Steel topping out ceremony marks the completion of highest steel construction at the new venue
The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex reached a major milestone yesterday with the steel topping out ceremony at the new Red Hat Amphitheater. This placement of the highest vertical steel at the construction site marks major progress toward this new future of live music in downtown Raleigh.
This steel topping comes at a significant moment as well, with Red Hat recommitting to maintaining their naming rights at the venue through 2030. “Red Hat’s DNA is deeply rooted in Raleigh’s spirit of community and innovation,” said Leigh Day, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Red Hat. “We are thrilled to continue this partnership with a venue that defines the rhythm and heartbeat of downtown Raleigh.”
The new Red Hat Amphitheater will be an exciting evolution of the venue. The new Amp will feature enhanced amenities for artists and fans alike, ensuring that residents of Raleigh will continue to enjoy a venue that attracts rockstars for great nights of live entertainment in the heart of downtown.
This ceremony was also a celebration of the Raleigh community beyond just the venue. Oak Town Blues Band performed at the event, representing Community Music School, a local non-profit that provides affordable music lessons and instruments. A guitar from local Harry’s Guitar Shop, a Raleigh institution for over 40 years, adorned the beam as it was raised to its place atop the amp. Celebratory treats were provided to attendees by local Two Roosters Ice Cream.
“It’s amazing to finally be here, seeing our new amp take shape” said Kerry Painter, Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “We’ve been looking at designs and renderings for such a long time, so it’s exciting for us to see the new venue and to be able to show that to the whole community too. We want everyone to look forward with us at what a great thing this is going to be for concertgoers, shops, restaurants, hotels, and everyone Red Hat Amp has a positive economic impact on.”
“This is another major milestone as we move toward a more vibrant south downtown corridor” said Marchell Adams-David, Raleigh’s City Manager. “All these projects contribute to Raleigh increasingly being recognized as one of the best cities in the nation.”
Next steps in the new venue’s construction include construction of the façade and enclosure of the structure, installation of seating, concrete work, installation of lights, screens, sound equipment, signage, and backstage spaces. The new venue will open its doors in 2027.
Meanwhile, the existing venue will be decommissioned and demolished to make room for the construction of the expansion of the Amphitheater’s sister venue, the Raleigh Convention Center.
For more information, please visit RedHatAmphitheater.com/Relocation.
