The Red Hat Amphitheater is a music venue that is located in downtown Raleigh. This venue can host a multitude of performances, accompanied by a gorgeous backdrop of the city. Currently, the amphitheater is located adjacent to the Raleigh Convention Center. The convention center is going under reconstruction, expanding about 300,000 square feet. It is expanding to fix capacity limitations and meet growing demand. Due to the center widening, the amphitheater and the convention center have decided that the outdoor theatre should shift a block south for the center to spread to where the theatre once was. 

While this deal may improve both venues in the long run, it is causing short-term damage within the area. This plan has met some backlash, with the relocation and construction of the new theater resulting in road closures. Downtown South Street has been shut down until the completion of the project, and this has caused issues. Many claim that this road closure has disrupted the flow of traffic and is inconvenient for Raleigh’s inhabitants. 

In addition, residents are saddened by the lack of public input. The deal between Red Hat Amphitheater and the Raleigh Convention Center was made without consulting those within the city. Residents in nearby communities are blocked off from the city due to road closures, and have voiced their displeasure at the lack of planning by the organizers. 

This relocation of the Red Hat Amphitheater and expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center will end in a favorable outcome for both visitors and performers, but currently, it is causing a headache for quite a few residents.