Live updates: Hurricanes hold victory parade and rally of the Stanley Cup champs in NC

Raleigh's ability to host large-scale events is in the spotlight after thousands packed downtown for the Carolina Hurricanes' championship parade, prompting new conversations about what the growing city could take on next.

Leaders for Visit Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance say the weekend's success has renewed interest in bringing more and larger events to the area.

"That sort of opens the door for many more possibilities when you think about it in that regard," said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance.

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Dupree said the parade and the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup run have caught the attention of major event organizers.

Sunday, ABC11 learned that the Stanley Cup championship parade and rally drew 180,000, which is 30,000 more than estimated on Saturday.

According to Shop Local Raleigh, Raleigh police confirmed to the number to them. Jennifer Martin also tells ABC11, that some businesses reported sales upward of $20,000 by the time the parade and victory rally wrapped at 2:00 p.m.

The celebration is officially the largest turnout for a parade in Raleighwood's history.

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Stanley Cup champ Seth Jarvis makes an appearance at Dick's Sporting Goods in Cary on Sunday.

His appearance there comes the day after the victory parade through downtown Raleighwood and after a week of celebrating the Stanley Cup championship with Caniacs across the city in restaurants and bars.

SEE ALSO | Sights and sounds from the Canes' victory parade and rally

SEE ALSO: Photos from Hurricanes' championship parade

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Carolina Hurricanes players relished the moments as 150,000 fans came from all over to celebrate the championship with the team.

They knew the crowd would be big, but nothing prepared them for this. As captain Jordan Staal put it, "I was blown away."

Hurricanes players relish the moment as 150,000 fans came from all over to celebrate the championship with the team.