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Get on the bandwagon to keep

Red Hat Amphitheater in Downtown ​Raleigh. We need you to make some

noise in support of our beloved venue.

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About the Proposed Move

Red Hat Amphitheater was always meant to be a temporary venue ​that would move to a new location to accommodate the Raleigh ​Convention Center’s eventual expansion.


In 2023, Raleigh City Council and Wake County Board of ​Commissioners agreed upon the use of the Inter-Local Hospitality ​Tax Funds to support new hospitality and tourism projects such as ​the renovation of PNC Arena, expansion of the Raleigh Convention ​Center and building a new Red Hat Amphitheater near its present ​site.


Now that expansion process is underway. At issue is the potential ​closure of South St. between Dawson St. and McDowell St., which is ​necessary for the new amphitheater’s footprint. Initial plans released ​in February 2023 intended to close a block of Lenoir St., however ​the plan shifted the proposed closure to South St. because moving ​existing infrastructure and utilities along Lenoir St. would make the ​project cost prohibitive.


City staff analyzed other options for keeping the street open. They ​were either identified as cost-prohibitive or not logistically feasible ​with the site constraints and venue requirements.


The current timeline is to begin construction on the new ​amphitheater this winter in preparation of opening for the 2026 ​season. This timing is necessary so the Convention Center can ​expand on that current amphitheater site. The Convention Center ​expansion is timed to coincide with the opening of the new 500+ ​room Omni Hotel in 2028, which is dependent on an expanded ​center.


With so many interconnected projects, the City of Raleigh’s timeline ​is intended to keep these all moving and to avoid missing an entire ​season at Red Hat Amphitheater.


The block closure requires Raleigh City Council approval in ​September. Failure to approve this closure could result in the ​amphitheater project being canceled. So, that’s where we need your ​help!


But first, you probably still have a lot of questions like:


What happens to connectivity in this part of downtown if this is built?

Why does this new venue need to be 7,000 seats?

What is the impact of this facility on downtown small businesses?

Are there issues with noise?

How can I help voice my support to keep this venue downtown?


While we’re compiling a more comprehensive FAQ page, follow us on ​social media for more information.

a rendering of the proposed site plan for the new convention center and amphitheater expansion

Expanding the Convention Center and Relocating ​Red Hat Amphitheater

This visual shows the footprint of the Convention Center’s expansion and relocation of ​Red Hat Amphitheater one block south of its current location.

Cost to move utilities and infrastructure along South ​St. and Lenoir St. informed the shift for street closure

The original plan to relocate the amphitheater called for closing part of Lenoir St. A shift ​to closing a block of South St. was made because there are fewer utilities and less ​infrastructure along South St., making it more cost effective to close part of South St.

What’s at Stake

What do we stand to lose if the amphitheater doesn’t move?


If the street closure is not approved so the amphitheater can move to its new location, the outcome is plain and simple – the ​amphitheater will not be built. City of Raleigh staff are clear that there is no other site downtown that can accommodate a venue ​of this size, and the site plan cannot be modified to keep the street open.


Here’s a preview of what the impacts could be:


Economic Impact: The amphitheater brings significant economic benefits to downtown businesses. The venue’s nearly 100 days ​of event programming will bring an estimated $30+ million in economic impact in 2024. Businesses in Downtown Raleigh are ​overwhelmingly locally owned, and small business owners report that they can see sales double or more when there’s an event at ​the amphitheater.


Safety: Positive foot traffic helps improve safety in downtown. The amphitheater's events contribute to more foot traffic in the ​area around the Convention Center and downtown, enhancing safety and security in the area on nights with shows.


The Amphitheater Brings Visitors Downtown: The amphitheater is a key amenity for downtown Raleigh, offering a diverse ​programming line up that fills the void left by the absence of a downtown sports stadium or arena. This is even more important as ​preferences toward hybrid and remote work are more common and fewer office workers are in downtown during the week. We ​need the programming Red Hat Amphitheater provides to bring much needed foot traffic and visitors to Downtown Raleigh.


Cultural Attractions Make Vibrant Communities: Without Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh could lose the opportunity to see the ​caliber of national acts that perform at the venue each season. The capacity and location of the venue provide a niche ​opportunity for routing mid-sized tours and festivals through Raleigh as they travel on the east coast. Losing our downtown ​Amphitheater would likely cause a ripple effect within the downtown cultural community, too. Strong music, arts, and culture ​centers like Raleigh need venues of every size to support a vibrant creative ecosystem.


