Raleigh Convention Center facts for kids
The Raleigh Convention Center is a big building in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. It's a place where large groups of people can meet for events, shows, and exhibitions. It first opened its doors in September 2008. The main people who designed it were from a company called Obrien/Atkins Associates.
Quick facts for kids Raleigh Convention Center |
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Side facing McDowell Street along with Shimmer Wall
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| Address | 300 S. Salisbury St Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Coordinates | 35°46′25″N 78°38′28″W / 35.77361°N 78.64111°W |
| Built | 2006–2008 |
| Opened | September 5, 2008 |
| Banquet/ballroom | 12,000 people (15,000 for theatre-style) |
| Enclosed space | |
| • Total space | 150,000 sq ft (14,000 m2) |
| Website | |
| raleighconvention.com | |
Contents
About the Convention Center
The Raleigh Convention Center is located at 500 South Salisbury Street. This huge building has three levels. It covers about 500,000 square feet (46,450 square meters). Inside, you will find a large exhibit hall, twenty meeting rooms, and a big ballroom.
Spaces Inside the Center
The ballroom is on the top floor. It can hold up to 2,715 people for a dinner event. If people are watching a show, it can fit 3,630 persons. The exhibit hall is on the lowest floor. This area is very large. It can fit up to 790 display booths. For events with tables, it can seat 6,800 people. If it's set up like a theater, it can hold 9,600 people.
Special work was done to make sure sounds do not travel. This means different events can happen at the same time. Noise from inside also does not bother the people living nearby.
History and Cost
The current building is more than twice the size of the old convention center. The old one was built in 1977. It was updated in 1997 and then taken down in 2006. Building the new center cost about $225 million.
The Shimmer Wall
One special part of the new convention center is the 'Shimmer Wall'. It is on the west side of the building. This wall is a large piece of public art. It has many metal plates shaped like an oak tree. Behind these plates are LED lights. The oak tree design shows Raleigh's nickname, the 'City of Oaks'. A local company called Cree Inc., which makes LED lights, helped pay for this wall.
The first big event held in the new center was the NAA Leadership Conference. It took place from September 11 to 14, 2008.
Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater
Next to the Convention Center, there is an outdoor music venue. It is called the Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater. The City of Raleigh opened this amphitheater on June 4, 2010. It is a great place for concerts and other outdoor shows.
