Hurricanes championship parade expected to bring 100K people to Raleigh, city leader says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- 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.

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

Other places, like the AC Hotel on Glenwood Avenue, are close to being at capacity.

"(We) maybe have like 10 or 15 rooms left to sell," said AC Hotel General Manager Silfo Guzman.

Reservations at the hotel's rooftop restaurant, The Willard, are also being snapped up.

People will be able to get a bird's-eye view of the team and the Stanley Cup, as they make their way down Hillsborough Street.

"Imagine this weather, this view on Saturday. You can see the whole thing right there," said Guzman.

The nearby Cupcake Shoppe is ready to keep Canes-themed cupcakes and iced coffee flowing as fans soak in the moment.

"I'm super excited. I'm hoping I can pop my head out at least of the window, or pop out to the street and just catch the action," said Cupcake Shoppe Store Manager Arlen Mabe.

City leaders are warning there will be gridlock traffic.

"Folks, please don't drive your cars in if you can help it, and if you do, certainly don't drive alone - carpool. Bring others that you know might be coming to the event. It's going to be a logjam," said Raleigh.

The Raleigh Police Department won't release security plans when ABC11 asked today

"We have sufficient manpower. Obviously, the Raleigh Police Department is taking the lead role in making sure that the event is secure, and we'll have many hundreds of officers out on the street, protecting the event and all those who come and participating in viewing," said Raleigh.

You can use bikes and scooters to get close to the parade route. However, there will be a zone where bikes and scooters will be prohibited.

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