Hundreds of fans were left stranded at Carter-Finley—with no way for them to get out, or for rideshares to get in.
Raise your hand if you were stranded at Carter-Finley Stadium following Noah Kahan’s sold-out July 25 concert. Now raise your other hand if you sat in traffic for an hour to get in—whether you were making your way to a parking spot or navigating the rideshare dropoff.
Despite Carter-Finley, Lenovo Center and the State Fairgrounds playing host to plenty of hockey and football games, the annual NC State Fair, and a smattering of other events throughout the year, concert traffic somehow remains a huge headache. While July 23’s Guns N’ Roses show faced similar traffic delays, it was Noah Kahan’s post-concert struggles that received the most backlash, with multiple fans taking to social media to voice their concerns. And as someone who attended the show myself and didn’t get out of the parking lot until almost 1am, I can concur it was indeed a mess.
Getting into the stadium was a cluster in and of itself, with traffic backed up around Trinity Road, Blue Ridge Road, Edwards Mill Road and I-40 hours before the concert even started—never mind police officers on scene directing cars in a disorderly and confusing fashion.
Charlotte resident Peter Allen Rowe, who came to the concert by Uber, noted the rideshare dropoff situation was confusing from the get-go, with concerns already rising about getting out of the area as soon as he showed up to the venue. As it turns out, his anxiety was right.
With ~60,000 people trying to get out of the stadium at the same time, naturally, chaos ensued. Multiple fans were stuck outside Carter-Finley either piled up in a line of cars to get out or stranded on the side of the road waiting for an absurdly priced Uber or Lyft—only to face several cancellations, poor service and/or dead phone batteries.
“It’s just sad to see people have a legitimately incredible concert night and then you leave that and go straight into an incredibly stressful situation. If you can’t get home or what you’re planning on using doesn’t work, now all the sudden you’re in a tough spot—especially because you don’t have a lot of other options at that venue.” —Peter Allen Rowe
“I was at the concert alone and my husband, who was supposed to pick me up after, couldn’t get to the stadium and I ended up having to walk alone on the side of the highway at around midnight to find him,” says one TikTok user in attendance. “It was scary and infuriating.”
Allegedly, numerous roads were blocked getting into Carter-Finley, with rideshares and designated friends or family pickups circling for hours because there was no way to get near the stadium or pickup/dropoff area. Case in point: Rowe says he encountered an Uber driver who was forced to cancel 10 rides as he had no way to get to them.
Many fans tried to walk over to nearby sports bar The Local to catch a ride—hoping it would be far enough from the traffic cluster happening around the stadium—only to be left in the same position. “It was absolutely awful… worst experience of my life,” said another attendee. “I will never go to another event at Carter-Finley ever again.”
Photo by @hannah_shel
Rowe adds that the whole situation felt disconnected, and he never saw any posted road closure maps for anyone to be able to navigate where to go. Essentially, fans were thrown to the wolves—either resorting to waiting at the designated pickup area across the street or walking miles and miles away in the hopes of maybe being able to find a ride that could get to them.
Despite the cluster, NC State Acting Director of News and Media Relations Lauren Barker tells RM the university worked closely with numerous partner agencies for several months leading up to the concerts to develop “comprehensive operational and traffic management plans.” “Following the Noah Kahan concert, the high volume of concertgoers using rideshare services simultaneously caused delays to some patrons leaving the venue,” she says.
Still stranded by 2am (read: three hours after the show ended), some fans resorted to snagging rides from random strangers—which proved to be a safety concern of its own.
“It definitely creates opportunities for people who are looking to take advantage of someone that’s desperate,” emphasizes Rowe, who was lucky enough to find a ride—after getting far enough away from the stadium—from an Uber driver that began asking people if they needed a car. “It creates a really dangerous situation on so many levels, and opens people up to a lot of risk.”
While many attendees who experienced the struggles have voiced they refuse to go to a Carter-Finley concert ever again, Rowe argues that instead of accepting it as a bad situation, the entire scenario needs to be improved. Following the concert, he took it upon himself to email the NC State Institute for Transportation Research and Education at NC State, who responded saying a group is already looking at broader traffic implications for large events across Lenovo Center, Carter-Finley and the Fairgrounds. Barker also stated the weekend operations will be thoroughly reviewed as part of a post-event assessment process to identify opportunities for improvement at future events.
“If there’s anyone who seems like they have the expertise to think of a system that works, it should be NC State,” maintains Rowe. “If NC State can’t figure out a better system, we have other problems.”
If Noah Kahan, Guns N’ Roses, and Chris Brown’s shows are any indication, Carter-Finley’s transportation plans are struggling to keep pace with the major touring acts the venue continues to attract. For Raleigh to keep landing those shows, getting fans out safely and efficiently has to become part of the experience.
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.”
Staycation all I ever wanted! Sometimes the best getaway is a staycay. Save the gas and skip that kid kicking your seat on the plane in lieu of an OOO flex at some of the best hotels around (we see you Michelin-certified The Longleaf Hotel!). We rest our (suit)case.
Here, a dozen unrivaled must-do’s to build a staycay around during the 12 weeks of summer. We rest our (suit)case.
Dueling Dinosaurs Channel your inner Ross Geller and ~pivot~ your staycay around this epic exhibit 67 years in the making digging into the world’s duo of fave dinos. Free, ongoing, naturalsciences.org
Jaguar Bolera The long-anticipated adult playground will no doubt have you making moves like jaguar over to Raleigh Iron Works to balance Top Chef eats and a roster of duckpin bowling, darts, karaoke and more. Daily, jaguarbolera.com
Rooftop Tour Alexa, play “Rooftops” by Wiz Khalifa. … Get high in the best way by rooftop hopping across Raleigh’s elevated roster—from La Terrazza and The Willard to 10th & Terrace and beyond.
