By Sarah McAlister
The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex announced that Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. will be the new naming rights sponsor of Raleigh’s premier arts venue, subject to finalizing contract negotiations with the City of Raleigh.
“We will have a great partner in Martin Marietta,” said Kerry Painter, CVE, Director/General Manager of 
the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “It is evident that Martin Marietta takes pride in our shared community, and we are proud to partner with Martin Marietta as we continue to provide world-class performances for our guests.”
The Center for the Performing Arts has served as Raleigh’s premier performing arts venue since 1932 and draws approximately 400,000 guests annually to its four separate event spaces: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, and Kennedy Theatre.
It is also home to five resident companies: Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Opera, North Carolina Symphony, North Carolina Theatre and PineCone. The center hosts over 600 events each year and creates an average of $35.4 million in economic activity for Raleigh’s businesses, hotels, and restaurants.
“The Center for the Performing Arts is a beautiful venue steeped in culture and tradition, and we are excited for the opportunity to be involved in its future,” said Martin Marietta Chairman, President and CEO Ward Nye. “Partnering with The Center for the Performing Arts to ensure the people of Raleigh, Wake County, and North Carolina may continue enjoying the performing arts is directly in line with one of Martin Marietta’s core values – Community.”
The 20-year naming rights partnership negotiations are currently being finalized but are anticipated to take effect in early 2023 with the center’s name changing to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts.
Sarah McAlister is Marketing Manager for the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex.
