Canes' success spilling over to Raleigh business sector
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Visit North Carolina says the Carolina Hurricanes' run for the Stanley Cup could bring up to $15 million in local revenue, and the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce says there will be long-term benefits.
"We are working every day using this run in the finals to really put us on the map and to help tell this story," said Raleigh Economic Development Director Kyle Touchstone. "We've seen significant investment across numerous industry sectors and job growth here in this region. And that's life sciences, tech, advanced industries, professional services and advanced manufacturing."
Touchstone said he witnessed the effect just this week while talking with an out-of-state developer.
The last four to six weeks, just the energy has been higher. More people are trying to look at projects in town, and it's just been really positive.- David Meeker
"He said, 'I watched more hockey in the last month than I ever have in my life, and I'm now a Canes fan,'" said Touchstone.
The fight to win the Cup comes as Raleigh's population is up 2.5% during the past year.
"It's a pretty, pretty high number across the US," said Touchstone. "When we won 20 years ago, a lot has changed. We've doubled in size as far as population within the City of Raleigh."
David Meeker's father, Charles, was the mayor at that time and spearheaded turning Fayetteville Street from a pedestrian walkway into a road open for business.
"It was very controversial. A lot of people opposed to it, but then they got it open, and it was a huge success," he said.
Meeker is now a developer. He said there's been more interest with the Canes in the championship series.
"The last four to six weeks, just the energy has been higher. More people are trying to look at projects in town, and it's just been really positive," he said.
Meeker recognizes how far the city has come since the last win.
"The Canes being the craziest-state stadium in the NHL, and there being a watch party outside, is just, would have been unheard of then. We were a small town, and now it feels like we're a solidly a medium-sized city. and, and people want to be here, so it's great," said Meeker.
