Lenovo Center concerts, fair traffic could lead to backups again this weekend

The significant traffic backups that left many fair and concert-goers in their cars for hours over the weekend were not a first the history of the fair in Raleigh, and could be an issue again this weekend.

In 2002, a large traffic backup occurred when the State Fair, an N.C. State football game and a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game were held all on the same day.

After the incident, the Carolina Hurricanes apologized to their fans and asked the NHL not to schedule any home games during the State Fair again.

North Carolina State has not played a home football game during the fair since 2008, when they played the first day of the fair. Annabelle Myers, N.C. State associate athletic director, said that the school submits a request to the ACC every year to not have home games during the N.C. State Fair.

This past weekend, the combination of the North Carolina State Fair and a sold-out Sabrina Carpenter concert at the Lenovo Center created backups that left many frustrated.

Drivers also had to content with ongoing construction near the fairgrounds.

Kim Deaner with the North Carolina Department of Transporation said the road closures have been in place for other fair days and were there last year as well.

For those attending the State Fair, having a well-thought-out plan is crucial. However, navigating the fairgrounds had proven more difficult for some attendees this year.

WRAL News spoke with several event attendees and asked what motivated their decision to park and take the shuttle this time.

“We were trying to avoid the crazy traffic,” said Julian Rodriguez, a state fairgoer. “We found long lines of people opting for the park and shuttle at the Dogwood lot. The trick is getting here early before it fills up.”

“We thought it’d be an easier way to get in and out,” said Jill Dunn. “It can be a huge time drain otherwise.”

On Sunday some people waited in traffic near the fairgrounds for more than three hours.

WRAL News asked Sgt. Marcus Bethea of the State Highway Patrol if it’s unusual for event attendees to be stuck in traffic that long.

“It’s unfortunate, and we don’t want that,” Bethea said. “But we have to work with the situation we’re given.”

Delays from the Blue Ridge Road construction project and the concert at Lenovo Center added to the congestion.

Despite sending out alerts, the Lenovo Center has faced criticism for holding the concert during the State Fair.

Lenovo Center management released a statement regarding the scheduling:

“Raleigh is fortunate to host world-class touring shows and the best State Fair in the nation. Each year, we strive to balance managing traffic and congestion while allowing as many people as possible to enjoy events at both Lenovo Center and the fairgrounds. We’re always looking to improve our processes during the Fair and will continue to do so.”

Bethea also mentioned that the Highway Patrol has faced unexpected challenges this year.

“We’ve dealt with some severe weather events, and a lot of our personnel are still assisting in the western part of the state. Is it putting a strain on us? I’d say no. We’re prepared for these types of situations,” he said.

Those attending Carpenter’s concert noted that parking attendants were checking people’s tickets as they pulled into the lots. With no signage saying to have tickets ready, many drivers were scrambling to find their tickets, creating an even longer line to park.

“When it comes to traffic, there’s no perfect solution,” Bethea said. “We ask people to pay close attention to road signs and follow directions. Sometimes, we do have to temporarily close certain roads.”

Even Sabrina Carpenter commented on the traffic at her sold-out Lenovo Center concert.

“I was like, this traffic is crazy, but you guys still came to party tonight!” she said to the crowd.

Fairgoer Julian Rodriguez suggested, “Maybe they should schedule things better or move the event to another location.”

As the city continues to grow, the question remains whether it can handle the increasing demand for events and attractions.

“Post-COVID, this has been a gradual increase,” Bethea said. “We’ve seen the crowds getting bigger and bigger every year.”

The traffic congestion could be an issue again this weekend.

The final weekend of the fair, which is normally one of its busiest, will coincide with two more big concerts at the Lenovo Center.

Little Big Town will bring their “Take Me Home Tour” to Lenovo Center on Friday, Oct. 25, followed by North Carolina’s own Rainbow Kitten Surprise on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The Lenovo Center will open its parking lots four hours before each event. Doors open one hour before each event.