NC State using concerts in Carter-Finley to create revenue for athletics. Here’s how it works…

NC State will host two major concerts at Carter-Finley Stadium this week as part of efforts to generate additional revenue for its athletic department amid rising costs and new financial pressures.

Guns N Roses performs Thursday, July 23, with Public Enemy as special guests. Noah Kahan follows with a sold-out show on Saturday, July 25, featuring Gigi Perez and Annabelle Dinda.

NC State Athletics Director Boo Corrigan called the concerts “money makers” for the department. “I think it’s a great thing we can do for Raleigh to be able to do that,” he told WRAL. “The students that are here, it’s part of the overall college experience, if we can provide that as well.”

This isn’t the first time…

Last year’s sold-out Chris Brown concert at Carter Finley generated approximately $500,000 for the athletic department. University officials hope the upcoming shows deliver a similar or greater return. Corrigan said the school is interested in hosting more events at the stadium, which has a football capacity of 56,919. “We’re open for business,” he said.

This comes as the athletic department projected a deficit of more than $18 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30. This was the first year of direct revenue sharing with athletes. Schools can share up to $20.5 million with athletes in 2025 26, increasing to $21.3 million the next year.

Carter Finley has hosted major acts in the past, including Beyoncé (2016), The Rolling Stones (2015), and U2 (2009). Officials are working with local police to manage traffic and parking after issues during the Chris Brown show.

Speaking of traffic and parking, the University just sent out this tweet, encouraging people to purchase parking ahead of time.

Coming to Guns N’ Roses or Noah Kahan at Carter-Finley this week?

Begin planning now by purchasing your parking ahead of time to save money & ensure you have a spot.

🚗 https://t.co/f2SpaeWiWs pic.twitter.com/iN60ulPAHl

— NC State Athletics (@PackAthletics) July 20, 2026

NC State interested in finding new revenue streams…

Concerts are one piece of a larger push for new income. NC State is exploring naming rights for Carter Finley Stadium, selling patches on uniforms, and other sponsorship ideas. The university also receives funding from sports betting taxes and direct support from donors, but it’s still tough in a new era where players are being cut in, and donors are being stretched thin.

Corrigan noted that rival UNC hosted the Savannah Bananas at Kenan Stadium earlier this year as another creative revenue example. He expressed interest in a potential multi-day summer concert festival at Carter-Finley tied to other local venues.

We’ll see how it all shapes up, but right now, Carter-Finley has a differentiator, as it gives Raleigh a huge venue to host massive outdoor concerts. For context, Walnut Creek holds about 20k, including the lawn, while The Carter can hold around 50k+ for concerts.