A North Carolina sportsbook is among the proposed improvements for PNC Arena, home of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
In June, Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347, which permits the eight professional sports venues in the state to construct retail sportsbooks. The bill also legalizes online sports betting throughout the state.
Sportsbook among several stadium improvement options for PNC Arena
The state Centennial Authority committee received a 117-page presentation detailing over 70 proposed projects for the 24-year-old arena.
According to WRAL, a decision on which projects have the green light could come within the next three to four months.
“Time is of the essence,” said board member Doyle Parrish. “We need to be making these decisions and we need to be having a plan on how to make these decisions.”
However, one thing missing from the proposal list is cost, which, according to Parrish, is critical to making final decisions.
In the same post by WRAL, board chairman Philip Isley said: “We think that the building itself is in great shape. We know that the enhancement and the elaborate process we’re getting ready to undertake is going to continue to make this building great for a long time.”
North Carolina sports betting bill has several moving parts
As mentioned, Cooper’s signing of HB 347 triggers several moving parts, including the eight retail sportsbooks. However, the significant component is the legalization of up to 14 online sports betting operators.
The following eight venues will be allowed to partner with operators for sportsbooks at or near their facilities:
- Bank of America Stadium (Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC)
- Spectrum Center (Charlotte Hornets)
- PNC Arena (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Charlotte Motor Speedway (NASCAR)
- North Wilkesboro Speedway (NASCAR)
- Quail Hollow Club (PGA Tour)
- Sedgefield Country Club (PGA Tour)
- Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park (North Carolina FC and North Carolina Courage)
In a statement following the signing of HB 347, Cooper said:
“We already know that North Carolina is the center of the basketball universe. That is an unquestionable fact. But in the last few decades, our state has become a prime location for professional sports, particularly here in the Charlotte area.
… It is so exciting what’s happened in North Carolina. This legislation will help these professional teams to grow even more and to thrive, and attracting more of them. We still have some holes we have to fill in this prof sporting arena.”
