History
The inception of PNC Arena dates back to the early 1980s, when local officials, along with NC State University, determined the need for a new venue. Reynolds Coliseum, along with Dorton Arena, had together served the area for sports and entertainment for decades, but each had grown dated.
Revered coach, the late Jim Valvano, was impactful in designing part of the arena’s seating. His vision was to create space for NCSU students to ring the basketball court’s floors in support of their team and echo the legendary atmosphere of Reynolds Coliseum.
1991
Wake County and the City of Raleigh signed what has come to be called an Interlocal Agreement.
1992
The General Assembly funded $2 million for site work. The Wolfpack Club raised $22 million. Wake County and the City of Raleigh committed $22 million from hotel, prepared food and beverage taxes.
1995
The Legislature established Centennial Authority to study, design, plan, construct, own, promote, finance and operate a regional facility. The Legislature appropriated $7 million for the project. The Centennial Authority held first meeting in September.
1997
NHL’s Hartford Whalers relocate to Raleigh as the Carolina Hurricanes - the first major professional sports franchise in the Triangle
1997
Construction on the $158 million PNC Arena began with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 22,
1999
Oct, 29 Carolina Hurricances Opening Night against the New Jersey Devils
1999
Nov. 19, NC State Men’s Basketball defeats the University of Georgia on opening night.
2002
June – Hurricanes play Game 3 & 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals at the ESA – this first major professional sports championship ever played in N.C.
2004
RBC Center hosts NHL Holds Entry Draft
2006
Stanley Cup Champions! Carolina Hurricanes become the first professional sports franchise in N.C. to win its league trophy. RBC Center earns the title of “Loudest Arena” from noise levels recorded at Game Seven.
2012
RBC Center becomes PNC Arena.
2014
PNC Arena becomes the first North American NHL/NCAA venue to install LED Sports Lighting
2014
PNC Arena hosts NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the third time
2016
PNC Arena hosts NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the fourth time in 17 years
2019
19,495 fans watch the Carolina Hurricanes defeat the New York Islanders to advance to the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference Finals; a single game attendance record for the Hurricanes at PNC Arena
2020
Metallica concert draws 20,052 fans – the largest single event crowd in PNC Arena history
