When asking yourself about something to do near me in Raleigh with a group of friends or family, consider
Lenovo Center
Why Lenovo Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lenovo Center, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a premier indoor arena that offers an exceptional meeting place for friends and families to enjoy a diverse range of activities and events. Opened in 1999, this state-of-the-art facility accommodates up to 19,500 spectators for basketball and 18,700 for ice hockey, making it one of the largest arenas in the Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA. It serves as the home arena for the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and North Carolina State University’s men’s basketball team, providing a lively and spirited atmosphere for sports fans. Beyond sports, Lenovo Center hosts over 150 events annually, including major concerts, ice shows, and family entertainment, attracting more than 1.5 million guests each year. The arena features three spacious concourses, 66 luxury suites, 2,000 club-level seats, and a 9,100-square-foot restaurant on the club level, perfect for socializing and relaxing. Its location near major highways, the airport, and adjacent to other popular venues like Carter-Finley Stadium and the North Carolina State Fairgrounds offers excellent accessibility. Extensive amenities such as ample parking, a variety of concession stands, elevator access, and full catering services further enhance the visitor experience. Whether hosting a thrilling NHL game, a high-profile concert, or a family-friendly performance like Disney On Ice, Lenovo Center offers a vibrant, welcoming environment and is a fantastic place to meet up with friends and enjoy memorable outings.
Here's what people think of Lenovo Center
As of recent, Lenovo Center holds a 4.5-star rating based on 12332 reviews.
User reviews overwhelmingly praise Lenovo Center for its modern facilities, convenient location, and impressive event lineup. Many reviewers highlight the friendly and helpful staff, excellent sightlines from seats, and the arena’s well-maintained condition, which contributes to an enjoyable overall experience. Attendees particularly appreciate the variety of events hosted, from NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes to concerts featuring top artists like Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift. The spacious concourses and numerous concession options also receive positive mentions, with visitors enjoying the food variety and quick service. Positive reviews emphasize the ease of access with plentiful parking and the arena’s clean, comfortable environment, making it a go-to destination for both sports enthusiasts and concertgoers. On the downside, some negative feedback points to occasional traffic congestion during major events and high concession prices, which some find less affordable. A few visitors note difficulty in finding available parking close to the entrance during sold-out events. Despite these minor concerns, the majority of reviews reflect high satisfaction with Lenovo Center’s atmosphere, event selection, and amenities. In conclusion, Lenovo Center is highly regarded as a versatile and vibrant venue that successfully balances a large-scale, energetic environment with comfortable and accessible conveniences, creating a memorable destination for entertainment and social gatherings in Raleigh.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jordan Nichols
The Lenovo Center itself is decent. There was like 2 super nice staff members. All of the others were very short and lacked a lot of patience for us moving as a family. The monster truck show was sick. 5/5 for that for sure. Getting out of the parking lot is a nightmare, no joke.
Catherine Z
My family and I drove 6.5 hours round trip, to go to our first Canes game here. We overall had a good time. Yes, I figured food would be outrageously priced BUT I also expected it to taste better. It was mediocre at best, sadly. Kids each got a chick-fil-sandwich, one got a bag of chips and the other a brownie - $32. My husband and I got two steak sandwiches with chips - $53. Beers - Canes Brew - 11.50 each. I’m definitely down with packing sandwiches and chips next time and hanging out in the parking lot for a few minutes before game to eat it. Also, website said no gas grills but everyone had one - another thing we weren’t sure of what to expect. People took up more than parking spot which website said only one spot per car. No problem when there’s extra space but again would have been nice to know so we could have brought our tailgating stuff and spend way less on food inside. It was all a learning experience this time so now we definitely know how to plan for next time. We prepaid for parking $29 vs $40 at the gate. Not far to walk to arena from where we parked. 4 nosebleed seats just a slight bit off to the right of center ice was $800. My husband and I were thinking of becoming Season Ticket Members and this was basically us scouting out everything. I will say when ushers push you out so fast after the game, it wasn’t very welcoming. Again we are potentially looking to purchase season tickets for half of the home games, a potential $3000-$4000 sale, and the way we were pushed out after the game was not welcoming. We were trying to get the layout of the arena to see where we would be possibly interested in sitting, all together just taking a few extra minutes as it was impossible to do with the arena full of people. Nosebleed seats were very uncomfortable but it is what it is. The crowd around us made up for it as everyone was so very nice, even if some of them were Rangers fans lol. View was great and the jumbo tron was clear. Getting in and out of parking lot was a snap, they weren’t wasting any time getting everyone out of there. I’m rating 4 stars because seeing our Canes outweighed the ok experience overall but I definitely hope improvement can be made. Should be careful when people are spending that kind of money on a three hour event or maybe that’s pocket change compared to what others spend, idk. It was a lot for us. Looks we got from some staff and some fans was an uneasy feeling as a welcoming diversity and inclusion experience was advertised pregame.