Family-Friendly Attractions: The seasonal downtown Ice Rink is hosted at the amphitheater, and is a significant attraction, ​bringing families downtown and boosting foot traffic during winter months. Because of site requirements, there is no other place ​to put the Ice Rink without the amphitheater. Moore Square is not graded sufficiently and lacks the required power infrastructure. ​The former location in City Plaza is no longer available.


A Loss for Raleigh Is a Win for Nearby Cities: Failure to build this amphitheater at its planned size would result in tours skipping ​Raleigh for Wilmington and Charlotte. Live Nation has made it clear that this venue size is needed to maintain our place on tours ​that are routed through similar sized amphitheaters. Durham’s new tourism plan from April 2024 includes a recommendation to ​build an outdoor amphitheater. With Red Hat Amphitheater out of the mix, their proposed venue would attract the types of tours ​that currently come through Raleigh. We saw this dynamic happen when Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) opened in ​2008, siphoning touring Broadway shows and other events away from our own Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in ​Downtown Raleigh.


Solutions for Connectivity

Much of the public conversation around the potential amphitheater ​move and street closure centers on issues of connectivity – how ​residents to the west of Downtown will be able travel in and out of ​their neighborhoods without disruption, how the South St. closure will ​affect bus routes, and how visitors to Downtown can easily access ​nearby amenities.


Impacts of the South Street Closure for Connectivity


In order for the amphitheater to remain downtown, a block of South ​Street must close. At peak travel times, the block proposed to close ​sees less than 300 cars per hour, compared to nearly 2,000 cars per ​hour on nearby McDowell St. at the same peak time.


According to the City of Raleigh, South Street currently sees one-​third the traffic it was intended for (daily average: 3,300 cars vs ​10,000 cars). Lenoir Street averages 2,650 cars daily. If all of the ​South Street traffic reroutes to Lenoir Street after the closure, Lenoir ​Street still would be at just roughly 60% of its capacity.


Shifting traffic to Lenoir St. is not the only option on the table. One ​additional potential solution is a slip lane, which is a new connection ​just south of the amphitheater to connect McDowell and Dawson ​Streets.


Another Solution for Car Access: Slip Lane


A potential solution for the minimizing the impact of the street closure ​is to create a slip lane to reroute vehicle traffic around the ​amphitheater to allow easy access to the southern end of Downtown. ​A slip lane is a road junction that allows road users to change roads ​without entering an intersection.


City staff members are working with NCDOT to create a slip lane that ​would allow drivers traveling eastbound on South St. to connect to ​McDowell St. to head in a northbound direction or reconnect with ​South St. and continue traveling east.


The proposed slip lane would be constructed on a City-owned parcel ​and located roughly one block south of the intersection of South and ​Dawson streets. That potential solution would keep public ​transportation, first responders, and other vehicular traffic moving ​through the area smoothly and quickly.


The Dix-Chavis Strollway


There is a plan to connect Chavis Park to Dix Park via a bike and ​pedestrian friendly path through downtown. Proposed plans for

the Convention Center expansion and Amphitheater relocation ​include funding for part of the Strollway to be constructed on Lenoir ​Street surrounding the new venue.


The Strollway plans include ways to celebrate the area’s significant ​heritage and history while providing another option for accessing ​downtown on the southern end.


Right now, this project could use a boost of energy – the route is not ​finalized, and additional resources are needed to bring this project to ​life. Finalizing a plan for the Strollway would add another option for ​connectivity in the south end of downtown and bring much needed ​improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in that area.


Advocates for relocating the Amphitheater one block south are in ​favor of prioritizing this Strollway project and invite you to join us in ​speaking up in favor of moving this project toward completion.


a rendering of the proposed site plan for the new convention center and amphitheater expansion

A Slip Lane to Reroute South Street

One way to keep traffic moving on the south end of Downtown is to advocate for the ​creation of a slip lane between Dawson and McDowell Streets. This solution would allow ​public transportation, first responders, and other vehicular traffic to move through the ​area smoothly and quickly.


A Strollway Through Downtown Would Provide ​Additional Connectivity for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Map illustrating how part of the potential Chavis-Dix Strollway routes could come ​connect through the new Amphitheater site.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know you’ve got lots of questions, and we want to give you answers! We’ll be adding to this page as we hear more about what ​you’re curious to know. Please reach out if you have a specific question to ask: info@saveouramphitheater.com


Check out this FAQ from Red Hat Amphitheater, which addresses many questions about timeline, access for emergency services ​and transit, noise, and the Shimmer Wall.


Here are answers to a few more frequently asked questions we get below:


How can I help?

We need you to get on the bandwagon to show your support for moving the Amphitheater to its proposed location. Speak up by ​sharing your love for the venue with Raleigh City Council, by sharing your stories with us on social media (#saveouramphitheater), ​and by sharing our campaign with your family, friends, and neighbors. Follow us on social media to find out more about how you ​can get involved.


