RBC Plaza got a temporary tattoo of the 2011 NHL All-Star Game logo, referring to the spectacle hosted by the Carolina Hurricanes here in Raleigh on January 30, 2011. It appears as advertised. I’m not sure how I feel about this showing up in every skyline photo until next year, but it does spice things up somewhat.

NHL All-Star game logo on RBC Plaza

2011 NHL All-Star game in Raleigh

A long time goal of mine was to capture lightning actually striking a downtown Raleigh building. This happened on July 29, 2010 as a severe thunderstorm set off a barrage of strikes mostly within the heavy rain. I witnessed at least three direct hits to Raleigh skyscrapers (…ok midrises?). I managed to record one strike just as the rain came. The bolt struck the southern facing triangular shape on top of Wachovia Capitol Center and nearly connected with RBC Plaza as well (notice the visible leader streaming off the spire). The rest of the photographs are various storms throughout July that I am just now posting.

Lightning strikes downtown Raleigh buildings

Lightning Bolts tangle behind the city

Rain on the lens

Lightning hits near Raleigh from Raleighview Road

Black and White Raleigh and Lightning

Close up of stepped leader coming off the spire of RBC Plaza while main channel hits Wachovia Building

I know visitors come to RaleighSkyline.com for pictures of the Backstreet Boys, so I won’t disappoint you. I captured a few images during the last few songs on Sunday night at the Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater from the adjacent Convention Center parking garage.

Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater crowds

Backstreet Boys at Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater

Backstreet Boys in Raleigh

Lets just call it the Bud Light Raleigh Amphitheater and be done with it

Some empty seats after the rain

Fans leaving the Raleigh Amphitheater

Aftermath surrounding the Downtown Raleigh Amphitheater

They finished up the work on the Amphitheater with little time to spare. This is two days before opening:

Wednesday before the show at Raleigh Amphitheater

Animated Backstreet dance