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Arena Revamp for Raleigh – and we’re calling it the Novo??

Kelsey Griswold
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at NCSU chapter.

The PNC Arena, home to the NC State Men’s basketball team and the Carolina Hurricanes, has been renamed the Lenovo Center! There has been a naming rights agreement between the Hurricanes and Lenovo, the largest employer in the Research Triangle Park. Centennial Authority stated in a press release that Lenovo will integrate technology into upcoming arena renovations and enhancements.

So where does the Wolfpack come into Lenovo’s deal with the Carolina Hurricanes? The arena is slated for a $300 million renovation, including amenities and technology for players and fans. Phase 1 of the Lenovo Center project focuses on building an entertainment district for fans, including entertainment and retail space, offices, a hotel, and a tailgating balcony, connected by a walkway. 

@barstoolpack (unaffiliated with the Lenovo Center and NCSU) posted an Instagram poll asking fans what we should call the new stadium: the Novo, the LC, or the Lenny. Well, the verdict is out: Please welcome the Novo! There was an unveiling of the new sign on September 19, 2024.

Many commenters under @barstoolpack and @pncarena have shared a distaste for the new nickname, another change in the arena’s name, or more construction in the Raleigh area. Do you agree with these concerns? As a driver in Raleigh, the only thing I worry about is more construction, but hopefully, the benefit will be worth it. These renovations look like a great addition to the Raleigh area, and the NC State basketball experience.

Phase 1 is scheduled to kick off in December 2025, and I can’t wait to experience tailgating and NC State basketball after the renovations are complete!

Kelsey Griswold is a President shadow for Her Campus at NC State University. She is responsible for writing articles, overseeing the social media team, and collaborating with the team to conduct photoshoots. This is her second year in Her Campus. Before Her Campus, Kelsey was a member of her high school's student council for four years. She worked alongside her club members to plan events, build the school's community outreach, and fundraise for new events. Kelsey was elected secretary in her junior year where she was in charge of keeping the club's minutes, creating the agenda for each meeting, and ensuring those tasks were completed. In senior year she was elected Student Body President where she was responsible for conducting meetings, guiding the planning of school-wide and community events, and making sure every member felt heard. Now, she is in her second, and last, year at NC State majoring in economics. Kelsey was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. Off-campus she enjoys shopping, spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, and listening to music. She is passionate about helping others and enjoying everything the world has to offer. After graduation, she hopes to become a project manager, but most importantly, she hopes to travel as much as possible and spend time with loved ones.