Wyant Family Channel
Great venue, saw Wu Tang final tour June 2025. Security was easy and efficient. Bathrooms clean. Only issue, there were no clear directions on where to get picked up for Uber and the available shuttle were no where to be found. That part was difficult, especially after an exhausting energetic concert experience.
Jenny Albertson
Went to see a concert. Parking was outstanding we paid ahead and got expedited parking so we werein the 3rd row from the doors. The safety process went very fast and the staff was well prepared for the huge crowd in attendance. The only line we had to wait in was the merch stand. Finding our seats was easy due to the large isle numbers being posted in several areas and if additional help was needed they had plenty of courteous staff to help. The whole experience was great!!
B V
Huge arena that was fully packed. The show was great. Multiple bars 2nd floor and 3rd. Drinks were amazing (jack and coke). Rauw Alejandro killed it with the performances and singing he did. The whole story telling was perfect to have me entertained
Jordan Nichols
The Lenovo Center itself is decent. There was like 2 super nice staff members. All of the others were very short and lacked a lot of patience for us moving as a family. The monster truck show was sick. 5/5 for that for sure. Getting out of the parking lot is a nightmare, no joke.
Catherine Z
My family and I drove 6.5 hours round trip, to go to our first Canes game here. We overall had a good time. Yes, I figured food would be outrageously priced BUT I also expected it to taste better. It was mediocre at best, sadly. Kids each got a chick-fil-sandwich, one got a bag of chips and the other a brownie - $32. My husband and I got two steak sandwiches with chips - $53. Beers - Canes Brew - 11.50 each. I’m definitely down with packing sandwiches and chips next time and hanging out in the parking lot for a few minutes before game to eat it. Also, website said no gas grills but everyone had one - another thing we weren’t sure of what to expect. People took up more than parking spot which website said only one spot per car. No problem when there’s extra space but again would have been nice to know so we could have brought our tailgating stuff and spend way less on food inside. It was all a learning experience this time so now we definitely know how to plan for next time. We prepaid for parking $29 vs $40 at the gate. Not far to walk to arena from where we parked. 4 nosebleed seats just a slight bit off to the right of center ice was $800. My husband and I were thinking of becoming Season Ticket Members and this was basically us scouting out everything. I will say when ushers push you out so fast after the game, it wasn’t very welcoming. Again we are potentially looking to purchase season tickets for half of the home games, a potential $3000-$4000 sale, and the way we were pushed out after the game was not welcoming. We were trying to get the layout of the arena to see where we would be possibly interested in sitting, all together just taking a few extra minutes as it was impossible to do with the arena full of people. Nosebleed seats were very uncomfortable but it is what it is. The crowd around us made up for it as everyone was so very nice, even if some of them were Rangers fans lol. View was great and the jumbo tron was clear. Getting in and out of parking lot was a snap, they weren’t wasting any time getting everyone out of there. I’m rating 4 stars because seeing our Canes outweighed the ok experience overall but I definitely hope improvement can be made. Should be careful when people are spending that kind of money on a three hour event or maybe that’s pocket change compared to what others spend, idk. It was a lot for us. Looks we got from some staff and some fans was an uneasy feeling as a welcoming diversity and inclusion experience was advertised pregame.