Spark Golf Happy Hour If you’re lookin’ to ~par-tee~, swing into Spark Golf—the hot new all-skill-level happy hour activity teeing up across the Triangle on the daily sans the country club membership. Ongoing, spark.golf
Food Truck Rodeo Summer fitness? More like ~fitness~ as much food in your mouth (!) via a scad of savory and sweet food trucks (and trailers!) on Fayetteville Street. Stretchy pants encouraged. Free, Aug. 25, shoplocalraleigh.org
Sarah Sherman “What, are you obsessed with me?” You will be as SNL’s quirky “Sarah Squirm” promises to make your eyes bug out as she brings her body horror comedy live. July 18–20, goodnightscomedy.com
Live After 5 Live After 5 is in her queen era (!)…. And you’re gonna wanna “kiss beneath the milky twilight… out on the moonlit floor” as ’90s alt queens Sixpence None the Richer light up the night live—NTM a roster of artists tribute-ing legends from T. Swift to the Queen of Country Dolly Parton herself. Summer lovin’ indeed. Free, July 31 & Aug. 28, downtownraleigh.org
NCSU Home Opener There’s always next this year. The Pack is BACK at Carter-Finley to cripple the Catamounts in their campaign to finally reach champ status. Aug. 29, gopack.com
Opera under the stars NCMA Skip the flight and ~rome~ to NCMA’s Museum Park for a breathtaking backdrop serving the soaring arias and enchanting melodies of opera’s most memorable masterpieces. It’s giving Italian coliseum vibes—and, baby, we’ll be counting stars. Sept. 12, ncopera.org
Bull Durham, A New Musical If you’re all about that base, prop up for this new musical bringing the Academy Award-winning classic back home (fun fact: Scenes from the film were shot at Mitch’s Tavern). Sept. 10–22, theatreraleigh.com
Hopscotch Music Festival Oh, hoppy day(s)! Venture Downtown for a rhythmic romp of jams at City Plaza and Moore Square stages—plus late-night sets, comedy shows, day parties, local vendors and more. Sept. 5–7, hopscotchmusicfest.com
Wondering which local lavatories are simply a flush above the rest? Here, your Triangle “Tour de Bathroom.”
Angus Barn
Best bathroom 🤝 the Barn. A boujee trip to the loo awaits via the rustic restroom of Raleigh’s iconic steakhouse. Imagine wooden stalls, chandeliers, and a fancy sitting area feat. a lineup of products to freshen up in a pinch. Forget the dining room, catch us hangin’ in the bathroom. @angusbarn
a’Verde
This one’s for the gals. The women’s commodes in Cary’s modern Mexican spot are elevated in every sense of the word. From a disco ball to thirst traps of fave male celebrities, you’ll for sure want to prolong your rest stop at this restaurant. Cheers, indeed! @averdemexican_cary
Clockwork
Do it for the ’Gram. Pink is the name of the game at this tucked away and simply stylish watering hole in Glenwood South. Find golden framed mirrors and groovy wallpaper along with a trippy black-and-white-striped-hallway (a la Clockwork Orange for which it’s named) leading up to the pinked-out powder room. @clockwork919
M Sushi
Just go with the flow. Featuring a very sleek, clean and minimal essence, Fenton’s superb sushi spot’s restrooms are anything but fishy. And the monochromatic black walls + polished ambience certainly convey a feng shui spot for a sit upon the porcelain throne. @m_restaurants
Madre
May the fluorescent light shine brightly upon your experience in this mod chic lavatory. With pinkish hues, translucent doors (make sure you turn the lock all the way!) and mints to boot, the water closets at this recently bowed Smoky Hollow restaurant are considered by many to be a prime squat spot. @madreraleigh
Honorable Mention: Note: “Please do not throw liquor bottles in toilets.” Carter-Finley’s potty situation is just what you might expect from a college football stadium: large; fluorescent; and with questionable items strewn on the floor, in the trash and in the toilets… but it’s simply part of the Wolfpack nation ~experience~ (er, rite of passage?)—therefore earning it an honorable mention on our list.
Take warning, Raleigh! The Stadium Series is finally upon us, and Raleigh is set to take center stage as the world watches when the Canes and Capitals hit the ice for a matchup years in the making. Beyond the weeklong star-studded cast of events, it’s also big business for our city orchestrated by a roster of major players. Here, we take a deep dive into all things #StadiumSeries—from our exclusive day-by-day downloadable Guide(presented by Charles & Colvard) to a look at those involved in bringing this celebration to life to the long-lasting impact this will have on our city—NTM our podcast detailing all the fanfare.
2023 NHL Stadium Series Events Weeklong Day-by-Day Guide
Images from the NHL game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals on Oct. 31, 2022 in Raleigh, N.C. (Margaret DeBruhl/ Carolina Hurricanes), Frederik Andersen
The Stadium Series game is more than a game—it’s a weeklong unprecedented event that promises to rock you like a Hurricane.
It is happening! In more Stadium Series news the Canes Alumni Game is official! The FREE 10th annual Alumni Game is set for Monday, Feb. 20, 4pm, at Carter-Finley Stadium.
The Carolina Hurricanes Fan Fest music lineup is here! A fab lineup of 12 North Carolina artists will play live across two stages from in Downtown Raleigh from 11am-9pm.
