Hurricanes look to add to history, grow brand in Stadium Series

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Each day leading up to the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, the NHL held a meeting at 8:30 a.m. ET in a room overlooking the ice at Carter-Finley Stadium.

It takes an immense amount of work and coordination between NHL departments to put on an outdoor game. The morning meeting brings them together for crisp updates on everything from weather to wiring.
Carolina Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell stopped by Thursday and gave a short, inspiring speech to thank everyone and drive home what this means.
The Hurricanes will play their first outdoor game when they host the Washington Capitals here Saturday (8 p.m. ET; ABC, ESPN+, SN360, TVAS2), serving hardcore Caniacs, attracting newcomers and reaching a national TV audience.
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The NHL expects a crowd of about 57,000, the largest ever to attend a Hurricanes game. Waddell said in the meeting that 51 percent of the tickets were purchased by people who live within about 30 miles from the stadium. That means 49 percent were purchased by people farther away.
"Which is unbelievable for us," Waddell said in the hallway after his speech. "I think it's going to put Hurricanes hockey on the map in a lot of different places. Obviously, [this is] being nationally televised by ABC. The work that's gone into this is incredible, and I'm just so proud to be here and to be able to host this game."
The Hurricanes are well established.
They made the Stanley Cup Final in 2002, hosted the NHL Draft in 2004, won the Cup in 2006 and hosted the NHL All-Star Game in 2011. They were supposed to host the Stadium Series in 2021, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before a 6-2 win against the Montreal Canadiens at PNC Arena on Thursday, they honored Cam Ward, who entered their new Hall of Fame with Rod Brind'Amour, Ron Francis and Glen Wesley.
"We've got a history here now," said Brind'Amour, who played for the Hurricanes from 2000-10, served as an assistant for them from 2011-18 and has coached them since 2018. "You can't have a Hall of Fame or anything until you get some history. You've got to earn it, and guys have had to come in here and actually have done something."
Celebrating their 25th anniversary in Carolina, the Hurricanes rank eighth in the NHL in average attendance this season, drawing 18,512 per game to PNC Arena across the parking lot from Carter-Finley Stadium.
But there remains a lot of room for growth.
"We've still got to continue to create more fans," Waddell said. "It doesn't mean they are going to become season-ticket holders, but they might watch us on TV. They might come to a couple games a year. … This event here is going to play dividends for years and years to come."
It has created a buzz, making the Hurricanes visible in new ways to new people.
Land at the airport, and you'll see Stadium Series signage on the way to baggage claim. Drive on the Beltline, and you'll see a huge image of center Sebastian Aho on the side of a building. Go downtown, and you'll see a huge image of forward Andrei Svechnikov on another building.
Local TV news shows have broadcast live from Carter-Finley Stadium all week.
"All my friends outside of hockey here that have been in Raleigh for a long time, it's all they're talking about," defenseman Jaccob Slavin said. "They're excited. I know a lot of people are just excited about it."
When fans arrive at Carter-Finley Stadium or watch the game on television, they will see hockey blend with another local favorite. The stadium is also the home of North Carolina State University football.
In the concourse, Stadium Series signs hang next to banners honoring Wolfpack legends like Bill Cowher. There are "CAR" and "WSH" pennants on flag poles and the field. The N.C. State cheerleaders and marching band will perform.
"I know it's going to be a cool atmosphere," Aho said. "I know it's going to be a special, special day for all of us. The whole [state of] North Carolina seems to be really pumped about it, and so are we. Just try to soak it all in. Go out there and have fun and play our best game."
The Hurricanes have been playing their best game lately.
They are on an 11-1-1 run. At 36-10-8 through 54 games, they rank second to the Boston Bruins in the NHL standings and have a .741 points percentage. The team record is .714, set in 2020-21, when the NHL played a 56-game schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have to win, and we have to do things that are interesting or make people think about us," owner Tom Dundon said.
The Hurricanes have been waiting for this opportunity. Now it's time to take advantage of it.
"Hopefully, we play a good game, obviously," Brind'Amour said. "Obviously, we want to make sure that people that come are proud of their team -- win or lose proud of that effort, proud of the way you played."