The report found a 5% increase in year-over-year visitors to downtown Raleigh. Officials said much of that growth was driven by the Hurricanes' playoff success and the crowds it attracted to bars, restaurants and watch-party locations throughout downtown.
According to the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, downtown saw a 40% increase in visitors on nights when the Hurricanes played in the Stanley Cup Final. Watch parties at venues including Smoky Hollow and Moore Square, along with increased activity at downtown bars and restaurants, helped bring tens of thousands of additional people into the area.
"In general, just those Stanley Cup Finals nights, those six nights we had 80,000 more people coming to downtown than we normally would have on those six nights," said Bill King with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance. "So, a great boost for us. And again, we weren't even where the arena was."
The report also highlighted continued growth beyond entertainment. Downtown Raleigh recorded a net gain in storefront businesses compared with last year, a sign that commercial activity continues to expand alongside residential and visitor growth.
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance is expected to present a full breakdown of the report during its annual State of Downtown event next month.
City leaders say the latest numbers reflect continued momentum for downtown Raleigh as it attracts more residents, businesses and visitors.