Crabtree reveals new tenant entering former Belk Men’s store at Raleigh mall
.jpg "Level99 will open at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh in 2027, offering 50+ interactive, life-size games, axe-dodging challenges, dining and event spaces.")
A sprawling new entertainment complex planned for Crabtree Valley Mall has an unusual question for guests.
Can you dodge an axe?
North Carolina’s first Level99 will open in Crabtree Valley sometime in 2027, bringing more than 50 interactive games in a massive 40,000 square foot space. The planned Level99 is being built in the former Belk Men’s department store, as new Crabtree owners Macerich revamp the beloved Raleigh mall.
“Raleigh and the Research Triangle’s momentum, growth, and vibrant community make it the ideal home for this one-of-a-kind destination,” Macerich executive Bunyan said in a release. “We look forward to welcoming Level99 as Crabtree becomes its first venue in North Carolina, marking an exciting new chapter for the property.”
What is Level99?
Raleigh’s location will be the third Level99 in the country, following gaming complexes in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Northern Virginia. Three more Level99s are also planned for the next year, the company said, including one near Disney World Resort.
Level99 looks to build on the Triangle’s “eatertainment” trend in a big way, bringing the most extensive gaming options of any new entertainment complex in the region. Among the games to expect, there is an axe-dodging guantlet, immersive puzzles and scavenger hunts. There will be more than 50 life-size interactive games on site.
“Crabtree is exactly the kind of vibrant, high-traffic destination where Level99 can thrive,” said Matt DuPlessie, founder and CEO of Level99 in a release. “We are excited to partner with Macerich again following our successful opening in Tysons Corner and open our first North Carolina venue together in Raleigh at Crabtree. Crabtree’s redevelopment makes this an ideal moment to bring our real-world play and scratch-made dining to the Triangle, and we cannot wait for the community to see what we are all about.”
On the food side, Level99 will have a 200 seat dining room a bar with 24 seats and two private event spaces.
Based on the Tysons Corner location in Northern Virginia, the food menu includes snacks like gourmet popcorn and nachos, Detroit-style pizza, wagyu burgers, birria tacos and fresh salads. There will also be a full cocktail bar, plus beer and wine.
This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 2:17 PM.