Wyant Family Channel
Great venue, saw Wu Tang final tour June 2025. Security was easy and efficient. Bathrooms clean. Only issue, there were no clear directions on where to get picked up for Uber and the available shuttle were no where to be found. That part was difficult, especially after an exhausting energetic concert experience.
Jenny Albertson
Went to see a concert. Parking was outstanding we paid ahead and got expedited parking so we werein the 3rd row from the doors. The safety process went very fast and the staff was well prepared for the huge crowd in attendance. The only line we had to wait in was the merch stand. Finding our seats was easy due to the large isle numbers being posted in several areas and if additional help was needed they had plenty of courteous staff to help. The whole experience was great!!
B V
Huge arena that was fully packed. The show was great. Multiple bars 2nd floor and 3rd. Drinks were amazing (jack and coke). Rauw Alejandro killed it with the performances and singing he did. The whole story telling was perfect to have me entertained
Jordan Nichols
The Lenovo Center itself is decent. There was like 2 super nice staff members. All of the others were very short and lacked a lot of patience for us moving as a family. The monster truck show was sick. 5/5 for that for sure. Getting out of the parking lot is a nightmare, no joke.
Catherine Z
My family and I drove 6.5 hours round trip, to go to our first Canes game here. We overall had a good time. Yes, I figured food would be outrageously priced BUT I also expected it to taste better. It was mediocre at best, sadly. Kids each got a chick-fil-sandwich, one got a bag of chips and the other a brownie - $32. My husband and I got two steak sandwiches with chips - $53. Beers - Canes Brew - 11.50 each. I’m definitely down with packing sandwiches and chips next time and hanging out in the parking lot for a few minutes before game to eat it. Also, website said no gas grills but everyone had one - another thing we weren’t sure of what to expect. People took up more than parking spot which website said only one spot per car. No problem when there’s extra space but again would have been nice to know so we could have brought our tailgating stuff and spend way less on food inside. It was all a learning experience this time so now we definitely know how to plan for next time. We prepaid for parking $29 vs $40 at the gate. Not far to walk to arena from where we parked. 4 nosebleed seats just a slight bit off to the right of center ice was $800. My husband and I were thinking of becoming Season Ticket Members and this was basically us scouting out everything. I will say when ushers push you out so fast after the game, it wasn’t very welcoming. Again we are potentially looking to purchase season tickets for half of the home games, a potential $3000-$4000 sale, and the way we were pushed out after the game was not welcoming. We were trying to get the layout of the arena to see where we would be possibly interested in sitting, all together just taking a few extra minutes as it was impossible to do with the arena full of people. Nosebleed seats were very uncomfortable but it is what it is. The crowd around us made up for it as everyone was so very nice, even if some of them were Rangers fans lol. View was great and the jumbo tron was clear. Getting in and out of parking lot was a snap, they weren’t wasting any time getting everyone out of there. I’m rating 4 stars because seeing our Canes outweighed the ok experience overall but I definitely hope improvement can be made. Should be careful when people are spending that kind of money on a three hour event or maybe that’s pocket change compared to what others spend, idk. It was a lot for us. Looks we got from some staff and some fans was an uneasy feeling as a welcoming diversity and inclusion experience was advertised pregame.
Wyant Family Channel
Great venue, saw Wu Tang final tour June 2025. Security was easy and efficient. Bathrooms clean. Only issue, there were no clear directions on where to get picked up for Uber and the available shuttle were no where to be found. That part was difficult, especially after an exhausting energetic concert experience.
Jenny Albertson
Went to see a concert. Parking was outstanding we paid ahead and got expedited parking so we werein the 3rd row from the doors. The safety process went very fast and the staff was well prepared for the huge crowd in attendance. The only line we had to wait in was the merch stand. Finding our seats was easy due to the large isle numbers being posted in several areas and if additional help was needed they had plenty of courteous staff to help. The whole experience was great!!
