix—is already a fan-favorite sip. To wit, it snagged Double Gold at the 2022 SIP Awards and a Gold recognition at The Fifty Best 2024 RTD Competition (!).
The chic Canes-branded red can, natch, features the distillery’s signature Port of Entry Rum, passionfruit, lemon juice and a bubbly twist. Think of it like a sibling can to R&D Brewing’s Storm Brew for nonbeer-drinkers, if you will.
“We are excited about our partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes, as it represents a harmonious blend of our shared values,” says EOD Distillery founder Shane Faulkner. “Like the Hurricanes, we strive for excellence in our field. This cocktail enhances the game-day experience, embodying the energy and spirit of the fans and players alike.”
But the fun doesn’t stop at the Novo. Those catching the action at home’ll be able to stock their fridge with hockey-fueled cocktails to keep the party going all season long by snagging the special-edition sips at ABC stores within a 75-mile radius of Raleigh—plus in the distillery’s home county of New Hanover.
A first for both the Carolina Hurricanes and End of Days, the ready-to-drink cocktail partnership is set to run through June 30. “It’s been absolutely fantastic,” emphasizes Faulkner. “We’re looking forward to the exposure and support throughout the state.”
So whether you’re a die-hard Canes fan or just in it for the atmosphere—er, the alcohol—this special-edition ’tail is set to be the real MVP this season. Get ready to cause some chaos! eoddistillery.com
We chat with local singer/songwriter + influential speaker Chris Hendricks.
“Be creative. Be real. Be connected. Be healed.” So goes the MO for local musician and transformational speaker Chris Hendricks, who’s been in the biz for over a decade, sharing the stage with artists such as Delta Rae, Amy Grant and Daughtry. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 4, Hendricks touts a unique perspective on leadership, success, creativity and self-worth—which he has shared with the world through music, spoken word and personal stories.
To wit, the influential creative’s belief in human potential and the gift of sound has allowed him to reach a wide audience from all walks of life, bringing love back into schools, law firms and major corporations. (Fun fact: Caniacs may also remember his song “Noise” as the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2011–12 season pregame song.) With the release of new music, podcasts, live performances and more, Hendricks’ important message of possibility and creativity continues to resonate with global audiences.
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we caught up with the singer-songwriter ahead of the release of his seven-song EP for insight on his sound, future goals and championing of disability-inclusion awareness.
How and when did you discover your love of music?
Most would say I started singing and performing at the age of 4. If you cornered my mom on the street she would tell you that I started singing in the womb. My dad is a singer/performer and he raised me on country and bluegrass. He would perform for his friends and family right outside our house on the deck. When I was 4 or 5 I remember trying to sneak out of my bed just to listen to him sing. Right around 5 years old, I heard my dad sing a song called “Aimee” by the Pure Prairie League and I was hooked. My dad had this incredible ability to hypnotize an audience with his voice and his humor. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to capture the hearts and minds of audiences for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t start writing my own music until I was a senior in college, but the truth is I got really lucky. No matter how fast we want our dreams to take shape, they always seem to form on their own timeline.
What kind of message do you hope to send with your music?
I’m here to break glass ceilings in music and in business for people with conditions like me. Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. I’m not the first person with a disability to make an impact using music—I know there’s room for me in the industry somewhere. At the end of the day, you have to make your mark by being undeniable. I have no delusions and no one owes me anything. I’m here to earn my spot by putting my art and my songwriting first. Any message that speaks to the value of people with disabilities will fall on deaf ears if it ever overshadows the craft and creativity that helps true artists stand out in the first place.
As far as messages in my songs go, it really depends on the song. Life is a rollercoaster of emotions and I’m here to tell stories that serve those emotions. I write because it’s cathartic for me—and, if I’m lucky, the songs will connect with and heal other people too in their own way. The best thing to me about music is that you can keep it and give it away to the world at the same time.
How do you champion disability inclusion through your music?
Disability is often considered ‘the forgotten D’ in diversity, equity and inclusion. The great thing about being an artist/creative of any kind is that you can champion inclusion simply by stepping out of the shadows and being yourself. If you’re courageous enough to put your art out there, you immediately represent what’s possible. With any luck, people will see themselves in what you do, and might find the courage to do the same.
What has been your biggest achievement in the music world to date?
A few months ago I was boarding a plane to speak at a conference in Florida. While I was waiting to board the plane, one of the flight attendants came up to me and said, ‘I know who you are—you’re Chris Hendricks! I saw you perform when I was in middle school and you inspired me to follow my dreams and become an airline pilot. I just upgraded your ticket to first class!’ In that moment, I learned two things. One: I’m getting older. Two: Making an impact on one person’s life feels way bigger than any performance opportunity or music award I could ever hope for.
What are some of your future goals?
As far as what the future holds, I’m taking it one step at a time. I consider myself a recording artist first, and a professional advocate/transformational speaker second. I would like to re-release my first album properly, I’d like to finish my next seven-song EP sooner than later, and I’d like to travel and speak to companies and community leaders around the world showing them the value of persons with disabilities using music. All that would be great, but mostly I just want to be a good father to my 6-year-old daughter. I think the best thing I can do for her is show her that dreams are worth fighting for. With enough hard work, you can take care of your family and do what you love at the same time.
What can you tell us about your new music?
The new album doesn’t have a date yet, BUT many of the new songs are finished or at least 90% complete. With age comes more experience and, hopefully, more wisdom. The new seven-song EP should be a more mature and gritty musical exploration. While my first albums represented a lot of hope, I think it also came across as somewhat naive. The new music is a mix of hope and harsh reality. The mature themes are still held together by my singer-songwriter background, but they’re driven by country/blues influences built around a modern R&B/hip-hop production style.