Where can I find more information?


Why not move the amphitheater to Dix Park? Or somewhere else?


Great question! Dix Park is a wonderful asset to Raleigh, but for many reasons, it is not the best location for a replacement. A ​7,000 seat amphitheater in the park would require significantly more money to build, due to increased infrastructure costs to add ​utilities and parking facilities. Not to mention that the park’s elevation could mean potentially more noise concerns for the ​surrounding neighborhoods. Most importantly, the economic impact on small businesses would not be nearly as strong as in ​downtown.


What about moving it to another location in downtown? There is no other City-owned site that could support an amphitheater of ​this size in downtown Raleigh.


Why not just make the amphitheater smaller? Why does it need to be 6,000+ capacity?


Red Hat Amphitheater is part of a group of similarly sized venues, such as Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington, NC (capacity: ​7,500), Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville (capacity: 6.500) and the under-construction Richmond Riverfront Amphitheater ​(capacity: 7.500) that are booked with many of the same tours.


Live Nation, who books the programming at Red Hat Amphitheater, has told City staff that many shows would get routed to ​Charlotte or Wilmington instead of playing a smaller venue here in Raleigh. And a smaller venue already exists in the city at North ​Carolina Museum of Art. This is because these tours build their touring schedule and infrastructure (equipment, staff, loading) ​around these venues.


Bottom line: Reducing capacity would make it much less likely that Red Hat Amphitheater would attract the caliber of national ​touring acts that typically play during the season, which would lead to fewer bookings, thus reducing the number of visitors and ​economic impact of the venue.


What is the plan for cycling, pedestrian and car connectivity if this block of South Street closes for the venue to move?


For more in depth information, visit the Connectivity page on our website.


In short, plans for the Convention Center expansion and Amphitheater relocation include funds to keep vehicle traffic flowing ​along Lenoir St. while adding a 14 ft. wide walkway with bike and pedestrian lanes along the Lenoir St-McDowell St–Dawson St ​edges of the new venue. The wide walkway could be knit into the future route of the Chavis-Dix Strollway. At present, the final ​route of the Strollway has not been determined.


Additionally, the City has proposed a “slip lane” that would connect Dawson and McDowell Streets south of the new amphitheater ​to maintain auto access.


Will Lenoir Street continue to be closed for Red Hat Amphitheater events if the proposed move happens?


No, it will remain open. One benefit of the new plan to relocate the venue is that the new design shifts the loading zone location, ​meaning that the new design would not require closures to Lenoir St. or any other streets in that area. Currently, Lenoir St. is often ​closed during event preparation for shows at Red Hat Amphitheater and the current plans would keep the street open.


Will this new location for the amphitheater increase noise issues?


The City of Raleigh’s FAQ has a good answer on this and includes a link to a noise analysis of the new site. Their answer: In general, ​no.


The City engaged an acoustician to study the noise impacts of the current amphitheater on surrounding neighborhoods relative ​to the noise impacts the venue will have in its newly-proposed location. The study revealed that the new amphitheater will ​substantially reduce decibel levels in neighborhoods to the south and west.


With almost no exceptions, the orientation and construction of the new amphitheater is anticipated to reduce noise levels in these ​areas between 3 and 15 decibels depending on the specific location.


Who do I contact to speak up in favor of approving the plan to close South St. so Red Hat Amphitheater can move?


Your City Counselors need to hear from you. They want to hear from you -- in your own words! We encourage you to reach out ​directly to them and use some of the resources our website to explain your viewpoint on the importance of keeping this venue in ​downtown.


Here’s how you contact them:

Mary-Ann.Baldwin@raleighnc.gov

Jane.Harrison@raleighnc.gov

Stormie.Forte@raleighnc.gov

Mary.Black@raleighnc.gov

Megan.Patton@raleighnc.gov

Corey.Branch@raleighnc.gov

Christina.Jones@raleighnc.gov

Jonathan.Melton@raleighnc.gov


I own a small business in Downtown Raleigh. How do I sign on to your letter of support?


Email us and we’ll send you that link to add your name to the list! info@saveouramphitheater.com


Who are you?


We are a coalition of downtown residents, business owners, community leaders, performing arts advocates, and fans of live music ​in Downtown Raleigh who believe that this amphitheater plays a critical role in making our downtown vibrant. We are not ​associated with Live Nation nor the City of Raleigh.


We are supported by Downtown Raleigh Alliance, who is leading the charge to organize efforts. However, this is truly a ​community-led and community-inspired grassroots campaign to keep Raleigh’s downtown outdoor venue from going away.


