J.S. Dorton Arena — Attraction in Cary

Waited in line over an hour for an event, once we got close to the doors I could see people walking straight past the lines and ducking in with the crowd. Got up to next in line to get in before they closed the doors with hundreds still in line. Capacity isn't their fault, but it was anarchy outside. No marked lines, no one directing people. This was not a ticketed event, there should have been more direction. It was stated that no line was allowed to form before 6pm, but when we arrived (admittedly later than we would have preferred due to traffic from a car accident) at 6:05ish, there were already thousands in line, obviously been there a while. Just very poorly handled...

the Dorton Arena is an architectural marvel, icon, landmark of Raleigh. the strong parabolic arches anchored into the earth hold up an impossible-ish roof ... used to be not so gated off and there are individuals that would climb on up.

located on the NC State Fairgrounds - it is suffering the hazards of a virtually 'anything goes' use policy ... cat shows, motorsicle events, what have you. you should stop and take a picture, before we stop appreciating it and it disappears forever.

Life is terminal, and the end is likely much closer than we choose to believe. So get out to the Dorton Arena and see a cat show, or a RV show, or...

I gave 3 stars because it is extremely crowded no matter when you go and they are getting rid (the state fair deciders) that is, of the church food strip. This common area was in a good area. They are essentially one of the two maybe three spots where you do not have to pay an arm and a leg to get a can of soda. They are affordable for normal people (family on a budget) (people on a budget.) The dizzy pass which is suppose to include the unlimited wrist band and an admission ticket has turned scam. I bought a dizzy pass and had to buy an admission ticket...