PNC Arena Renovation

[dmccall]

On July 16, 2023 there was a pitch of ideas (pdf) for what could be done to update the 24-year-old PNC Arena.  Some ideas I'm sensing just from thumbing through the pdf are:

• A move away from numerous, private, small boxes toward ledge bars
• More use of the front entrance plaza with more indoor space that could be used 365-days a year. Ideas include a rooftop bar/restaurant, a sportsbook, a larger Eye store, and a large, welcoming lobby, perhaps with escalators up from the main (South) entrance)
• A new access in from Edwards Mill at Wade Park Blvd.
• Replacement of two stairwells with large open bars with exterior windows, allowing an airier feeling on the concourse
• A new facade

When the building was designed, the concept was to improve upon the experience Charlotte  had at the old Tyvola Charlotte Coliseum. That coliseum and Orlando's were the last two buildings built before the United Center in Chicago came along and drastically changed the standards for arenas. Chicago's building featured a never-seen bevy of private boxes, and while it was set in downtown Chicago, it didn't have any concept that there was anything around it. 

PNC Arena was built to be a drive-to, drive-away, isolated experience.  While I doubt they would ever develop the parking lots into a New Urbanist lifestyle center, it does appear that they are finally thinking toward using the facility 365 days a year. There are some pretty interesting concepts in there, and HOK has always done great work.

[po-boy]

Huge news on renovations, long term lease, and development of the area.

https://www.wralsportsfan.com/music-venue-parking-decks-housing-at-pnc-details-of-hurricanes-agreement/21000998/