A suburban arena beside NC State’s Carter-Finley Stadium, ringed by parking lots where fans tailgate before puck drop, with downtown’s Warehouse District and Glenwood South a drive away.
Most Hurricanes home games start at 7 p.m. Eastern, and more than half fall on weeknights; some weekend games start at 1 p.m., so check your game’s time. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop on weekdays and 90 minutes before on Saturdays and Sundays (the team says these times can change), and the lots open three hours before. For a weekend trip, the State Capitol, the free Museum of Natural Sciences and the NC Museum of Art fill the day before.
Lenovo Center
Your Raleigh weekend
Pick your game, then your hotel, food and things to do, or let a quick start choose them with you.
Which game are you going to?
Carolina Hurricanes
Exploring the weekend before choosing a game. Dates stay open.
Find your places.
Find your stay, your local pub, and everything around the game.
Quick start
Each one picks a hotel and food that work together. Change anything below.
Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh ArenaBy the arena and Wade Park
HotelSuggested
By the arena and Wade Park · 0.44 mi from the arena
The only hotel the arena’s own hotel page calls walking distance, at 0.4 miles, on the same street as The Local sports bar.
It’s the only hotel the arena’s own hotel page calls walking distance, at 0.4 miles, so there’s no parking or rideshare to plan on a game night. The Local is on the same street, and Bru’s kitchen stays open until 10 p.m.
Keep in mind: The arena publishes no walking route from the hotel, so ask staff for the path to your gate. Parking, breakfast and fee details weren’t available from the hotel’s own site.
On game day: Arena-walk stay: the arena lists Four Points as 0.4 miles away but publishes no walking route, so ask the hotel for the path to your gate.
1200 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607
0.44 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.
Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.
Keep in mind: It’s a short drive or rideshare to the arena, not a walk. Parking, breakfast and fee details weren’t available from the hotel’s own site.
On game day: West Raleigh and Cary stay: drive to the arena lots, which open three hours before puck drop, or take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off.
6825 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
1.5 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.
Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.
Keep in mind: It’s a drive to the arena and to downtown Raleigh, and there’s no airport shuttle.
On game day: West Raleigh and Cary stay: drive to the arena lots, which open three hours before puck drop, or take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off.
100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC
3.0 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.
Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.
Keep in mind: It’s a drive to the arena. The hotel’s FAQ points you to street parking or a public deck nearby.
On game day: West Raleigh and Cary stay: drive to the arena lots, which open three hours before puck drop, or take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off.
301 South Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511
3.5 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.
Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.
Keep in mind: You must be 21 to book. It’s a rideshare or drive out to the arena.
On game day: Downtown stay: take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off off Trinity Road. Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer.
300 North Dawson Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
4.6 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.
Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.
Keep in mind: Guests under 18 aren’t allowed unless one party books the whole property. It’s a rideshare or drive out to the arena.
On game day: Downtown stay: take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off off Trinity Road. Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer.
420 South Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
5.3 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.
Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.
We may earn a commission. Your final total is confirmed with the provider.
The LocalBy the arena and Wade Park
Sports bar and restaurant with craft beerSuggested
By the arena and Wade Park · 0.40 mi from the arena
Visit Raleigh calls it the closest restaurant to the action, across from the arena, and it sells parking and tailgate packages for arena events.
Menu prices not checked here
Details
Keep in mind: Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun noon–8 p.m.; closing time depends on arena events, so call ahead. Its own lot is $30 for Lenovo Center events, first come, first served.
On game day: Arena-walk stay: the arena lists Four Points as 0.4 miles away but publishes no walking route, so ask the hotel for the path to your gate.
1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607
0.40 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.
By the arena and Wade Park · 0.55 mi from the arena
A pub at Wade Park near the arena, with the kitchen open until 10 p.m. every day.
Menu prices not checked here
Details
Keep in mind: Bar 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily; kitchen until 10 p.m. Dine-in and takeout.
On game day: Arena-walk stay: the arena lists Four Points as 0.4 miles away but publishes no walking route, so ask the hotel for the path to your gate.
5433 Wade Park Boulevard #100, Raleigh, NC 27607
0.55 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.
