The roof design utilizes a 'saddle' shape, which allowed the structure to be built with significant cost savings in steel compared to traditional dome designs of the era.
It was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2002.
The cable-supported roof system is designed to provide clear, unobstructed views of the arena floor from every seat in the house.
Construction required the placement of 864 tons of structural steel and approximately 30 miles of high-tensile steel cable.
The building was originally named the State Fair Arena before being renamed in 1961 to honor J.S. Dorton, a former manager of the North Carolina State Fair.
J.S. Dorton Arena is a historic multi-purpose indoor venue located on the grounds of the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. Designed by architect William Henley Deitrick and structural engineer Fred Severud, the structure is notable for its hyperbolic paraboloid roof, which was the first of its kind in the United States when completed in 1952. The arena features a unique saddle-shaped roof supported by steel cables anchored to concrete abutments, eliminating the need for interior support columns. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the arena hosts concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and state fair activities. It offers approximately 7,500 seats depending on the stage configuration. The building remains a landmark of mid-century modern engineering and architectural innovation.
Capture the exterior from the west side to best highlight the unique curvature of the saddle-shaped roofline.
Check the North Carolina State Fairgrounds event calendar online before your visit to see if the arena is hosting a public event or if the grounds are closed for setup.
Wear layers, as the large, open-air-feel ceiling can make internal temperature regulation fluctuate depending on the season and event type.
Use the main fairgrounds parking gates for the easiest access to the arena's primary entrance.
Attempting to visit during private trade shows or when the fairgrounds are closed for maintenance as public access is restricted.
The arena operates as an event venue and is closed to the public except during scheduled ticketed events or state fair operations.
Standard arena behavior applies; outside food and drinks are typically prohibited during ticketed events.
