Raleigh Convention Center Shares Designs of Upcoming Expansion
RALEIGH, N.C. – The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex today unveiled the architectural renderings of the new Raleigh Convention Center expansion. This transformative 298,100 sq. ft. facility adds significant event capacity in downtown Raleigh, bringing the center’s total square footage to 798,100. The building’s modern design and world-class amenities further solidify the Raleigh Convention Center’s position as a leading venue globally.
“The design of this expansion is the result of a highly collaborative process,” said Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “We’re grateful to all the residents of Raleigh who were engaged in the process, who care about this space that serves as a critical community touchpoint to all the visitors we welcome every year. We’re excited to bring this vision to life and make Raleigh proud with this world-class venue!”
This bold new expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center was designed by architect joint venture RATIO | TVS, informed by a robust community feedback process. The community was presented with three options, and while the consensus preferred design was chosen, the design team used the feedback from all the designs to include different elements that reflect residents’ priorities. This new design thoughtfully incorporates the needs of meeting planners, creating a destination primed to welcome global conferences and facilitate knowledge exchange for years to come.
"We're eager to welcome our community and visitors alike to this expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center. This thoughtfully designed space integrates community input while better serving the conventions and gatherings that bring vibrancy to the city. This is truly a first-class venue for our first-class city,” said Marchell Adams-David, Raleigh City Manager
This marks a significant milestone in Raleigh’s strategic downtown growth, with the Raleigh Convention Center expansion, the new 600-room Omni Hotel, the new iteration of the Red Hat Amphitheater and improvements to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts all poised to bring significant increases in economic impact to Downtown Raleigh.
These developments position Raleigh as a competitive global destination, equipped to attract and accommodate larger high-impact conferences, and enable meeting planners to bring the world to Raleigh. “This state-of-the-art convention center expansion is a transformative investment in the future of downtown Raleigh,” said Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of Visit Raleigh. “It will bring thousands of new visitors, driving more restaurant reservations, hotel stays, and traffic to local businesses. This facility strengthens Raleigh’s position as a vibrant, nationally competitive destination for meetings, events, and tourism.”