B V
Huge arena that was fully packed. The show was great. Multiple bars 2nd floor and 3rd. Drinks were amazing (jack and coke). Rauw Alejandro killed it with the performances and singing he did. The whole story telling was perfect to have me entertained
How to reach Lenovo Center
None
Website: None
Why rally at Lenovo Center with your friends? Lenovo Center stands out as an exhilarating gathering place that combines world-class entertainment with a dynamic social atmosphere, making it the perfect venue to rally your friends and family. Whether you share a passion for sports, concerts, or other live events, this arena offers an electrifying experience that fosters shared excitement and memories. Its reputation for welcoming over 1.5 million guests annually and hosting more than 150 diverse events underscores its vitality as a premier destination. The venue’s modern amenities and spacious layout create an inviting environment where groups can come together comfortably to cheer, celebrate, and enjoy quality time. Additionally, Lenovo Center’s accessibility, just minutes from major highways and an international airport, guarantees convenience for attendees traveling locally or from afar. This combination of thrilling programming, ease of access, and a welcoming, well-equipped facility makes Lenovo Center not just a place to watch events but a social hub where camaraderie flourishes, ensuring your meetup is as unforgettable as the entertainment itself.
What activities are available at Lenovo Center for a group meetup? Lenovo Center offers a rich variety of events and activities well-suited for groups looking to enjoy an exciting and memorable outing. Primarily, it is home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and the N.C. State men's basketball team, providing fans with professional hockey and collegiate basketball action that can energize any group experience. Beyond sports, Lenovo Center hosts major concerts featuring world-renowned artists such as Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Taylor Swift, and Garth Brooks, as well as family-friendly shows like Disney On Ice and performances by the Harlem Globetrotters. This wide range of entertainment ensures that groups with diverse interests find something appealing. For more casual gatherings, the venue includes over 18 permanent and 50 portable concession stands, offering a variety of food and beverages to enjoy together. Moreover, the Lenovo Center features a spacious 9,100-square-foot restaurant on the Club Level, perfect for private dining or socializing before or after events. These activities and facilities make it easy to tailor any group meetup into a fun and convenient outing.
Why is Lenovo Center perfect for hosting gatherings and meetups with family or friends? Lenovo Center’s layout and amenities are meticulously designed to accommodate groups of all sizes comfortably, making it an ideal place for meetups. The arena’s three concourses allow for easy movement and mingling, preventing crowds from becoming overwhelming. The availability of 66 luxury suites and 2,000 Club Seats provides options for those seeking more exclusive experiences, perfect for families or friends wanting privacy with a premium view. Its full catering services add convenience by allowing groups to enjoy tailored menus without leaving the venue. Parking is ample, with over 8,000 designated spaces, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and departure for larger groups. In terms of safety and accessibility, the venue is fully equipped with elevators, escalators, and accessible facilities for people with disabilities, making it inclusive for all group members. The combination of these thoughtful features ensures that rallies at Lenovo Center are not only about spectacular events but also about the quality of the social experience.
How accessible and convenient is Lenovo Center for visitors? Lenovo Center boasts excellent accessibility and convenience, contributing significantly to its popularity for group gatherings. Situated in west Raleigh, it is directly accessible via I-40 and I-440 highways, allowing easy travel from various parts of the state. The venue is also just minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), enhancing convenience for out-of-town visitors. Parking facilities are extensive, with more than 8,000 parking spaces available, though some visitors prefer nearby office lot parking after hours as a cost-effective alternative. Public transportation options and a designated Uber drop/pickup spot facilitate smooth arrivals and departures. Inside, the arena is well-equipped for accessibility with elevators and escalators, ensuring all guests, including those with mobility impairments, can navigate the building comfortably. This seamless access, combined with convenient parking and transportation services, makes Lenovo Center easy to reach and enjoy for groups.