What advice would you give to others living with cerebral palsy or another disability who want to get into music?
Anyone with a disability wanting to get into music should put their music first. It’s fine to feel empowered and driven by your condition/disability, but the message has to take a backseat. Let your talent do the talking and your message of empowerment will shine through. However, if you let your message overshadow your art, whatever you’re trying to say will fall on deaf ears. In other words, let your creativity speak for itself. Your disability (visible or not) will help you stand out. Give your music the spotlight, and the rest will take care of itself.
Keep your eyes on West Raleigh, as a host of new updates are coming down the pipeline.
Canes’ new executive dynamic duo CEO Brian Fork and President Doug Warf have joined forces alongside GM Eric Tulsky to take on the Herculean task of bringing to fruition owner Tom Dundon’s vision for West Raleigh, including the plans for a PNC Arena renovation, expansion, future sportsbook, landing MLB Raleigh, and building out the best “premiere sports and entertainment district in the country,” says Fork—mixing Raleigh’s innate Southern hospitality and tech savvy to give us something no other city has, adds Warf.
The Canes dream team is eager to get started alongside partners Centennial Authority and NC State—to whom they are “eternally grateful,” says Warf. They, as well as the board, Wake County and City of Raleigh are integral to the vision, adds Fork, and “we owe a debt of gratitude.”
Plans/updates:
—$300 million PNC Arena renovation over next three years over multiple phases (likely three) during hockey off-season
—Focus at the Arena on fan experience is paramount re: speed of use and service from the event (concert/game) to F&B to merch.
—$800 mill–$1 billion mixed-use district development around the arena to include already announced concert/entertainment venues, walkable bars, offices, retail, residential, hotel, possible sportsbook, affordable housing component and more
—First phase for outdoor development: Scheduled construction and buildout are at least a year away, if not longer, with quickest start likely coming fall 2025 post-football (no decisions made).
—Once first phase starts (entertainment, restaurants, retail, some office/residential, probably hotel), all components of future phases will also be determined.
—Parking: Looking at additional parking and new parking concepts as part of the development all around the building. “We are well aware nobody would want to buy an apartment where they would have to sit in a line [to come home/leave] every time there is an event,” notes Fork.
—Traveling to/from events: Potential entrances at both/either Wade and Edwards Mill are being considered as part of the development (years away).
—Sportsbook plans have not been developed and much is still to be determined. If a sportsbook takes shape in a venue, construction wouldn’t start for at least a couple more years. Could decide to keep sportsbook relationship entirely online.
—A very serious pursuit to bring MLB to Raleigh—having owner on board puts us way ahead of other cities in U.S.
“Most places you’ve got a building that’s being renovated in an urban area that’s got a lot around it—or you’re going way outside of town,” says Fork. “Here we have a centralized location with a building and stadium already here in a big 80-acre parking lot we can develop. So that’s exciting—huge for Raleigh, for the fans of the teams that play here, the entertainment consumer and really our whole state.”
Both Fork and Warf’s commitment to Raleigh and Dundon’s vision is apparent.
“These are legacy projects,” says Warf. … “When you look at the team and the strength of where the team is and the building, when you look at what we can do around this… to see that start to come to fruition, that’s a legacy project. Pursuit of Major League Baseball is a legacy project. Those are things my daughter would tell her kids about. And to be even somewhat involved in that is monumental. Truly, truly exciting.”
From left: Doug Warf and Brian Fork
Get to Know Brian Fork:
“I’m just a Canes fan,” says Fork, nodding to his excitement. He grew up in Raleigh 2 miles from the facility in about the same place he’s raising his kids now.
“I’ve been a [Canes] customer for 25 years,” he adds, nothing he’s bought every type of ticket package you can get, from season tickets to rafters tickets (trying to sneak downstairs) and been to almost every home playoff game, the Draft, All-Star weekend, etc.
“I’ve been around—I bought the food and beverage, the jerseys, the hats. … I love the Canes. I watch the games. I get really into it. I’m a Wolfpack fan and spent a lot of nights in this building watching basketball. … There’s this fun kind of feeling of obligation that I have to the fans. Anything I can do to help the Canes and NC State basketball is going to be rewarding.”
A full-circle moment for a die-hard fan and Raleighite: “I remember when this place wasn’t here and we would throw the football in the grass probably right above where we’re standing right now on that gravel road that came into the stadium back before the Centennial Center had even been thought up by Jimmy V,” he reminisces. “This area means a lot to me—sports mean a lot to me.”
Get to Know Doug Warf:
“Doug worked here 15+ years and has done every job except kill penalties,” jokes Fork. “Neither Brian nor I have to learn how to do the Wolfpack symbol,” ribs Warf, who has lived in the Triangle for 25 years. “That was born into us.”
Warf is extremely excited to be back with the Canes and back at the place where he cut his teeth as an unpaid intern before spending the next 16 years. “This was a dream job for me,” he muses, adding a debt of gratitude to Michael Olander Jr. at MDO Holdings, from which he just parted. “He allowed me to do a lot of things that have helped me a ton in my growth in my business and professional development. I really appreciate [Michael] and the team at MDO Holdings—I’ll miss those guys, but I’m extremely excited to be back.”
Nodding to the likewise full-circle moment both personally and professionally, he adds: “Dundon has a big vision—and it starts with looking at the fact that there are three of us doing what was previously one job. That’s a testament to what he plans and wants to do here. The more we saw what Tom was envisioning—if you don’t get excited something is wrong with you.”
