Raleigh Relocated Red Hat Amphitheater South

The city moved the venue one block south to facilitate a major expansion of the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Raleigh Relocated Red Hat Amphitheater South

Live Poll

Should cities prioritize convention center expansions even if it means relocating established local concert venues?

Raleigh relocated the 5,990-seat Red Hat Amphitheater one block south of its original home at 500 South McDowell Street. The move, which began in April 2025, makes space for a 298,100-square-foot expansion of the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center.

Why it matters

The amphitheater acts as a major economic engine for Raleigh, generating $33.7 million in economic impact during the 2024 concert season alone. Relocating the venue allows the city to grow its convention capacity while preserving the tax revenue and tourism benefits brought by the site.

The relocation project carries a $40 million price tag and follows a 2024 season that drew 221,000 fans to 50 concerts. The expansion of the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center will include an accompanying 600-room Omni Raleigh Hotel.

The players

Red Hat Amphitheater

This outdoor venue serves as a primary entertainment hub in downtown Raleigh.

Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center

This facility is a major event space in Raleigh currently undergoing a massive square-footage expansion.

Omni Raleigh Hotel

This upcoming 29-story hotel is planned to provide 600 rooms for visitors to the city.

The details

The project involves shifting the 1.25-acre facility to allow for the convention center growth. The city plans to integrate the new amphitheater infrastructure with the upcoming 29-story Omni Raleigh Hotel to better support large-scale events and tourism.

The amphitheater began operating at 500 South McDowell Street in 2010.
The venue closed for the construction project in April 2025.
The relocated amphitheater is expected to reopen for the 2027 concert season.
The Omni Raleigh Hotel is currently slated to open in late 2028.

Market Landscape

This move reflects a broader industry trend where cities leverage anchor entertainment venues to drive demand for hospitality and convention infrastructure. By prioritizing the expansion of the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center, Raleigh is positioning itself to compete for larger-scale regional conferences.

Concert-goers can expect a temporary pause in local shows at this specific venue until the 2027 season begins. Long-term, residents may see increased downtown hotel traffic and more expansive local amenities as the new hotel and convention space come online.

The takeaway

The relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater demonstrates how cities balance cultural entertainment needs with large-scale economic development. Readers should anticipate significant shifts in downtown foot traffic and lodging options as the convention center expansion nears completion.

What happens next

The relocated Red Hat Amphitheater is scheduled to host its first performances during the 2027 concert season, while the Omni Raleigh Hotel remains on track for a late 2028 grand opening.