What makes the event atmosphere at Lenovo Center exceptional? The atmosphere at Lenovo Center is known for being vibrant, engaging, and memorable, qualities that enhance any group meetup. Being home to the Carolina Hurricanes, the arena is known as the "loudest house in the NHL," generating a thrilling and spirited environment during games that fans love to immerse themselves in. For concerts and other performances, the arena accommodates thousands in its 19,700-seat stadium, providing excellent sightlines and acoustics for a high-quality experience. Staff and security are described as friendly and professional, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment. While concession prices align with those typically found in arenas, the variety and quality ensure that attendees have options to enjoy food and drinks together. Renovations and city development plans in the surrounding area are expected to further enhance the visitor experience, possibly opening even more social and entertainment options nearby. This lively, well-managed event atmosphere makes Lenovo Center a top choice for groups seeking a dynamic venue to rally together.
What dining and social options does Lenovo Center offer for groups? Lenovo Center understands the importance of social dining and provides excellent amenities to support group gatherings. The venue includes a large restaurant on the Club Level that spans 9,100 square feet, offering ample space for groups to dine together comfortably. This restaurant serves as a central social hub where friends and families can share meals before or after events. Besides the main restaurant, the arena features 18 permanent concession stands and over 50 portable concession booths dispersed throughout, offering a broad range of food and drinks. There is also a full-service bar, which adds to the festive environment for socializing. Whether groups prefer casual snacks or sit-down dining, Lenovo Center’s culinary offerings cater to different preferences and occasions, enhancing the overall experience by combining great entertainment with enjoyable dining.
How does Lenovo Center support privacy and luxury for special group occasions? For groups seeking a more exclusive or upscale experience, Lenovo Center offers 66 luxury suites and 2,000 Club Seats that promise privacy and exceptional comfort. These suites provide a more intimate setting, perfect for celebrations, corporate meetups, or VIP-style gatherings where groups can relax and enjoy events away from the general bustle. Club Seats offer premium views and amenities, including access to private lounges and enhanced food and beverage options. The venue’s full catering service can customize menus for groups using these exclusive spaces, ensuring a tailored, high-quality experience. This combination of luxury seating and dedicated services makes Lenovo Center stand out for meetups that require both social engagement and a refined environment.
What types of events can groups enjoy at Lenovo Center? Lenovo Center regularly hosts an impressive variety of events that appeal to a broad spectrum of interests, making it easy for groups to find something that excites them. Sports enthusiasts can attend Carolina Hurricanes NHL games or N.C. State basketball matches, enjoying the thrill of live competition. The venue also regularly stages major NCAA Basketball Tournaments and has hosted NHL Stanley Cup Finals, offering chances to see top-tier action. Music lovers can attend concerts by international stars like Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, and Garth Brooks, while families can enjoy shows like Disney On Ice and performances by the Harlem Globetrotters. Additionally, Lenovo Center supports various sports and entertainment activities such as cheerleading, gymnastics, ice skating, roller hockey, volleyball, wrestling, and table sports. This wide event selection ensures no group leaves without an exciting experience tailored to their preferences.
How safe and comfortable is the Lenovo Center experience for visitors? Safety and comfort are top priorities at Lenovo Center, helping groups feel secure and relaxed throughout their visit. The arena maintains a professional security presence and has well-established protocols to ensure safety during events. Visitors praise the venue for cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, including 37 public restrooms, escalators, and elevators to ease movement and reduce congestion. Seating arrangements provide good sightlines and comfort for long events, crucial for group enjoyment. The staff is noted as friendly and attentive, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. While some reviews mention that parking prices and concession costs tend to be higher than average, these are common in large event venues and tend not to detract significantly from the experience. Overall, Lenovo Center provides a safe, comfortable, and guest-focused environment for hosting memorable group meetups.
What future developments might enhance the Lenovo Center experience? The area surrounding Lenovo Center is set for significant development, aiming to transform it into a dynamic destination beyond just the event venue itself. Upgrades planned for the upper deck and other arena facilities will likely improve seating and amenities, enhancing comfort and viewing quality. City-approved development projects promise new entertainment, dining, and retail options nearby, which will add to the convenience and attractiveness of rallying at Lenovo Center. Improved infrastructure and traffic management are expected to help mitigate parking and congestion concerns, further smoothing the visitor experience. These future enhancements show Lenovo Center’s commitment to evolving as a premier social and entertainment hub, making it an even better place for friends and family to gather and enjoy world-class events together.