RBC Double-header Saturday Puts Parking at Premium

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RBC Double-header Saturday Puts Parking at Premium

RBC Center in Raleigh.

By Dane Huffman

Feb 16, 2008

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POST VIEW

Raleigh, N.C. — N.C. State plays a men’s basketball game Saturday at the RBC Center at 3 p.m. And at 7 p.m., the Carolina Hurricanes take the ice at the RBC Center in what will mark the quickest turnaround ever at the arena.

Given that, fans should be aware that parking could be a challenge with the games being played back to back.

N.C. State plays Clemson, and the Hurricanes play the Florida Panthers.

The RBC Center is advising Canes ticket holders to expect delays getting into the arena. For the Canes game, the parking spaces next to the arena will not be available until the basketball traffic has exited the arena.

The Hurricanes are encouraging fans who want to come early to tailback to enter off Trinity Road and use the Gate A parking area until game time.

“We can clear the property in 25 minutes,” said Dave Olsen, general manager of the RBC. “If everybody left the building, we can clear the lots in 25 minutes. If the State fans cooperate and move on their way, my recommendation to Hurricane fans is wait until 6 to try to come on the property.

“By 6 we should be completely transitioned.”

Asked why the games were scheduled so close, Olsen said that, frankly, the Hurricanes missed that State had planned a 3 p.m. game and should have scheduled the hockey game at 8 p.m.

Olsen quipped that this wouldn’t happen again as long as he’s general manager.

Most Recent Comments

bob sidel...nice post.

As a State grad, basketball fan, & a 5+ year canes season ticket holder, I have to laugh at the notion that they think they are capable of clearing the lots in 25 min. There are places around that building I simply refuse to be directed to park, after waiting over 45 min. to get out of a parking place thanks to chaos and lack of control in some of the lots. If you maneuver to the right parking space it can be easy, but...the traffic flow in and out of the arena and in the parking lots are rarely the same two nights in a row, so you never know what to expect.

I prefer to avoid their control, park elsewhere and walk the extra 10 minutes, it saves plenty of time in the end.

I think the city, management, and NCSU need desperately take a look at traffic flow and lot management for normal situations, let alone this one. As a sports fan, music fan, and NASCAR crew member I've been to a lot of events with a lot of people, and what we have here should be an embarrassment to the city and team.

"The Hurricanes are encouraging fans who want to come early to tailback..."

What if they prefer to 'wide receiver' or 'free safety'?

Since NCSU has more flexibility to move its game to Noon or 1:30 p.m., I think blaming the Hurricanes is inappropriate. This isn't the first scheduling issue the RBC Center has had (those infamous business seminars), so there needs to be a more thorough look at why it keeps happening.

As a NCSU Fan...I plan to be there...and watching the game until the end...regardless of the outcome. I shall be respectful, despite some of the comments from other posters, that 'Canes fans want to get into the RBC..

Perhaps the snide remarks should be directed at the 'Canes management...would appear that "someone" played goalie a little TOO often without wearing the protective headgear.

ALSO...If I remember correctly, the RBC was BUILT for the PACK...it was under construction PRIOR to anyone every hearing about the Whalers...

In addition, 'Canes management has STILLLLLL not renewed their lease....

Enough said...I will enjoy the game...the last time that the arena was being "converted" was after a devastating loss...and we sat there for a while watching the crew as a diversion...

IF THERE ARE MORE INAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS>>>>THEN I MAY DECIDE TO WATCH A WHILE AGAIN...

Thanks and GO PACK...

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