About this venue
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium is a historic theater and the centerpiece performance space of the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. Opened in 1932, it is distinguished by monumental classical architecture, prominent columns and an imposing façade, while later renovations have combined the building's original character with modern audience facilities. With a capacity of approximately 2,350 seats, the auditorium accommodates major theatrical productions, musicals, ballet, opera, concerts and other live performances.
Inside, the venue combines a traditional theater atmosphere with a large stage, spacious auditorium and modern technical systems designed for a wide range of productions. The seating layout provides good views of the stage from different sections, while the lobby, with its distinctive chandeliers and classical details, adds to the formal character of the experience. During public events, concession areas also offer beverages and light snacks.
The venue is located at 2 E South St, Raleigh, United States, at the southern end of Fayetteville Street. Visitors arriving by car can use public parking garages in the surrounding downtown blocks, while an active passenger drop-off and pick-up lane near the complex provides convenient access within a short walk of the entrance. For broader transportation options around Raleigh, see the city travel information further down the page.
About the city
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, blends the easygoing feel of a green city with the buzz of a university and tech hub, making it a natural destination for top-tier sports and live music experiences. Crowds here love a great beat and a big game, and the city matches that energy with arenas, stadiums, and concert spaces that comfortably handle major productions. Beyond the event itself, Raleigh offers a wide range of dining and accommodation options for different budgets, from downtown hotels to convenient stays in quieter neighborhoods. Visitors often highlight how straightforward and pleasant the city is to navigate, so it’s easy to plan your day around the program you’ve chosen.
Getting in and moving around is simple thanks to Raleigh’s solid transport infrastructure: most flights arrive via Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), while rail and intercity services bring you to Raleigh Union Station. Within the city, GoRaleigh runs local service, and GoTriangle connects the wider Triangle region, which in practice means easy transfers to key arenas and stadiums without hassle. If you’re driving, major routes like I-40 and the I-440 beltline make it easier to reach event areas and parking. It also helps that major venues, including Lenovo Center, are well integrated into the city’s flow, so planning your evening stays refreshingly simple.
If you have a bit of time before or after the event, Raleigh delivers an effortless “tourist bonus”: a stroll through downtown and along Fayetteville Street, a break in historic neighborhoods like Historic Oakwood, or a quick stop at City Market is often enough to feel the city’s character. Culture lovers often visit the North Carolina Museum of Art and its park, while outdoor downtime is covered by Pullen Park and the many greenways that give the city a calmer rhythm. Add craft breweries, great BBQ, and the evening vibe of the Warehouse District, and you get an experience that neatly rounds out any game or concert.
