The Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL play their home games throughout the season at PNC Arena in Raleigh. We have created this parking guide to help you find the ideal parking spot for any upcoming event.
This detailed PNC Arena parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:
- The best official PNC Arena parking lots
- Third-party parking lots near PNC Arena you can book in advance
- Areas to look for free parking in Raleigh
- Handicap parking solutions
- Public transit options for Carolina Hurricanes events
- Other valuable PNC Arena parking tips to save time and money
Whether it’s a hockey game, a concert, or another event, this parking guide has the information you need to locate a great spot at a fair price. We hope it helps!
Official PNC Arena Parking Lots
There is a large parking area on the property of PNC Arena in Raleigh. If you are going to be attending any event at this venue and wish to drive your own vehicle, using the official on-site parking is the way to go.
Main Parking Lots
12 separate lots make up the general parking area at PNC Arena. Depending on the event you attend, parking in these lots will usually cost between $20 and $30. If you have a general parking pass when you arrive, the parking attendants will direct you to where you can find a spot and leave your vehicle. Access general parking using Gates A, B, E, or F.
If you want to be closer to the arena in the general parking areas, it’s advised to arrive an hour or more before the start of your event. As it gets closer to the event’s start, you’ll be more likely to be directed to the outer lots, including those by nearby Carter-Finley Stadium (home of NC State football).
There are a couple of ways to reserve your parking at PNC Arena. For one, you can use Ticketmaster to add parking to your ticket purchase for most events. Or, if you already have tickets, you can use the ParkWhiz app to buy official parking in your desired area.
Premium Parking Lots
If you don’t mind spending more on your parking space and want the best possible location and a smooth experience getting in and out, you may opt for the VIP Parking lot. Of course, you’ll pay significantly more for a pass in this lot, but it is a convenient parking option for those who don’t want to spend long in lines before or after a game.
You may also choose to purchase Premier Parking as an alternative to the VIP Parking. This is a level down from the VIP lot, but it still secures a parking spot closer to the arena than general parking, and the price falls somewhere in the middle.
EV Parking at PNC Arena
There is a ChargePoint Charging Station on the property of PNC Arena. However, you might not be able to access this charger when arriving for an event, so it’s a better idea to charge up ahead of time and not need to plug in while you are inside the arena.
Accessible Parking Spaces
When purchasing your parking space through ParkWhiz, you can choose an ADA spot to ensure an accessible space. These spaces will be located in the 1000 and 2000 lots on the east side and the 5000 and 6000 on the west side.
After purchasing your ADA space, make sure you have a placard with you to use the space when you arrive.
Third-Party Parking Options at PNC Arena
While SpotHero is a great tool for third-party parking options near countless venues across the country, it will not be a good option when attending an event at PNC Arena. No lots or garages are available on SpotHero in the area around this venue, so it will be necessary to use another option to secure parking.
Free Parking at PNC Arena
Finding convenient free parking within walking distance of PNC Arena will be difficult. Since most of the area surrounding the venue is taken up with the official parking lots and adjacent Carter-Finley Stadium, you’d likely need to walk a long way to find anywhere you could park legally for free.
There are business parking lots in the area that might be empty during an event, but those lots may be monitored and could lead to a ticket or tow. Most likely, you’ll want to opt for official parking or another mode of transportation.
Public Transportation to PNC Arena
If you want public transportation to keep your vehicle at home, you can use Bus Route 26 from GoRaleigh. This route has stops close to the arena, so you’d only face a short walk after you get off the bus.
Be sure to check schedules and routes to confirm that this option will suit your needs on the event day.
Ridesharing to PNC Arena
There is a dedicated rideshare area for services like Uber and Lyft to use when picking up or dropping off at PNC Arena. Gate C can be used for entrance to the property, and the Gate C drop-off location can be used to get in or out of the rideshare.
Drivers should be sure to avoid turning into any of the parking lots.
PNC Arena Events
Whether you want to see a hockey game, a concert, or another event, PNC Arena is a great place to visit. Try using our table below to find an event you’d like to attend and get your tickets immediately.
| Date | Name | Location | Buy Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bars and Restaurants near PNC Arena
Hoping to grab a bite to eat or a quick drink before you head into an event at PNC Arena?
There aren’t many options in the immediate area around this venue, but you can find a couple of good options nearby if you are willing to look around.
Backyard Bistro is one of those options and really close to the venue. This sports bar offers the traditional types of American fare you would expect to find in such an establishment, and it’s just across Trinity Road from the entrance to PNC Arena.
If you head here before a hockey game, expect to see plenty of fellow fans and Hurricanes jerseys throughout the restaurant.
PNC Arena Parking Tips for a Great Outing
Attending an event at an NHL arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However, traffic and transportation issues sometimes get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.
Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at PNC Arena.
Arrive Early and Beat Traffic
If you don’t account for possible traffic issues on the day of an event, you could end up in a stressful situation. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy.
Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible.
Know What You Can Bring
PNC Arena has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car.
Remember Where You Parked!
There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around PNC Arena. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily.
Take Security Measures
You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.
Have a Backup Plan
Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.
Conclusion
Navigating PNC Arena parking for your next Carolina Hurricanes game or event has never been easier, thanks to this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re looking for official on-site parking, premium options for added convenience, or even alternative modes of transportation, this guide covers it all.
With insights into third-party options, public transit routes, and ridesharing services, you can choose the best approach to suit your needs. Remembering to arrive early, familiarizing yourself with arena policies, safeguarding your belongings, and having backup plans will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
This guide empowers you to make informed choices, secure the ideal parking spot, and focus on the event’s excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at PNC Arena (FAQs)
You’ll find varied parking prices depending on the event you will attend. It’s typically about $20 to $40 to park for a Hurricanes NHL game, but preferred lots will be more, and you might find even higher concert prices. It’s best to secure your parking as early as possible to give yourself plenty of choices.
Undoubtedly, official parking is the way to go at PNC Arena. There is ample parking for a range of prices surrounding the arena, and it’s easy to purchase in advance, so you know you’ll have a spot available when you arrive.
The closest parking lot to PNC Arena is the official VIP Parking lot. You’ll pay a premium to park in this lot, but it does offer unbeatable convenience.
PNC Arena doesn’t offer any official bicycle parking. There are many bike paths throughout Raleigh, so you may be able to find a nice bikeable route to the arena, but finding a place to lock up your bike while inside the event could be a challenge.
Public transportation offers a nice alternative to driving to events at this venue, and rideshare services can also work well if you’d prefer to leave your car at home.
The timing of parking lots opening up for vehicles to enter will depend on the event you are attending. If you buy parking in advance, the opening time of the lot should be included with your pass. Take a moment to confirm this information with the venue or parking facility in advance so you aren’t caught off-guard.
If I park in section 1000 ( premiere parking) how do I exit?