RCC Blog: The Future is Taking Shape

Something big is coming to downtown Raleigh – literally! The Raleigh Convention Center is expanding by 298,100 square feet, bringing the facility total to 798,100 square feet. The new space will include a 50,000 square foot divisible flex hall, 18,000 square foot ballroom, and 13 new meeting rooms with pre-function and registration areas.

Our team has worked closely with architect joint venture RATIO | TVS and gathered extensive community feedback along the way. Raleigh residents were presented with multiple design options, and we used the input from our local community to shape the final result.

One of the more unexpected highlights is the Shimmer Walk on the third floor. A series of connecting bridges will allow visitors to experience the iconic Shimmer Wall art piece at eye level for the first time ever, alongside sweeping views of the downtown skyline.

The expansion is part of a larger transformation happening across downtown Raleigh. The Red Hat Amphitheater is relocating one block south to a new, permanent home in 2027. The Omni Raleigh Hotel, a 600-room property with 55,000 square feet of its own meeting space, a rooftop pool, a Mokara spa, and multiple food and beverage outlets, broke ground in early 2026 and is expected to open in 2028.

"We're not just adding footage to add footage," said Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. "So much thought and intention went into this to build something that was beautiful, functional, and exactly right for Raleigh and all the people who our venue brings here."

To learn more and stay up to date on the expansion, visit raleighconvention.com/expansion.