RALEIGH, N.C. - Today the Carolina Hurricanes and Visit Raleigh announced the comprehensive economic impact statistics from the 2026 Stanley Cup run, including a total economic impact of more than $48.1 million and over 439,000 total attendees. This total economic impact generation to Wake County includes the 2026 Stanley Cup Final and Playoff home games, the Championship Celebration Parade and the watch parties at Lenovo Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and Moore Square.
With the first home game of the season starting later this month, momentum from winning the Stanley Cup is still prevalent in Raleigh. The historic run by the Canes brought a significant economic boost to the region, starting with seven home games at Lenovo Center before advancing to the three Stanley Cup Final home games. Hurricanes Watch Parties took place for away games at Lenovo Center, Red Hat Amphitheater, and Moore Square. Finally, the Championship Celebration Parade on June 20 brought over 192,000 fans to downtown Raleigh to celebrate in true City of Oaks fashion.
“It was an amazing spring and summer to see the way that our state galvanized in support of our team. From the first tailgate in April through the parade in June, the greater Raleigh community was featured on an international scene like never before. We are grateful for the governmental and corporate partners and all of the fans who helped to make it such a memorable experience for our team, and for the thousands of visitors who got to see why we’re so proud to call this home,” said Brian Fork, CEO of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Breaking down these events, the seven home games during Rounds 1-3 created a total economic impact of $23.1 million. The Stanley Cup Final matches and consecutive watch parties generated a total economic impact of $13.6 million. Downtown Raleigh’s Championship Celebration Parade added an additional total economic impact of $11.4 million.
In total, these games, watch parties and parade welcomed nearly 190,000 visitors from outside of Wake County to celebrate with our diehard Raleigh residents for a total attendance of more than 439,000 people, generating over $48.1 million in total economic impact and producing $1.18 million in local tax revenue. These events combined to generate an estimated 30,539 room-nights across Wake County.
“The Canes’ historic playoff run, which included 10 home games and the many ancillary events that went along with it, generated a massive economic impact for Raleigh and the region,” said Scott Dupree, executive director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA). “It was an unforgettable two-month stretch that not only provided a huge boost for local businesses, but also electrified the market and brought Caniacs together from Apex to Zebulon and everywhere in between. It culminated with a championship celebration in downtown Raleigh that was the largest one-day gathering of people in the city’s history. And, from what we can tell, it appears to be the second largest gathering in North Carolina’s history. Truly an incredible moment for the Canes and for Raleigh to celebrate a second major league sports championship.”
Increased hotel occupancy, added restaurant and retail sales, national media exposure, and global visibility provided a huge win for Raleigh during the Stanley Cup run. These numbers demonstrate the measurable and lasting economic impact win and hometown pride for our local Carolina Hurricanes.
