The "first major expansion" of PNC Arena since it opened in '99 is being considered, with Raleigh-based Ratio Architects and K.C.-based 360 Architecture chosen to "handle the concepts and renderings," according to Chip Alexander of the Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER. The expansion would come at the "north end of the arena." While there would be "no added seating" for Hurricanes or N.C. State basketball games, options include adding "dining areas, a rooftop restaurant and bar, storage space and meeting areas." The cost is estimated at $15-20M. Centennial Authority Chair Steve Stroud, whose organization oversees arena operations, said, "If you’re going to get major entertainment in the building you have to be able to offer these amenities. We want to make sure the arena remains attractive and viable." Centennial Authority Exec Dir Jeff Merritt said that the expansion renderings "could be completed in late-November and presented to the authority board in December." Stroud said that expansion "likely would take at least two years to complete." Alexander notes the Centennial Authority has "approved the spending of $650,000 for an LED lighting system in PNC Arena that will be operational Sept. 5," as well as $190,000 for "safety upgrades" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 8/8).
