Canes Stanley Cup Final run brings buzz, big crowds to Raleigh ahead of Game 1

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Carolina Hurricanes are just four wins away from their first Stanley Cup in two decades, and anticipation is building across the Triangle as the team prepares to open the finals at Lenovo Center.

Game 1 is already sold out, with some resale tickets reaching more than $1,000. Even for fans without tickets, watch parties and local businesses are preparing for increased crowds.

At Tap Yard in East Raleigh, fans have filled the venue throughout the Hurricanes' playoff run.

"Super excited. Everyone's wearing their jerseys. Everyone has our towels. We give them all bar towels, you know, because they score. They ring the bell. It's been really awesome," one patron said.

The bar has seen steady business as the team advanced, with expectations for even larger crowds during the finals.

"Yeah, definitely a big increase. The tables are packed. We have the outdoor TVs, so everyone's been sitting outside to when it's like nice out. It's been a really good turnout," said Rachel Dillard of Tap Yard.

The economic impact extends beyond bars and restaurants. Sports betting markets are also seeing increased activity, with many locals backing the Hurricanes.

Johnny Avello, director of sports operations at DraftKings, said the Hurricanes currently hold an edge in betting odds, boosted in part by home ice advantage for the first two games.

Avello noted that both the Hurricanes and their opponent have built strong fan bases in regions not traditionally associated with hockey, contributing to sold-out arenas and heightened enthusiasm.

"When you get a team that's successful people want to go to the games these are both packed and a lot of them are sold out home games on both sides and both cities have really embraced their teams and whoever wins the Stanley cup will be embraced even more and certainly a parade a couple days later," he said.

With Game 1 approaching, fans across the Triangle are finding ways to take part in the excitement, whether inside the arena or at watch parties across the region.

Watch parties, crowds expected across the Triangle

Fans who can't get inside Lenovo Center are still expected to show up in big numbers, with watch parties planned at bars, outdoor venues and gathering spots throughout the area.