Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts

We’ve been here for numerous plays and musicals and always have a great time. We purchased season tickets and received free parking tho u need to get here decently early to get a good one. Acoustics are great tho the side seats especially towards the front give me an extreme sore neck from turning sideways.
Bathrooms back up and seems like DPAC does a better job managing this. Overall it’s a beautiful place to come to the theater!

I recently saw the Carolina Ballet perform The Planets in the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium of the Duke Energy Center. The Duke Energy Center itself is enormous, housing at least three theaters (at least three because there were three separate performances talking place on my recent visit). Although the Energy Center is currently undergoing a lot of construction, they take a lot of care in making sure you are comfortable and well taken care of. The ushers were some of the kindest people I have ever interacted with and they have several bars throughout the theaters offering drinks and snacks (we were even allowed to bring drinks into the theater!) The Raleigh Memorial Auditorium itself is beautiful with comfortable red velvet seats, huge crystal chandeliers, and I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house.
I love how I received two reminder e-​mails about my upcoming performance prior to our show with details on parking, cost of parking and even recommendations for dinner as well as awareness of the construction currently going on. Although there is plenty of paid parking available for the performing arts center, if you don’t mind a short walk, I recommend trying to park directly on W. South Street in the two hour street parking or Kindley Street directly off S. Salisbury Street for free. I look forward to many more performing arts opportunities at the Duke Energy Center.

I am giving them a 5 star review because they have a very thorough website that is always updated with their upcoming events. The events are usually of high quality and the best seat prices are not really that much more than the base seat price.
They have a full calender which allows you lots of options to see new events and parking is easy.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see numerous shows here over the years. While in college, I saw many ballet performances including Dracula, which was a personal favorite, as well as performances such as The Little Mermaid and Winnie The Pooh. Additionally, due to renovations on the Ritz taking longer than predicted, The 1975 played a concert here as well, so I was able to experience this venue in a less than traditional manner.
The space itself is gorgeous. Red carpeting, well-​maintained bathrooms, comfortable seating, and a guaranteed great view for nearly anywhere you sit. I’ve never had a bad seat in the auditorium. The acoustics are amazing. For The 1975’s concert, I was sitting at the back of the middle section and still had a great view as well as pretty clear audio. The light and design capabilities are astounding — I’m incredibly impressed and proud that Raleigh is home to such a beautiful venue.
The ticket prices vary and the concession prices are much as you’d expect for a venue of this caliber. Close parking is sometimes hard to come by – there is a pay lot near by and a couple side streets for free IF you can find a spot. I would recommend getting there early. Otherwise, there is a parking deck just up Wilmington Street.
This really is one of the gems of the greater Raleigh area. If you have the chance to go, don’t hestitate.

I think that this is the first time that I have ever been to the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts. My boyfriend and I went to see Shen Yun for my birthday because I had never seen them. It was very beautiful, I recommend people going to see that as well.
Well parking was interesting, but that was because we had gone further down town to eat and had forgotten where the parking deck was closest to the Center, but we parked across the street, under the Marriott, I think. Always check to see if you can pay your parking on the way out and what type of payment they accept. Although I’m pretty sure they all take plastic these days.
So on the cold brisk night we walk to the Center, it was very nice and grande. Different feeling from the DPAC, more refine and classy, made me think more opera house then performances. It didn’t feel really confusing to try to find our seats. We got tickets for the mezzanine and were still able to get a good view of the show. But to be on the safe side make sure you look at your tickets carefully to know where you need to sit. There were a lot of people who were in the wrong seats because they didn’t read their tickets correctly. Also be aware of the steps, they can be very steep, high and narrow; not great for high heel wearer. I wore a pair of boots with my outfit and had to descend the stairs sideways so that I would not tumble down them.
The seats were nothing to write home about, I wasn’t uncomfortable in them, but the rows were narrow. Made it very difficult for the people who just can’t sit still in their seats and need to leave a lot to walk through with out disturbing you. Seriously we had a couple of younger people in the row that kept getting out of their seats to go to the bathroom possibly and I either had to stand up to let them by making me lean back into the person behind me practically using their lap as a seat, or the people in front of use were getting knocked in the head with the person’s purse.
Other then that, bathrooms looked gorgeous and were kept clean, and they have Concessions. I would return here for another performance again despite the narrowness.