Want to be involved or send us feedback? Email us at info@saveouramphitheater.com


Take Action: Join the Bandwagon

Red Hat Amphitheater is the beating heart of Downtown Raleigh, providing us with music, memories and an unforgettable ​outdoor concert experience. It is a vital economic engine for downtown and one of our most popular public amenities.


But without your support, the beloved outdoor venue may be permanently closed as the Raleigh Convention Center expands its ​footprint.


Please take action and join the community of support – from advocates for downtown and fans of great live music to business ​owners, residents and neighbors – to ensure this vital asset continues to thrive. Here’s how you can get involved.


Make your voice heard to Raleigh City Council:


City Council members want to hear from you -- in your own words -- about why you want the plans to relocate Red Hat ​Amphitheater to move forward. Here are some ideas to get your response started:


Small business owners:

  • Does your business see increased foot traffic and sales when there are shows at Red Hat?
  • Do you have other impactful stats or stories that support the need for keeping our amphitheater downtown?


Raleigh residents and area visitors:

  • Do you come downtown to see shows at the amphitheater and enjoy dinner or drinks before or after?
  • Do you have a story of a memorable time that you brought your family to a show? Maybe your kids saw their first show there?


Club owners, musicians, and other music industry professionals:

  • Do you agree that a healthy music scene should include venues of all sizes?
  • Are you concerned that losing an important venue like our downtown amphitheater would likely cause a ripple effect within ​the downtown arts and music community? How so?


Contact Information for our City Council Members:



Speak up during Public Comment:


Sign up to speak out during the Public Comment section of the upcoming City Council meetings prior to the September 17th ​vote. The next opportunity for public comment is on Tuesday, September 10th. Sign ups are closed, but you can attend in person ​to​ ​show support.


A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 17th before the vote that afternoon. Bookmark this page and ​we’ll keep you informed about how you can show ​y​our support.


We will keep this page updated as these de​t​a​ils unfold.



Join the conversation on​ ​social media:


Follow us and voice your support for keeping Red hat Amphitheater in downtown. Use #saveouramphitheater to t​ell your story about what this venue has meant to you and how you visit downtown businesses before and​ ​after shows.


Sign on to our Lett​e​r of Support:


Have you written to City Council, followed us on social for updates, and are still wanting to do more? Then sign on to​ our Letter of Support. With your signature, you’ll join the community of residents, business owners, and music fans who are doing​ what it takes to keep the amphitheater’s relocation moving for​w​ard. Join us!


Sign On Letter

Have you written to City Council, followed us on social for updates, and are still wanting to do more? Then sign on to this Letter of ​Support. ​With your signature, you’ll join the community of residents, business owners, and music fans who are doing what it takes ​to keep the ​amphitheater’s relocation to South St. moving forward. Join us!

City Council Members:


The future of Red Hat Amphitheater is at stake. Without Raleigh’s support, this exceptional outdoor venue may be permanently ​closed. Since it was built, the amphitheater has become one of the most visited and beloved venues in the region and, specifically, ​in downtown Raleigh.


For those of us who own businesses in downtown, the amphitheater is a critical piece of downtown Raleigh’s social and economic ​fabric. Losing this venue would be a significant blow to our community of independently owned businesses. We have all ​invested our own creativity and resources into making Raleigh uniquely representative of the makers, chefs, artists, brewers and ​entrepreneurs of our region and our state.


Shows at Red Hat Amphitheater bring tens of thousands of visitors downtown — visitors who support our businesses and who ​contribute to the vitality of our state’s capital city. Many of us report significant increases in sales and foot traffic when Red Hat ​Amphitheater has a show — sometimes seeing sales as much as double on evenings when the venue is programmed.


We downtown businesses can’t afford to lose this venue. As a community, we’ve been resilient and worked hard to bounce back ​from the challenges of the last few years, from fewer office workers to more competition from new shopping districts. And yet ​again, we find ourselves defending our livelihoods. We need Raleigh’s leadership to invest in new opportunities for bolstering ​downtown businesses and revitalizing our downtown economy. Instead, we find ourselves playing defense to keep what ​amenities we already have.


This region is extraordinary in its diversity of downtowns, each with a distinct personality. We are proud that Raleigh has embraced ​our unique and ever-changing array of businesses. A venue like Red Hat Amphitheater is the sort of things other cities DREAM of ​building. Let’s not fool ourselves: if we lose this venue, it will take no time at all for one of our sister cities to build one of their own ​(DPAC is a great example). We have it, we’ve proven it is successful, and we are at risk of letting it slip through our fingers.


