Designed for sports games, concerts, and other special events, PNC Arena in Raleigh can accommodate nearly 20,000 people. Sports fans visit the venue primarily for ice hockey and basketball games—it’s home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, as well as the NC State Wolfpack’s basketball team. The arena is placed at 400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, a 15-minute drive from the city center. It offers an array of car parking lots, and our PNC Arena parking guide will take you through all the services. Learn all about Carolina Hurricanes parking, prices for other events, tailgating info, and transportation alternatives!
PNC Arena Parking in a Nutshell
PNC Arena guests have a variety of visitor parking options. Discover the nitty-gritty of each parking service and choose the one that fits your requirements and budget:
- General Parking spaces are placed directly around the arena and nearby Carter–Finley Stadium. These parking areas are either paved or gravel lots, and paved ones fill up first. Upon arrival, the staff will direct you to the closest spot. >>Reserve on Vivid Seats
- Premier Parking is available in the 1000 East and 6000 West lots, which are paved and placed right next to PNC Arena. If you purchase a premier pass, enter through Gate D, E, or F. After the event, use a dedicated lane to exit faster and avoid crowds.
- Premier Gold Parking is right across from the arena entrance. These parking spots are in the East and West PG lots and allow quick entry and exit thanks to a dedicated lane. If you purchase a Premier Gold pass, head to either Gate D or Gate F.
- VIP Parking is the most convenient parking option situated at the front of the arena. Purchasing a PNC Arena VIP Parking pass saves you from waiting in lines and allows easy access. Enter using Gates D or F.
The arena also offers six EV charging stations available from 6 AM to 12 AM daily.
Carolina Hurricanes Parking Cost
National Hockey League fans can find a short-term parking spot for as low as $20! Here are all the options and rates for Carolina Hurricanes games, including parking for oversized vehicles.
| Parking Option | Hurricanes Parking Rate |
| General Parking | $20 |
| Premier Parking | $30 |
| Premier Gold | $40 |
| Limo/Bus/RV Parking | $40 |
| VIP Parking | $50 |
The PNC Arena website suggests purchasing a parking pass at the time of buying a ticket for the game through Ticketmaster. Alternatively, you may use ParkWhiz or pay upon arrival!
Parking for NC State Men’s Basketball Games
To get to a General Parking area for an NC State basketball game, head to Gate A, B, or F. General spots are available in several nearby lots and have the lowest rates! Additionally, you can reserve a Premier or VIP pass. Here are the parking prices for NC State basketball games:
| Parking Option | NC State Parking Price |
| General Parking | $10 |
| Limo/RV/Bus Parking | $30 |
| Premier Parking | $40 |
| VIP Parking | $60 |
Event Parking Rates for Other Events
If you plan to attend another event, expect to pay between $20 and $30 for standard parking. PNC Arena rates vary based on the occasion, and here’s the usual price range for other services:
- Premier Parking: $30-$40
- VIP Parking: $40-$60
- Limousine/Bus/RVs: $40-$60
Check out the event page for additional information. Note that the premier service is available through ParkWhiz only.
Accessible Parking at PNC Arena
Handicapped parking is available near the entrances, while ADA parking for basketball games is in the Southeast Arena parking lot. The venue also offers a shuttle service between the Southeast lot and the main entrance. For Hurricanes games, use Gates B or F, and the staff will direct you to the closest spot. Note that you need to own a disabled parking permit or license plate. General parking rates apply.
Helpful Tips + Free Parking Spots
To save you time and keep your nerves, we listed a few pieces of information and some useful tips below:
- Arrive at least an hour before an event to avoid busy traffic on I-40, I-440, and Wade Avenue before weekday games
- Use Ticketmaster or ParkWhiz to pre-purchase a PNC Arena parking pass and secure a convenient spot
- Pay for parking with your credit card or Apple/Google Pay if you don’t reserve parking
- Be prepared to park in unpaved lots if you arrive less than 30 minutes before the scheduled game time
If you search for a free parking spot, head to the State Fairgrounds! You’ll most certainly find it, as long as the fair isn’t held at the time. You could also check out Quanta Technology on Westchase Boulevard or look for free parking at Trinity Rd & Youth Center Dr. The walk might take up to 15 minutes, but it’s worth it if you wish to save some money.
Tailgating at PNC Arena
Tailgating activities are allowed in the PNC Arena parking lots as long as you follow the rules and guidelines. You cannot use empty spaces or reserve an additional spot for yourself or someone else. Keep your table, chairs, or any other equipment within your space. If you need more room, the arena website suggests using the Carter-Finley grass lots. PNC Arena lots open 3 hours before Hurricanes games and 2 and a half hours before NC State basketball games.
Transportation to the Arena
Public bus service is the most cost-effective transportation alternative if you live in the area. The GoRaleigh’s Route 26 bus picks up and drops off passengers across from PNC Arena. The single fare is only $1.25, and you can check out maps and schedules on the official website. Taxis are available outside the VIP Entrance on a first-come, first-served basis, while the Rideshare zones are outside the South entrance:
Raleigh-Durham Airport is a 15-minute drive away from the venue. If you search for a reliable airport transfer, go through the RDU Airport Shuttle providers.
FAQs
- How much is parking at PNC Arena?
For Hurricanes games, prices start at $20, while the parking cost for basketball games is as low as $10. General parking rates for other events range from $20 to $30.
- Where is Premier Parking at PNC Arena?
Premier Parking is available in the 1000 East lot and 6000 West lot. Use Gate D, E, or F.
- How do I buy parking passes at PNC Arena?
Buy a PNC Arena parking pass through Ticketmaster or ParkWhiz.
Find Cheap Parking for Any NHL Game
Our comprehensive guides cover event parking services at countless venues, including many National Hockey League arenas. Whatever game you plan on watching, look us up to find discounted parking beforehand. Apart from PNC Arena parking, you’ll learn more about:
If you plan on flying out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, we can help you book low-cost RDU Parking. Our parking guide has everything you need: on-airport parking rates and availability, handicap parking information, and all the off-site parking companies with shuttles to and from the terminals.