Great show tonight. Not completely full and so there was room to move round. It was a great New Year’s Eve show and they had excellent talent.
Always love going here.

Really beautiful performing arts center. We were sitting in the first row of the mezzanine (Section J row N) and could see everything very nicely. Lots of legroom there too. We actually brought binoculars but didn’t really need them. The show started and ended on time and was well run. Concessions were reasonably priced. The only complaint I have is $ 7 for parking (must bring cash) and it’s not even right next to the center which would have been a problem if it had been raining.

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of plays and music at Memorial Auditorium now Duke Energy Center. The location is centrally located in downtown Raleigh and easily accessible to any of the great restaurants nearby.
I recently went to see A Chorus Line and had fabulous seats which made it even better. They serve wine, beer, and cocktails you can even order a double wine which is nice to sip on throughout the evening.
I find it easy to get in and out and there are plenty of people to help you out. I don’t think any places can really top the organization of DPAC but in saying that Duke Energy Center is still an easy process.
Check out their website for all the upcoming shows they get a lot of great broadway hits and I’ve even seen a band play here during Hopscotch. Love all the arts and theatre that the Triangle has to offer now. The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol and plenty of other shows are already booked for the holiday season I definitely think you should add it to your list of things to check out in the Triangle.

Oh, Duke Energy Center… what beautiful décor you have.
Better to «wow» our guests with, my dear.
Oh, Duke Energy Center… what a big theater you have.
Better to comfortably seat our guests with, my dear.
Oh, Duke Energy Center… what an awesome time I had here.
We aim to please, my dear.
I had such a fabulous time at Duke Energy Center. Compared to Baltimore’s main theatre, the Hippodrome — this theater isn’t as vintage. But, the seats were more comfortable than any theater seat I’ve sat my derrière on and there really isn’t a terrible seat in the house. You can easily see the large stage in front of you and you don’t have to worry about there not being any leg room. Little Mermaid was on stage and I was blown away by the amazing colors that surrounded me!
Also, keep in mind that Duke Energy Center is very large and is a convention center, so there are other events going on in other parts of the building. I was mistaken and went through the wrong door… let’s just say that everyone who was there for the music awards show, looked at me a little weird for showing up in a little mermaid hoodie. Whoops!

Not a bad seat in the house and great show offerings.
Beautiful auditorium with floating staircases, stately columns, sparkling chandeliers, and mahogany walls.
If you’re early enough, you may find parking close to the theatre, otherwise plan on a short hike. The nearby parking garage is still relatively close and there is an uncovered parking lot directly across from the auditorium but that one seems to fill up quickly.
You may find long lines at the lower-​level ladies’ restrooms during intermission but the upper-​level restroom near the stage at the front of the theatre appears forgotten and rarely has a wait.
Overall, an excellent venue with some great shows.

I guess we’ve all gotten spoiled by having DPAC in the area for the performing arts now. At this weekend’s performance of «Les Miserables», I noticed that there are some touch-​ups needed in the paint in several places in the auditorium. Also, the restroom I used smelled putrid (before I went in, smart aleck).
The seats are still in decent shape and the sound system is good. However, the house management seating the patrons for the performance was abysmal. All during the first seventeen minutes of the show, a constant parade of latecomers was seated using too-​bright flashlights up and down the aisles all over the house. It was intensely annoying and absolutely had to be distracting to the performers as well. Whatever happened to seating latecomers «at a suitable break in the performance»?

I have attended many shows at this location and like many venues in Raleigh it offers it’s own charms and delights. I love its approximation to downtown, you can go have some dinner then attend your show all mostly within walking distance.

