The Storm Surge is heading outdoors.
During Saturday’s tilt at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs between the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche, the NHL announced that next season’s Stadium Series will take place at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC – home of the North Carolina State Wolfpack’s football team.
2021 NHL Stadium Series to be Hosted by the Carolina Hurricanes
The 32nd NHL Regular Season game to be played outdoors will take place on February 20, 2021 with the Carolina Hurricanes facing an opponent yet to be determined. It will be the sixth game played at a college football stadium, and the 12th game played under the Stadium Series brand.
In choosing North Carolina as a venue for the game, commissioner Gary Bettman credited the recent 25% rise in Carolina’s attendance, Canes owner Tom Dundon, and the success at the most recent Winter Classic in Dallas. “Unbelievable, and we couldn’t have been more thrilled,” said Bettman. “We’re anticipating the same type of reaction as the Hurricanes host the next Stadium Series game.” In a visit to Raleigh last February, Bettman pointed out Carter-Finley’s “tight bowl and good sightlines.”
It seems that the Hurricanes could not be more thrilled to be playing in next year’s edition.
“I’m very pumped. It’s going to be so fun,” was the reaction from Canes forward Andrei Svechnikov. “When I was young, I was always watching those games. There are so many people there. Big crowd. Hopefully, it’s going to be like that. It’s going to be super fun. I can’t wait.”
Carolina’s ownership is expecting a raucous crowd. Especially since this marks the first outdoor game to be hosted by a southeastern NHL market.
So far, only one other outdoor game has been announced for next season. The Minnesota Wild will host the 2021 Winter Classic on New Years’ Day 2021. Their opponent as yet to be announced.
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