Performing Arts

New Name And Sign Unveiled At Raleigh’s Center For The Performing Arts

Raleigh’s premier arts venue officially raised the curtain on its new name: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. (submitted)

Raleigh, NC – Raleigh’s premier arts venue officially raised the curtain on its new name: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts on March 2. Hosted in its grand lobby, the center honored the milestone by unveiling premier signage during a special ceremony in front of an audience of city leaders, local officials, and executive leadership.

“Martin Marietta’s commitment to lend its name and showcase our iconic performing arts center is impressive,” said Kerry Painter, Director/General Manager of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “The company saw the value of continuing to provide access to cultural arts and entertainment that reflect Raleigh’s community for years to come, while also creating a sense of pride for their employees to see their name on the venue. Providing this diverse entertainment will continue to be our primary focus as we present the best variety of events for our community.”

In January 2023, the City of Raleigh and Martin Marietta entered a 20-year agreement to name Raleigh’s premier arts venue.

The center hosts over 600 events each year, attracting approximately 400,000 guests annually to its four unique venues: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, and Kennedy Theatre. The center’s many activities create an average of $35.4 million in economic benefit for Raleigh’s businesses, hotels, and restaurants each year.

In addition to the grand lobby, the venue’s newly branded name will also be featured throughout the grounds, as well as a new 8’ x 5’ x 2.5’ boulder from Martin Marietta’s Garner Quarry that sits prominently on the outdoor Lichtin Plaza. (via Twitter)

In addition to the grand lobby, the venue’s newly branded name will also be featured throughout the grounds, as well as a new 8’ x 5’ x 2.5’ boulder from Martin Marietta’s Garner Quarry that sits prominently on the outdoor Lichtin Plaza.

“At Martin Marietta, we are invested in the strength of our communities and committed to the long-term success of our neighbors and stakeholders,” said Martin Marietta Chairman and CEO Ward Nye. “It is a true honor to partner with the City of Raleigh and the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex to ensure this historic and elegant venue will continue to serve our community and be an ongoing beacon for renowned artists and performers for many years to come.”

For more information about the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, please visit the venue’s website.

About Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is the premier location for cultural arts and entertainment in Raleigh. The center is comprised of four unique venues: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, and Kennedy Theatre. The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts hosts national tours and performers and is also home to five resident companies: Carolina Ballet, NC Opera, NC Symphony, NC Theatre, and PineCone. Hosting over 600 events each year and welcoming over 400,000 guests, the Martin Marietta Center is a cultural focal point in downtown Raleigh.

About Martin Marietta

Martin Marietta, a member of the S&P 500 Index, is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials, including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada, and The Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the resources for building the solid foundations on which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta’s Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural, and specialty applications. For more information, visit www.martinmarietta.com or www.magnesiaspecialties.com.

Photo credit: Rob Laughter