(RALEIGH, NC) – The Centennial Authority, in association with Gale Force Sports and Entertainment, today announced the completion of several upgrades at PNC Arena. The building upgrades include four suites converted to two loge boxes, two club level concession stands transformed into two upscale lounges and the installation of new 360-degree LED ribbon boards on the lower and upper arena bowl fascia. Construction on PNC Arena’s new amenities is complete and will debut at the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2016-17 home opener on Friday, Oct. 28, against the New York Rangers.

“The Centennial Authority continues to keep PNC Arena ahead of the curve as a first-class sports and entertainment facility,” said Don Waddell, president of Gale Force Sports and Entertainment. “Through these investments, the Authority has shown its commitment to the community and our organization, allowing PNC Arena to offer the best possible experience for guests.”

The two new club lounges provide guests an upscale sports lounge experience, and each feature three full bars, four culinary stations and 65-inch flat-screen televisions. The lounges offer a wide selection of gourmet food, premium beer, wine and cocktails. Construction on the new club lounges was completed by TCC Enterprises, Inc. of Louisburg, NC.

Building on the success of PNC Arena’s first loge box, which opened in late 2014, two new locations have been added to the club level. The new loge boxes offer suite-style accommodations for four groups of four guests each. With an annual lease, guests receive an all-inclusive experience, including VIP parking, high-end buffet, a private restroom and a fully stocked and staffed bar for every PNC Arena event. Riley-Lewis General Contractors, Inc. of Raleigh, NC led the loge box construction process.

“The Authority could not be more proud than to have worked with local companies like TCC Enterprises and Riley-Lewis on the club lounges and the new loge boxes,” said Centennial Authority Chairman Thomas McCormick. “These are extensive improvements that will give guests a completely different and improved experience when they visit PNC Arena.”

To enhance all guests’ experiences, new 360-degree LED ribbon boards have been installed on the upper and lower fascia of the PNC Arena seating bowl. The new ribbon boards replace the single, lower-fascia ribbon board installed in 2003, and are two times clearer and offer enhanced color. Along with the 360-degree ribbon boards, new LED video boards have replaced the static signs above PNC Arena’s four arena-level vomitories. All of PNC Arena’s LED boards were designed by display technology leader Daktronics.

For a complete list of upcoming PNC Arena events, please visit www.ThePNCArena.com.