The focal point of a great set of theatres in downtown Raleigh! I have seen over 50 shows at Raleigh Memorial since college and I have enjoyed every one of them! The theatre may be older than the DPAC, but it has aged quite gracefully! It’s always clean and well-​maintained.
The staff is also extremely professional, opening doors and helping patrons find their seats. They’re also good about stopping people during the show from using cell-​phones which I really appreciate!
There are also tons of bathrooms which is VERY appreciated during short intermissions! This is a definitely plus over the DPAC, where lines wind through the lobby!
I only wish Raleigh Memorial had more concession options! Maybe some local fares? I don’t remember the last time I actually ate anything at a show!
All in all I love Raleigh Memorial Auditorium! Be sure to catch a show there!

Raleigh’s Memorial auditorium is a nice spot. Not nearly a blingy as the must-​see DPAC in Durham, it’s still a decent venue for smaller shows. We caught the North Carolina Symphony’s performance of Holst’s «The Planets» here, and it was fantastic. Our balcony seats were great, the acoustics seemed excellent and the intimate feeling meant we felt more like a part of the performance and less like one of the great masses.

Seeing «A Christmas Carol» brought me here for the first time ever just last week.
Yes, I’m a fan of the venue, but my fanship is limited. The exterior is impressive enough with the greek style of architecture. The auditorium itself seems somewhat outdated as far as the seating layout and exits go.
Pro’s: seating in the main, front facing, auditorium is sufficient to see the show well. Audio is generally well done.
Con’s: too few exits, the restrooms leave a lot to be desired in regards to cleanliness, appearance and being able to handle the volume of people that come through the doors. Driving into the area and finding parking is a bit nightmarish. Seating in the wings doesn’t face the stage or isn’t even angled toward the stage.
Would the cons stop me from coming back? Heck no — I’d come here again to see a show, but I’d probaby rather wait ’till it went to DPAC.

I came from Charlotte to Raleigh to go to the Yanni On Tour concert last Saturday. That had to be the MOST INSPIRATIONAL and BREATHTAKING performance I have ever had the pleasure to witness. The style is modern classical/​new age/​instrumental. The primary reason why I loved this concert is because of the astounding talents that were also on the stage with Yanni. Yanni’s concerts are never SOLELY about him. He invites some of the most talented artists in the world to perform on stage with him, giving each of them solos. Seeing what these people can do with a french horn, violin, cello, harp, drums, bass, keyboard, etc was very inspirational. You would never believe that Yanni is a self-​taught composer.
Throughout the performance, Yanni kept the audience entertained with light conversations and good-​humored banter in-​between songs. He joked that the auditorium has a very intimate setting and that he felt as if we were simply a large group of friends in his living room («You guys are very … close. I can touch you.» lol). Two people came in after the concert began and sat near the front of the auditorium. Yanni jokes «You’re late!» (just to give you an idea of how relaxed and comforting the mood was).
The sound that was captured and resonated throughout the auditorium was impeccable. The seating set-​up of the auditorium allows you to enjoy the show regardless of your seats. (Of course sitting up close yields better opportunity for touching Yanni lol). There was a good variety of music compositions from slow, sentimental songs to up-​beat dance songs. The audience was encouraged to get up and dance near the end of the concert.
At the end of the performance, Yanni gave a very sincere and admirable speech. He said that when you’re up in the skies, looking down on Earth, none of the continents, countries and states have division lines. It is people that drew these invisible lines and made these invisible barriers to define others as different. In reality, we are all just ONE people, living on this beautiful planet. Hopefully, we will one day learn to live harmoniously as one people. What a beautiful moral to end a beautiful concert.
Yanni says that he has been back to Raleigh ever year, for the past 20+ years. This was, without a doubt, the most extraordinary concert I have EVER been to and I highly encourage you to catch Yanni in concert. I guarantee that you will not regret it!

