RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Chief Executive Officer of Hurricanes Holdings LLC, Brian Fork announced Thursday that the Raleigh Centennial Authority has approved the naming rights of the arena home to Carolina Hurricanes and NC State basketball will now be called the Lenovo Center beginning this month.
The name change agreement will run for 10 years, through the 2033-34 National Hockey League season.
“Lenovo has been a valued partner of ours for many years,” said Fork. “We’re thrilled to elevate that partnership now by renaming the arena Lenovo Center. Lenovo has both strong local ties and a worldwide footprint, and we’re proud to have the Hurricanes’ name associated with a true leader in global technology. As we transition to this new era, we are grateful for our longtime naming rights collaborator, PNC, who will continue to be a major partner of our organization.”
Lenovo has been partnered with the Carolina Hurricanes since 2010 and has previously been the team’s helmet decal sponsor. As part of the expanded partnership, Lenovo will be the official technology partner of the Hurricanes and the organization will implement Lenovo technology throughout the arena and in its operations to enhance the fan experience.
The Centennial Authority voted unanimously to change the name. NC State officials also reviewed and approved the official name change.
“This is an exciting day for Raleigh, Wake County, and the whole state of North Carolina,” said Philip Isley, Chairman of the Centennial Authority. “This partnership is about more than just re-naming the arena. Lenovo will play a vital role integrating technology into our upcoming arena renovations and enhancements. Lenovo has deep roots in North Carolina, and we’re thrilled that they are strengthening those roots with this naming rights agreement.”
This decision comes shortly after PNC Arena signage was removed from the facility early Monday morning.