Fine dining, with a tasting menu or à la carte at dinner
West Raleigh and Cary · 3.0 mi from the arena
The Umstead’s restaurant, listed by the hotel as a Forbes Five-Star restaurant and Michelin Recommended, for a special dinner the night before.
Menu prices not checked here
Reservations
Details
Keep in mind: Breakfast and lunch in a casual setting; dinner by reservation only, with tasting-menu and à la carte options. Jackets are requested but not required at dinner.
On game day: West Raleigh and Cary stay: drive to the arena lots, which open three hours before puck drop, or take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off.
100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC
3.0 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.
Whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue in downtown’s Warehouse District, open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 p.m. other nights.
Menu prices not checked here
Reservations
Details
Keep in mind: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Street parking nearby is free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays.
On game day: Downtown stay: take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off off Trinity Road. Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer.
328 West Davie Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
4.7 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.
On game day: Downtown stay: take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off off Trinity Road. Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer.
105 West Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
4.9 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.
A downtown Lebanese restaurant from the Hatem family, named for sitti, the grandmother at the heart of a Lebanese family.
Menu prices not checked here
Reservations
Details
Keep in mind: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m. The restaurant lists several nearby decks with two hours of free parking.
On game day: Downtown stay: take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off off Trinity Road. Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer.
135 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
5.0 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.
A three-time Guinness World Record holder for most beers on tap, with a full food menu, open until 2 a.m. for a drink after the game.
Menu prices not checked here
Reservations
Details
Keep in mind: Mon–Fri 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sat–Sun 10 a.m.–2 a.m. The kitchen’s closing time isn’t published, so call before counting on a late meal.
On game day: Downtown stay: take a rideshare to the Gate C drop-off off Trinity Road. Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer.
614 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603
4.3 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.
Check opening hours for your date and allow time for this stop separately from arena travel.
A sports bar and restaurant across from the arena, with craft beer, its own parking for arena events and tailgate food packages to order ahead.
Hurricane Alley Way (The Local is at No. 1235)Food and drinks are priced on the menu. Its lot is $30 for Lenovo Center events, first come, first served, cash or card.
Across from the arenaPregameCraft beer
Walk in
The Local, 1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607
Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun noon–8 p.m. Closing time depends on arena events, so call for game nights.
Before you go
Across from the arenaPregameCraft beer
Walk in
The Local, 1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607
Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun noon–8 p.m. Closing time depends on arena events, so call for game nights.
Eat and drink here before the game; doors open 60 minutes before puck drop on weekdays and 90 minutes before on weekends.
It uses an online waitlist rather than reservations. Tailgate packages must be ordered by noon two business days ahead and paid before pickup.
The Hurricanes say tailgating is permitted and encouraged: Visit Raleigh describes tents, corn hole, street hockey and music in the lots before puck drop.
Lenovo Center (tailgating is in the surrounding lots)You need a parking space: General $34 prepaid plus fees, or $47 on site, for 2026–27. Parking is cashless.
Lots open three hours before puck drop; vehicles must leave within an hour of the end of the game.
The lots open three hours before puck drop.
Charcoal and wood burning aren’t allowed. Keep your setup within your vehicle’s space and don’t block roadways. The arena’s policies say only ticket holders, invited guests and people doing business with the arena may enter and stay on the property.
We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.
West Raleigh and CaryA car-based trip with more hotel choice
Stay a short drive from the arena, from a Home2 Suites the arena lists at 1.5 miles to a lakeside spa hotel and a boutique hotel in downtown Cary.
Office parks, Carolina pines around the Umstead and the restaurants of downtown Cary
To the arena
Drive to the arena and park in an arena lot (General $34 prepaid plus fees, $47 on site) or at The Local across from the arena, or take a rideshare to Gate C off Trinity Road.
After the game
Drive out within an hour of the end of the game, or meet your rideshare at the Gate C pick-up lanes.
The tradeoff
You drive or ride to the game, and to dinner unless you eat at your hotel. Self-parking is free at the Umstead, and the Mayton lists free street parking around the hotel.
We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.
Downtown RaleighA game night or weekend with more to do than the game
Stay downtown for the Warehouse District and Glenwood South restaurants and bars, and ride out to the game.
