RBC Center History

Ground Breaking

Construction on the $158 million RBC Center began with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 22, 1997. The Center's doors opened for business in October 1999, with Carolina Hurricanes vs. New Jersey Devils representing the culmination of the collaborative efforts of a unique partnership known as the Centennial Authority. In part due to a grant from the State of North Carolina, the Centennial Authority owns the RBC Center building and the surrounding 80 acres, while the facility itself is operated by the Carolina Hurricanes/Gale Force Sports and Entertainment.

With construction by Hensel Phelps Construction, overseen by McDevitt Street Bovis, Inc. and architects Odell, the RBC Center yields a height of 108 and a half feet, a width of 495 feet, and a length of 635 feet.

Since opening its doors in 1999, the RBC Center has become the new, premier source of entertainment in the Southeast.

RBC Center Time Line

• 1983 - Local NC State supporters begin a campaign to replace the venerable Reynolds Coliseum.  Raleigh Mayor Avery Upchurch commissions study group to research the viability of a new arena which concludes that a new arena in downtown Raleigh is impractical.

• 1988 - Legislature appropriates $1.5 million to be matched by NC State University to plan for construction of a new arena next to Carter-Finley Stadium.

• 1989 - NC State Trustees approve plans for 23,000-seat arena to cost $66 million.

• 1991 - Legislature authorizes Wake County to levy a room occupancy tax and a prepared foods and beverage tax to fund projects "including a coliseum to be built in conjunction with North Carolina State University in Raleigh

• November 1991 - Wake County and the City of Raleigh sign Interlocal Agreement requiring funding from the State and from NC State University Wolfpack Club before local governments will contribute.

• 1992 - Legislature funds $2 million for site work.  Wolfpack Club fundraising efforts raise $22 million.  Wake County and the City of Raleigh commit $22 million from hotel and prepared food and beverage taxes.

• 1995 - Legislature establishes Centennial Authority to study, design, plan, construct, own, promote, finance, and operate a regional facility, appropriating  $7 million for the project.  Centennial Authority holds its first meeting in September.

• October 1995 - Centennial Authority asks architects to redesign the building for multi-purpose use and include 60 luxury suites.

• 1996 - Redesign completed, requests for proposals for construction issued.

• May 1997 - Team owner Peter Karmanos announces Hartford Whalers are considering relocating to the new arena as the Carolina Hurricanes.

• July 1997 - Construction begins on arena.  Architects work with Hurricanes to determine changes needed for NHL such as press ring, locker rooms, dehumidifier, and additional suites.  Authority-requested expansion of the south end of the building to make it more user friendly also included.

• November 1997 - Hurricanes and Authority agree to lease and development terms based on redesign.  Hurricanes commit to $20 million contribution for construction and cover Arena’s operating losses.  Estimated total cost for the Arena reaches $132 million.

• March 1998 - Final contractor prices for redesigns are higher than estimated. Extensive negotiations begin with contractors, Hurricanes, and NC State University.

• September 1998 - Authority signs agreement with Hurricanes to provide an additional $8 million for construction of the building along with a commitment from NC State to provide an additional $6 million.  With the various redesigns and accelerations to accommodate opening for the 1999 hockey and basketball seasons, the total cost estimates for the arena reach $158 million.

• October 29, 1999- Opening Night

• Summer 2000 - The Arena Football League’s Carolina Cobras play their inaugural season in Raleigh.

• Summer 2002 - The Carolina Cobras play their last season in the Triangle.  After a play-off run, the Cobras announce intentions to move to the Charlotte Coliseum (vacated by the Charlotte Hornets).

• September 2002 - The Royal Bank of Canada purchases Centura bank, a bank in the southeastern US.  The new bank is named RBC Centura and is based out of North Carolina.  RBC Centura partners with the Gale Force Sports & Entertainment and renames the arena the RBC Center.  For more information, visit their websites: RBC Centura or RBC Financial.
• June 2006 - The Carolina Hurricanes secure the first professional major league sports title for a team from the Carolinas as the Stanley Cup Champions.