Red Hat Amphitheater was always meant to move to an adjacent location. The benefit of its temporary location is in proving how ​valuable such a venue is to downtown and how resoundingly it could succeed as a concert venue and as host to various off-​season attractions like the Raleigh Ice Rink. Its success in and for downtown is not at issue.


The expansion process has been carefully planned to allow the venue to continue booking incredible and diverse performances ​for more than 50 shows a year, without interruption. The specific plan, which moves the amphitheater one block south, must ​be approved by the Raleigh City Council, otherwise it could be lost for good.


We do not see this as a “we win, someone else loses” proposition. We embrace and support our downtown neighbors. Their ​concerns gave rise to an even better plan that offers a reasonable alternative access point and, in fact, enhances the pedestrian ​and cycling access in the surrounding area. We believe this updated plan offers an opportunity to further beautify and ​enhance the connections between downtown and parks like Dix and Chavis while preserving the optimal design for a ​permanent Red Hat Amphitheater.


Raleigh City Council will consider the Red Hat Amphitheater relocation in September, with opportunity for public comment before ​their vote. That gives us just a few weeks to make it clear that Red Hat Amphitheater needs to stay in downtown Raleigh and that ​the current plan is sound.


We need to make some noise. Here are ways that you can join us in showing support:


Please consider writing to City Council to share why you and your business need Red Hat Amphitheater’s relocation plan to move ​forward. Let them know that you need to see them commit to creating a timeline and plan for the Dix-Chavis Strollway and ​addressing connectivity issues in this part of downtown. Here’s more information about how you can take action.


Then sign on to this letter in support of keeping the Amphitheater in Downtown Raleigh. And stay in touch by following us to make ​sure you’re getting the latest updates and calls to action to support this campaign.


Signed:

Pam Blondin & Savannah Bridges ​DECO Raleigh

Matt Coleman,

The Davie

Kevin Frazier, Mateo Frazier, & Nevada Wolfe

Sir Walter Coffee

Sam Ratto,

Videri Chocolate Company

Adam Eckhardt, Dylan Selinger, Michael Morris, & Bob High

Crank Arm Brewing

Sunny Gerhart,

St. Roch

Carey & Lelia Kidd

Element Gastropub and VegSouth Hospitality Group

Anna Grace FitzGerald,

Copperline Plant Company

Les Stewart, Rebecca Couch, Woody Lockwood, Chris Powers, & David Meeker

Trophy Brewing

Johnny Belflower

Tasty Beverage Company

Lacie Lindstaedt, Adam Lindstaedt, and Nick Walters

Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop

Erin & Martin Wheeler

Neptunes

Grant Eddins,

DJ Grant

Keenan Yokell,

Raleigh Resident

Rusty Sutton & Drew Temple

The Green Monkey

Kayla High,

Raleigh Resident

Kim Hammer & Lewis Norton

Bittersweet

Beth Sadler,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Sorena Dadgar

The Hippo Wine Bar and Shop

Allie Jacobs,

Raleigh Resident

Tina Govan

Tina Govan Architect

Chris Holland,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Heather Leigh Brewer,

Raleigh Resident

Kristin Frink,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Janera Fedrick,

Raleigh Resident

Gian Rosso,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Kathleen Loescher,

Raleigh Resident

John Blondin,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Brittany Dolloff,

Raleigh Resident

Hannah Fuller,

Raleigh Resident

Brittney Cava Follett

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Tracy Tarby,

Raleigh Resident

Nicole Licato,

Raleigh Resident

Taylor Morgan,

Raleigh Resident

Sonali Schroder,

Wake County Resident

Jessica Flemming,

Raleigh Resident

Evan Koff,

Raleigh Resident

Chris Pittman,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Emma Esser,

Raleigh Resident

Ginny Gillikin,

Raleigh Resident

Jamey Adcox,

Raleigh Resident

Amy Nonino,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Spencer Mertes,

Raleigh Resident

Madison Taylor,

Raleigh Resident

Alton Parker,

Raleigh Resident

Chris Leithe,

Raleigh Resident

Kelly Dubee,

Raleigh Resident

Angelique Bolding,

Raleigh Resident

Ryan Terhune,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Olivia Witt,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Christopher Leazer,

Raleigh Resident

Melanie Rondot,

Raleigh Resident

Andrew DiMeo,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Shannon Archer,

Raleigh Resident

Danny Johnson,

Wake County Resident

Logan Gelabert,

Downtown Raleigh Resident

Adeline Brinkley,

Raleigh Resident

Anne Purcell,

Raleigh Resident

Jackson Vaughan,

Raleigh Resident

April Matthews,