The State Capitol and museums, Warehouse District restaurants and the Glenwood South bar strip
To the arena
Take a rideshare to Gate C off Trinity Road and walk down the stairs to the sidewalk to the arena.
After the game
Meet your rideshare in the pick-up lanes at Gate C, near TowneBank Center. Taxis may also wait there.
The tradeoff
Visit Raleigh puts the arena about 6.5 miles from downtown, 15–20 minutes by car in normal traffic, so it’s a ride each way, including after a late game.
From Four Points on footBy the arena and Wade Parkwalk
Getting there
Walk from Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena, which the arena’s hotel page lists as walking distance (0.4 miles). Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop on weekdays and 90 minutes before on Saturdays and Sundays.
Getting back
Walk back to the hotel with the crowd leaving the arena.
The arena publishes no pedestrian route from the hotel, and the complex is built around parking lots, so ask hotel staff for the path to your gate. Re-entry to the arena isn’t allowed.
From West Raleigh or Cary by carWest Raleigh and Carydrive
Getting there
Exit I-40 or Wade Avenue at Edwards Mill Road and head south; the main arena entrance is on your left. Lots open three hours before puck drop. General parking is $34 prepaid plus fees or $47 on site, or park at The Local across from the arena for $30, first come, first served.
Getting back
Walk back to your car. Arena lots must be cleared within one hour of the end of the event.
Arena parking is cashless: prepay with your tickets or pay by card on site. The Hurricanes suggest arriving an hour early to avoid congestion. No drive times from these hotels are published.
From West Raleigh or Cary by rideshareWest Raleigh and Caryrideshare
Getting there
Set your drop-off at the arena. Rideshare cars enter at Gate C off Trinity Road, and you take the stairs down to the sidewalk to the arena.
Getting back
Meet your driver in the pick-up lanes at Gate C, near TowneBank Center. Taxis may also wait there.
Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray for Hurricanes games, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer. Prices and waits after the game are set by the app.
From downtown Raleigh by rideshareDowntown Raleighrideshare
Getting there
Take a rideshare to the arena, about 6.5 miles from downtown by Visit Raleigh’s count. Cars enter at Gate C off Trinity Road, and you take the stairs down to the sidewalk to the arena.
Getting back
Meet your driver in the pick-up lanes at Gate C, near TowneBank Center. Taxis may also wait there.
Rideshare arrivals may have bags searched at X-ray for Hurricanes games, where lines can take 20 minutes or longer. The arena names no rideshare partner, and prices and waits after the game are set by the app.
For Hurricanes games, clutch or wristlet bags smaller than 4.5 × 6.5 inches are allowed and skip the bag X-ray line. Parenting bags (with a child) and medical bags are allowed but go through X-ray. Backpacks aren’t allowed, and you’ll be asked to take a bag that isn’t allowed back to your car.
Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop Monday to Friday and 90 minutes before on Saturdays and Sundays; the team says these times can change. Parking lots open three hours before puck drop.
Tickets, parking, concessions and retail are cashless; cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted. Printed-out tickets aren’t accepted: show the mobile barcode on your phone. Everyone 24 months or older needs a ticket.
Tailgating is allowed in the arena lots. Keep tables, chairs, coolers and grills within your vehicle’s space, don’t block roadways, and don’t use charcoal or wood. Vehicles must leave within an hour of the end of the event.
The arena offers free wheelchair assistance to and from your seat before and after events; ask at the doors. Accessible parking is in the East and West lots, and public elevators are next to Sections 128 and 111.
A clutch or wristlet smaller than 4.5 × 6.5 inches, which skips the X-ray line. Parenting bags (with a child) and medical bags are allowed after X-ray screening. Backpacks aren’t allowed.
Can I tailgate at Lenovo Center?
Yes. The Hurricanes say tailgating is permitted and encouraged, and the lots open three hours before puck drop. Charcoal and wood burning aren’t allowed, you can’t take up extra spaces, and cars must leave within an hour of the end of the game.
What should I wear to a hockey game here?
Layers. The arena keeps the building at 63°F during hockey games to protect the ice.
How far is the arena from the airport?
The arena says it’s about a 10–15 minute drive from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, depending on traffic, via I-40.
