PNC Arena Parking Tips in Raleigh, North Carolina

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.

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)