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Red Hat Amphitheatre shows visible construction progress as new site rises, Carrie Painter says
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Summary
Carrie Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, says the Red Hat Amphitheatre’s concrete stage is poured, steel work is due in June and crews will begin demolition about two weeks after the final concert season ends; the city is collecting memorabilia and coordinating programming for the new venue.
Carrie Painter, executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, said construction at the new Red Hat Amphitheatre is beginning to show clear, visible features as the project moves from underground work to above‑grade construction.
"The stage is poured, the concrete stage," Painter said, describing how sidewalks, fences and the artist walk are making the venue’s layout legible to passersby. She said workers will begin installing steel next month and that the topping moment—typically marked by a small tree or flag—is planned for about June.
The project team has also started public communications aimed at reducing neighborhood disruption. Painter described a contractor-produced newsletter called "Behind the Fence," posted on the relocation website, that provides drone photos, notices of street closures and short-term construction impacts so residents and businesses can plan around work.
Painter acknowledged that recovery from a recent fire compounded local disruption earlier in the schedule, requiring cranes and other equipment that necessitated road closures while the AMP was being rebuilt. "Where it went off the rails a little bit," she said, "is when we had the fire recovery. Because that meant closing roads for cranes and air handling and kitchen repair at the same time we were building an AMP."
She outlined plans to preserve the venue’s cultural history during the transition: staff are collecting memorabilia from the original site for a time capsule and intend to embed items—including a guitar case—in the new building.
On logistics and asset reuse, Painter said the city is inventorying trailers and other equipment to relocate or store, noting that some items, such as flushable portable restrooms, will be reassigned to Walnut Creek. "We know we have about 2 weeks from the end of the season before they come in and start demolishing," she said, describing the brief window between the final concert and demolition at the current site.
Painter said Live Nation and city staff are discussing programming for the new amphitheater and trying to identify the right artist to open the venue while maintaining the diverse musical mix fans expect. She highlighted headline acts in the current, final season at the original location — including Sting and Alabama Shakes — and noted that the amphitheater has broadened its roster in recent years to include country acts.
To mark the venue’s final season at the current site, Painter described new offerings for attendees: a 20-foot downtown installation for selfies, an LED sign, commemorative merchandise and a concession fundraiser that donates $1 per drink to the Wake County Bridal Center. She said staff are also piloting ready-to-drink canned beverages as they plan concessions for the new venue.
The podcast host, Katie Dombrowski, closed the episode by inviting listeners to submit questions on Raleigh’s website and by thanking listeners for tuning into the City of Raleigh’s "Your City Answer" podcast.
The city’s timetable now centers on visible above‑grade work this summer, ongoing neighborhood communications via the "Behind the Fence" newsletter, and site demolition shortly after the end of the current season.
