The Carolina Hurricanes are continuing their push to host an outdoor game. The team recently sent a written request to Centennial Authority in which they asked for funds to host the 2021 Stadium Series game.
“Toss a coin to your hockey team. O’ pucks O’ plenty. OOhhhh”
Seriously though, the Carolina Hurricanes recently submitted a request to Centennial Authority, the group which operates PNC Arena, for the PNC Arena landlord to lend them $200,000 to $250,000 to help the franchise host the 2021 NHL Stadium Series game right next door at Carter Finley.
Before the Hurricanes would try to get approval from the NHL to host the game, they would need to be able to secure funds from the city, local organizations, etc to help offset the cost of hosting the game and “blockbuster concert” at PNC Arena the night prior.
Hurricanes president and gm, Don Waddell, said that should their request get approved that it could help them secure more funds from other government organizations in the city and state. He went on to state that the Greater Raleigh Conventions and Visitors Bureau has already contributed $125,000.It is also more likely than not, that they will up their amount to $200,000.
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Authority chairman, Tom McCormick, said that the request has been given to the financial committee for review. He said that nothing is a done deal but the negotiation meetings have been going well.
It’s great to see that the Hurricanes are making serious moves to host next years Stadium Series game. Now would be the time to host it. The team is on the rise and hosting the game would be a great way to bring even more eyes onto the team.
Hosting such a game would also be big for the local economy. Waddell said that it could bring in around 22 million dollars. That would be huge for Raleigh and the surrounding cities. The area is continuously growing and such an economic boom would do wonders.
But man, if the Canes get the game, may the hockey gods be with Backyard Bistro and the Wendy’s right beside PNC and Carter-Finley. They will have A LOT of mouths to feed.
No opponent was named for the game. But the general conciseness from the fans is that they want the Hurricanes to face off against the Capitols inside Carter-Finley Stadium. But I feel that the Hurricanes will take whoever they can for the game. As they should.
Another thing that I think is cool, should the Hurricanes get approval from the NHL to host next years Stadium Series, they would’ve hosted an entry draft, Stanley Cup Final, All-Star game, and then an outdoor game. Not bad for a franchise that has no fans and should be moved to Quebec.
But, that’s just a dream. We will have to wait and see if the Hurricanes can land this financial contribution first. Then all the subsequent boxes must be checked off too. Only time will tell on that.
Question for CC readers: Who do you want to see the Hurricanes face off against in a Stadium Series game?