Community Celebrates Unveiling of PNC Arena

State and local officials join PNC Bank to commemorate re-naming of Arena

RALEIGH, N.C., March 15, 2012 – Governor Bev Perdue and PNC Bank Regional President Paula Fryland, in association with Gale Force Sports & Entertainment, the Centennial Authority and other community leaders, unveiled PNC Arena signage and officially renamed the sports and entertainment venue.

"I am excited to welcome another socially responsible business to the great state of North Carolina," said Governor Bev Perdue. “Not only does PNC Bank understand and financially support early childhood education, they also invest heavily in our arts and entertainment. I know PNC Bank will make a positive impression on our state's citizens just as they have made notable impressions on two of our state capital's landmark buildings.”

The naming rights agreement replaced the "RBC Center" name due to PNC's acquisition of RBC Bank ( USA).The simultaneous closing and conversion of 900,000 customers and 415 branches, including 126 in North Carolina, was completed successfully as the branches reopened as PNC Bank on March 5.

"PNC Arena is a great source of pride for our employees and the community," Fryland said. “Our partnership with the Arena is an investment in economic development and a major boost to our name recognition in this region.”

The 19,000-seat arena, which opened in 1999, averages 1.5 million guests and 150 events per year. Please visit the venue’s new website ThePNCArena.com for a list of upcoming events.

“The Arena has been a powerful economic engine for the entire region," said Tom McCormick, Centennial Authority chairman. “The Centennial Authority is very happy to welcome PNC Bank to the market and pledges to continue to maintain the Arena in a way that can only serve to enhance the PNC name and brand.”