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

The City of Raleigh is estimating that at least 100,000 people will be descending on the Capitol City this Saturday.

"We expect this may be the largest parade in the city's history," said Raleigh Assistant City Manager Evan Raleigh.

Downtown Raleigh hotels, such as the Marriott and Residence Inn, are sold out of rooms on Friday.

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As the City of Raleigh basks in a professional sports championship, Mayor Janet Cowell has officially proclaimed June 20 (Saturday) as "Carolina Hurricanes Day" in honor of the team's 2026 Stanley Cup Championship victory.

The Hurricanes won their second Stanley Cup on Sunday night, beating the Las Vegas Golden Knights 4-2 in the best-of-seven series and bringing the Cup back to Raleigh for the first time in 20 years.

To commemorate the achievement, the Hurricanes will host a championship parade in downtown Raleigh on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. The final parade route is still being determined and will be shared with the public as soon as it is finalized.

Residents throughout Raleigh and the surrounding region are invited to join the celebration and honor the Hurricanes players, coaches, staff, and fans who helped make this championship season unforgettable.

Mayor's Proclamation

WHEREAS, the Carolina Hurricanes franchise began in 1971 as the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association, joining the National Hockey League in 1979 as the Hartford Whalers, before relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1997, rebranding as the Carolina Hurricanes; and
WHEREAS, the Carolina Hurricanes persevered through the challenges of relocation, built a passionate and loyal fan base throughout North Carolina, and reached their first Stanley Cup Final in 2002 before capturing their first Stanley Cup Championship in 2006; and
WHEREAS, on June 14, 2026, the Carolina Hurricanes secured their second Stanley Cup Championship by defeating the Las Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final, further cementing their place among the National Hockey League's most respected franchises and bringing the Stanley Cup back to Raleigh after twenty years; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of head coach Rod Brind'Amour, who led the franchise to its first Stanley Cup title in 2006 as the team's captain, is one of few in National Hockey League history to win the Stanley Cup both as a player and as head coach; and
WHEREAS, Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, stepping up with iconic performances including goals in five consecutive games; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Stanley Cup Championship serves as a source of civic pride and inspiration for residents throughout Raleigh and North Carolina, demonstrating the power of determination, teamwork, and community spirit;
NOW, THEREFORE, do I, Janet Cowell, Mayor of the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 20th, 2026 as
CAROLINA HURRICANES DAY
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, to be affixed this 15th day of June 2026.

Janet Cowell
Mayor

The Stanley Cup has arrived.

Canes captain Jordan Staal hoisted the Cup after the team arrived at RDU on Monday.