What You'll Find at PNC Arena

PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina is the home of the Carolina Hurricanes, the NHL team that plays in the Metropolitan Division. The arena opened in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 18,680 for hockey. The building sits on 43 acres in east Raleigh and serves as the primary venue for Hurricanes games from October through April during the regular season, plus playoff games if the team advances.

The arena is named after PNC Bank, which holds the naming rights. Beyond hockey, PNC Arena hosts concerts, college sports, and other events throughout the year. The facility includes club seating, luxury suites, and standing-room-only areas in addition to standard seating sections.

Key Takeaways

  • PNC Arena holds 18,680 people for Hurricanes games and is located on the east side of Raleigh off I-40.
  • The arena opened in 1999 and is the only major professional sports venue in Raleigh.
  • Parking is available in multiple lots surrounding the building, with costs varying by event and lot location.
  • The arena has restaurants, concession stands, and bars inside, though outside food and drink are not permitted.
  • Public transportation to PNC Arena is limited; most visitors drive or use rideshare services.

Getting to PNC Arena and Parking

PNC Arena is located at 1400 Edwards Mill Road in Raleigh, accessible from Interstate 40. If you are driving from downtown Raleigh, take I-40 east and exit at Edwards Mill Road. The arena sits about 10 miles northeast of downtown. Signage on the highway directs traffic toward the venue on game days.

Parking lots surround the arena on all sides. Standard lot parking is included with most ticket purchases, though premium lots closer to the entrance cost extra. Lot attendants direct traffic on game days. Parking typically fills up 30 to 60 minutes before puck drop, so arriving early is common practice. The arena does not charge for parking in standard lots, but premium and VIP lots have separate fees set by the venue.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at PNC Arena. There is a designated rideshare pickup zone on the south side of the building. Public bus service exists in Raleigh through GoRaleigh, but routes to the arena are limited and travel times are long from most parts of the city.

Seating Sections and Sightlines

PNC Arena is divided into lower bowl, club level, and upper bowl sections. Lower bowl seats run from sections 101 to 128 and wrap around the ice. Club level seats are in sections 201 to 228 and offer premium amenities like wider seats and private bars. Upper bowl seats are in sections 301 to 328 and provide the highest vantage point of the ice.

Corner sections offer the best sightlines for watching play develop. End zone sections (101–110 and 119–128 on the lower bowl) put you close to the goal line but at an angle. The best overall views are typically in the neutral zone sections on the sides, around sections 113–116 and 323–326. Upper bowl seats in these same neutral zones are also popular because they offer a full view of the ice at a lower price than lower bowl.

Obstructed view seats exist in some sections due to support pillars and the building's structure. The arena discloses which seats have obstructed views when you purchase tickets. Club level seats have no obstructed views and include access to private club lounges with food and beverage service.

Food, Drink, and Amenities Inside the Arena

PNC Arena has concession stands throughout the building selling hot dogs, nachos, pizza, popcorn, and other standard arena food. Prices are typical for professional sports venues—expect to pay $12 to $18 for a hot dog and drink combo. The arena also has full-service restaurants in the club level areas, available to club ticket holders.

Beer, wine, and soft drinks are sold at concession stands and bars located on each level. Outside food and drink are not permitted into the arena. Clear bags are allowed and recommended for carrying personal items like phones and wallets. The arena has a clear bag policy: bags must be 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches or smaller.

Restrooms are distributed throughout all levels of the arena. The building has WiFi available to all guests. Phone charging stations exist in some areas, though availability is limited. The arena is fully accessible for people with mobility issues, with elevators, accessible seating, and accessible restrooms throughout.

Getting Tickets and Event Information

Hurricanes tickets are sold through the team's official website, Ticketmaster, and resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek. Single-game tickets go on sale in the summer before each season. Season ticket holders have first access, followed by the general public. Prices vary widely based on opponent, day of the week, and time of season—games against division rivals or on weekends cost more than weekday games against non-conference teams.

The Hurricanes play 41 home games per season from October through April. Playoff games, if the team makes the postseason, are played at PNC Arena in April and May. The arena also hosts college hockey games, concerts, and other events on non-game nights. You can check the arena's event calendar on the official PNC Arena website or the Hurricanes' website for upcoming dates.

Accessibility and Guest Services

PNC Arena is ADA-compliant and has accessible parking spaces near all entrances. Accessible seating is available throughout the arena in all price ranges. Service animals are permitted. The arena has accessible restrooms on every level and elevators to reach all seating areas.

Guest services is located near the main entrance and can answer questions about seating, parking, and arena policies. The Hurricanes' customer service line is available during business hours for ticket questions. The arena does not allow outside bags larger than 14 by 14 by 6 inches, weapons of any kind, or outside alcohol. Prohibited items are listed on the Hurricanes' website before each game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I arrive before a game?

Most fans arrive 60 to 90 minutes before puck drop to allow time for parking, walking to the entrance, and finding their seats. Games typically start at 7 p.m. on weeknights and 7:30 p.m. on weekends, though some afternoon games start at 1 p.m. Arriving earlier gives you time to explore the arena and grab food without rushing.

Can I bring my own food or drinks into PNC Arena?

No. Outside food and drink are not permitted. You must purchase food and beverages inside the arena. The arena does allow empty water bottles that you can fill at water fountains, and some venues allow sealed, empty containers, but it is best to check the Hurricanes' website for the current policy before your visit.

Is there a dress code for Hurricanes games?

No official dress code exists. Most fans wear casual clothing, team jerseys, or business casual attire. The arena is climate-controlled and stays cool, so bringing a light jacket is common. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be walking and standing.

How far is PNC Arena from downtown Raleigh?

PNC Arena is about 10 miles northeast of downtown Raleigh, roughly a 15 to 20 minute drive depending on traffic. From the airport, it is about 20 miles and takes 25 to 35 minutes by car. The arena is not within walking distance of hotels or restaurants, so having a car or rideshare plan is necessary.

What is the capacity of PNC Arena for Hurricanes games?

The arena holds 18,680 people for hockey. This makes it one of the smaller NHL arenas by capacity. The intimate size means most seats have decent sightlines, and even upper bowl seats are not extremely far from the ice compared to larger NHL buildings.