Remember how much of a bitch that it was to get the ESA (now RBC Center) built? Remember how many local news media – including the News & Observer – decried the scope of the project? Remember how every Tarheel in the world criticized the building? Remember all of the jokes about hockey never making it in Carolina? and how the arena would be a big white elephant?
Exactly where were all of those people last month when the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup – the state’s first World Championship in any professional sport?
The N&O – whom didn’t support the original construction of the building or the form that the project eventually took – is reporting today that the Home of Wolfpack Basketball is getting some upgrades. (Link)
Nearly $7 million will be spent sprucing up the RBC Center over the next two years. Improvements include replacing the sound system in the lower seating area, adding concession equipment and installing credit card machines at concession stands.
The improvements will be paid for by the Centennial Authority, the public agency responsible for the arena.
The money comes from reserves set aside each year from profits for maintenance and repairs.
The fund was not supposed to be used until 2009, but the Centennial Authority got permission from the city of Raleigh and Wake County commissioners to spend $3.1 million this year and $3.7 million next year.