I love the fact the lovable science geeks Mythbusters (Jaim brought me out to my first experience in Progress Energy Center/​Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. It’s a bit modern from the floor length glass window, but once you step through the door it the classic feel with those curved auditorium stairs ending on second floor balcony.
Seat sections is decent and break up evenly, so when you need to use the bathroom mid-​show, you didn’t have to get up, walked 30 minutes across the row in front of everyone to get out. I am a fan of that. However, seating is compact. Very. Compact. Even a guy my size can’t help bumping knees with next seat once or twice throughout the show.
The nose bleed is not that terribly far away from the stage. I particularly like the fact you can actually access all seat sections from any doors, great for searching friends prior to the show or during intermission.

This place holds a special place in my heart. My high school graduation was here, as my brother’s, I have seen The Christmas Carol every year since I was little here, and my fave band Smashing Pumpkins did a little show here a few years ago. Until the DPAC was built, it was my fave small scale venue.
I went to The Nutcracker Friday night, which by the way was awesome! The Nutcracker has been the same every year and this year with the added magic allure, there were some changes that were welcomed. I was reminded of how much I had missed Memorial Auditorium.
It has the old school, historic allure to it, with huge majestic chandeliers overhead and red carpet to make any girl feel like a star! That’s part of the appeal.
I do feel that DPAC has better seating, more up to date feel with the old school look but I do love reminiscing and going to any event at RMA.

I can’t begin to count the shows I’ve seen here over the years, the most recent being the NC Theatre’s «Hairspray» Sunday night. I remember this auditorium before it was updated so it could accommodate «Phantom of the Opera», (not my favorite show, but it’s not the venue’s fault)…since then I’ve seen everything from Lion King to Miss Saigon, Aida… you name the show… and concerts as well. Whereas I’m not a fan of «Phantom of the Opera» (sorry, dah dah dah DAH), I am a fan of that show for bringing Memorial Auditorium more up-​to-​date and able to receive the bigger shows.
I remember when the first automatic toilets were installed in this auditorium and having to figure out how to flush. (and YES, I know how I’m dating myself, I’m being honest)… I remember finding the «secret» bathrooms (still a great secret to know about ladies… look and you will find and not wait in line forever), and still knowing after all these years where to park for free. (sorry, my lips are sealed, cause this secret is still working).
In the lobby, besides expensive alcohol, I’ve enjoyed the kid singers before each NC Theatre experience (LOVE the kids!), gingerbread houses on display and more, and enjoyed the Backer’s Club experience downstairs (when treated by a parent).
The only reason I can’t give this theatre 5-​stars is due to sound. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s not. Again, it might not be the venue’s fault, but I do believe there are some issues. And I also know it can depend on where you’re sitting. (I think I have sat in every section multiple times). I do believe there has been much progress in this respect as well.
Given the opportunity, I am not only never hesitant to attend a show here, but look forward to any that I might get to go to.
AND an added benefit to attending an event here… when you step outside after attending a performance and glance at the night skyline of Raleigh from the steps of Memorial Auditorium… it’s pretty darn breath-​taking.

When you go to watch a show, the venue always makes a bit of a difference to the whole experience. The interior design, acoustics and décor can help make or break the whole experience. And that where the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium (RMA) gets it right! I’ve seen three or four shows here but have been mostly going to DPAC so this was my first visit back to RMA in over a year. The entrance is well-​done: holiday lights strung outside, grecian columns into a red-​carpet interior. Two spiral staircases swirl up to the second level. It’s a bit crowded at times but that’s what I expect for an older building.
Inside the auditorium you’ve got one layer of seats that flows up to the mezzanine so it’s not a multi-​tiered design. There’s also seating on the sides which I don’t recommend because it’s hard on your neck. Nice chandeliers above and architectural details gives the place some personality compared to DPAC which is a bit plain-​Jane! And acoustics are fine, my mid-​level tix for the Nutcracker were front and center with a great view and sound. Concessions prices were reasonable and lines were manageable.
Now I’ll still be mostly going to the DPAC for its better show line-​up but I’d certainly love to come back to the RMA from time to time. Its location next to Fayetteville street means you’ll have a lot of dining and drink options, pre and post-​show. So while the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium may not get much press any more, it’s definitely worth a trip to downtown Raleigh for a show…