The spotlight is back on NC State with the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Stadium Series in 2023 at Carter-Finley. This is not only an amazing opportunity to shed light on the beautiful city of Raleigh, but also, a great opportunity for NC State and its athletic department. This event was originally scheduled for February 20th of this year but due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, it was postponed.
“We’re thrilled to finally get the chance to safely host an outdoor game in Raleigh,” said Hurricanes President and General Manager Don Waddell in a statement. “Our fans have waited for this event since we announced it two years ago, and we know that their passion and energy will create an unbelievable atmosphere at Carter-Finley.”
The first Stadium Series was held in 2014 and it consisted of seven teams participating in four games in three venues. Since 2017, only one game has been scheduled per year. As a dedicated hockey fan, I never thought I’d see the Stadium Series coming to Raleigh, let alone did I ever imagine it would be hosted at Carter-Finley. Most of these games have been hosted at NFL football stadiums such as Heinz Field and Nissan Stadium. Carter-Finley will be the 6th college football facility to host one of the NHL’s outdoor games.
As an avid Pittsburgh Penguins fan, I, personally, hope that the Penguins are scheduled to play the Canes for this game considering how intense games are anytime the Penguins are in town. The Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings have had the most appearances in the history of the Stadium series, so, the chances are quite high. The Penguins also have a strong fanbase in North Carolina so it would make for a great turn out and could potentially be a sold out game. No matter who the Canes are scheduled to play for this event, the passion of the Canes will create an unbelievably energetic atmosphere at Carter-Finley Stadium.
My hopes are that the football team will be able to be present during the game and get some screen time while the history of our school and football field shares some of the limelight as well. If the Wolfpack is able to be present and crank the siren before the game, it could make for some great publicity for our athletic program and raise some eyebrows for potential sponsors as well as further interest in athletes wanting to attend NC State.
