PNC Arena Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Raleigh.
Last updated: 3/7/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Bags must not exceed 12 inches x 12 inches x 10 inches. Clear bags are allowed within this size. Small clutches and wallets smaller than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches are also permitted. Medical and diaper bags are allowed but are subject to search. |
|---|---|
| Doors open | For Carolina Hurricanes games, doors open 60 minutes before puck drop on Monday-Friday and 90 minutes before puck drop on Saturday & Sunday. For concerts and other events, doors typically open 1 to 1.5 hours prior to the official program start. |
| Cashless? | PNC Arena is a cashless venue. Payments can be made via credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. |
| Rideshare zone | Designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zones are located near the East Entrance. For suite guests, the pickup point is across from the West VIP Lot near Gate C. |
| Transit | Public transportation to PNC Arena is limited. GoRaleigh bus service does not offer direct routes, but routes such as Route 2, 27L, and 60 stop near Trinity Rd at Peter Karmanos Jr Dr, an 8-minute walk from the arena. GoTriangle's DRX bus offers weekday peak-hour service from Durham to Carter-Finley, but return trips require transfers and walking. The Wolfline 60 also goes to the Carter-Finley Park N' Ride. Most fans opt for driving or ridesharing. |
Parking
Parking fees vary by event. Pre-purchasing mobile parking vouchers in advance via ParkWhiz.com is recommended to save money. On-site parking is cashless, accepting credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Arriving at least 1 to 1.5 hours before an event is suggested to navigate traffic and find parking.
Family & accessibility
- Family perks: Diaper bags are permitted when accompanied by a child. Children under the age of 2 typically do not require a ticket to enter suites.
Culture layer
- Signature food: Popular food items include North Carolina BBQ (pulled BBQ sandwiches and BBQ nachos), Shake Shack (burgers, milkshakes), Chick-fil-A, Gonza Tacos y Tequila, Buena Papa gourmet French fries, and Primo Hoagies (Italian specialty sandwiches).
- Local tradition: Prominent fan traditions include extensive tailgating, especially for Carolina Hurricanes games, and the post-game 'Storm Surge' celebration where players perform a Viking 'Skol' chant and jump into the boards. Fans also embrace the 'bunch of jerks' moniker, stemming from a comment by Don Cherry, and participate in the annual 'Canes 5K'.
Verified places nearby
- The Players' Retreat105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605 · West Raleigh / NC State AreaWhat to order: Famous sandwiches, daily specials, hearty soups, gumbos, chili, and cold beer.
- Carolina Ale House401 W North St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · Downtown Raleigh
- Backyard Bistro1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607 · Near PNC Arena / Carter-Finley StadiumWhat to order: St. Louis style pork ribs, fresh hand-cut fries, creamy mac and cheese, Backyard Burger, and award-winning wings.
- Rudino's Sports Corner3101 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612 · Near PNC Arena / Carter-Finley StadiumWhat to order: Pizza, grinders, buffalo chicken dip, and cheese breadsticks.
- Tobacco Road Sports Cafe505 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27603 · Downtown RaleighWhat to order: Hearty burgers and tantalizing nachos.