Canes' New Practice Facility Remains on Target

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a myriad of cancelations, delays, postponements and pauses around the globe.
But, at Wake Competition Center in Morrisville, construction remains on schedule for the state-of-the-art, twin-rink ice skating venue that the Carolina Hurricanes will call home as
their new practice facility
.

The newest addition to the burgeoning multi-sport complex is set to open this summer.
"It's moving along," President and General Manager Don Waddell said. "Fortunately, they haven't had any setbacks. They're still on target."
RELATED: THE ROAD TO WAKE COMPETITION CENTER
When the partnership was officially announced in early December, the facility was buzzing with construction activity, but there wasn't much more than a bricked frame, exposed steel beams and dirt - a lot of dirt.
Five months later, the 115,000 square-foot interior is taking shape, and ice is on the horizon, with floor piping and rink boards having been recently installed.

The red rink will serve as the building's main sheet, where Waddell envisions the Canes practicing "pretty much all the time" as PNC Arena continues to court more concerts and events. The red rink features around 1,000 bleacher seats (plus standing room options) and is located adjacent to the Canes' 12,000 square-feet of dedicated space that will include locker rooms, equipment space, coaches' offices, medical and athletic training areas and a players' lounge with a full kitchen and plenty of natural light, too.

On the opposite side of the facility is the black rink, which features around 500 bleacher seats (plus standing room options). In total, the building will boast a capacity of around 2,000 with the goal of hosting college hockey, state and national tournaments and more.

The two-floor building features locker rooms, classrooms, rec areas and offices that both separate the two rinks and overlook either ice sheet from the second floor.

A restaurant and a pro shop will be located on either side of the main entrance to the building.

As the thermometer climbs outside, the temperature inside the building will soon drop. Ice is coming soon. Hockey and sports, inevitably, are coming soon.
A new practice home for the Canes is coming soon.
"It's something we've talked about with this organization for 20 years," Waddell said. "The way this will come out is something we'll be very proud of."