The Canes’ championship run will have ripple effects far beyond hockey.
All eyes are on Raleigh. The Stanley Cup playoffs—and the Carolina Hurricanes’ first championship in two decades—weren’t just a big milestone for the Canes. They were a major moment for Raleigh itself, significantly furthering the city’s case as a premier sports destination.
Wherever there was playoff coverage, there was Raleigh. While those tapped into the sports industry already saw the potential, the national press and prestige the playoffs brought made it clear to everyone: Canes Country shows up.
“It’s the sellout attendance streak, the truly unmatched passion and fervor of the fanbase, and the way the city went absolutely bonkers,” says Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance Executive Director Scott Dupree, noting the caliber of events and opportunities—think the Stadium Series—that kind of attention can attract.
Photo courtesy of Carolina Hurricanes
Raleigh’s enthusiasm is nothing new. “It’s just an exclamation point on what we already knew,” maintains Shane Willis, manager of Youth and Amateur Hockey for the Canes and FanDuel Sports Network South color analyst. “We are solidifying that we’re a hockey city, and the NHL is thriving in NC.”
Beyond the fanfare, Raleigh’s sports market is unique—it’s not just major league sports on the scene, but also a close-knit college market with deeply rooted rivalries. As such, it’s rare to have everybody on the same page, notes Dupree, and that’s where the Canes come in.
“It’s a completely different dynamic when the whole Triangle rallies around one team,” he says. That unity, paired with fan fervor, could help attract future teams and marquee events to the region. And if you ask MLB Raleigh supporters, the Canes just handed their case a pretty compelling exhibit A.
Any remaining attitudes that Raleigh can’t sustain MLB have been dashed by the Canes, MLB Raleigh co-founder Lou Pascucci tells RM.
“We’re a sleeping giant,” he maintains. “They can’t wrap their heads around the idea that at 8am on game day the parking lot is filled with people drinking beer and hanging out for hockey, and that’s not new here.” If there are two things Raleighites love, it’s a team to root for and a beer in hand—and they’ll show up again and again for it.
Photo courtesy of Carolina Hurricanes
Canes owner Tom Dundon shares the sentiment: “We are going to put ourselves in a really good place, and if [MLB] decides to expand, we’ll have a compelling offer,” he said after clinching Game 6.
The impact extends far beyond the sports scene. Billion-dollar developments are accelerating the city’s growth, and the playoffs continue to shine a light on Oak City as not only an athletic hot spot, but an ideal place to work and live. “What’s most important here is the community—and what this does for the residents and the quality of life here,” adds Dupree.
Raleigh is already one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. “That’s going to accelerate thanks to the amazing standard of living we have here that’s anchored by sports and access to outdoor activities,” echoes Raleigh Economic Development Director Kyle Touchstone.
It’s cyclical: Growth attracts sports, sports attract growth and both reinforce Raleigh’s appeal. “We were front and center—every game night they mentioned Raleigh is the Canes’ home, or the game was in Raleigh,” remarks Touchstone. “It’s the kind of brand elevation you can’t pay for.”
The Tampa MLB team is currently in limbo, but the City of Oaks could be a saving grace.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused a devastating amount of damage on the East Coast this fall—upending homes, businesses, roads and lives in their wake. One structural victim was Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team, which saw ~$55 million in damage to its translucent Fiberglas roof and interior, rendering it unplayable for the 2025 season—and leaving the Rays potentially without a home stadium for 2026 and beyond.
Upon the destruction of the facility, the rumor mill began churning out possible sites for a relocation, with Raleigh floated as a viable option—even seconded by ESPN and local MLB proponents alike. “This potentially opens the doors for other markets hoping to recruit an MLB team,” says Lou Pascucci, one of the leaders of MLB Raleigh, a campaign to get an expansion team in the City of Oaks.
To complicate matters, the Rays were already on track to ditch Tropicana Field by 2027 in lieu of a proposed $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg’s upcoming Gas Plant District development. That project, though, has been met with many delays—and though Pinellas County officials voted in December to allocate $335 million in bonds to help fund the stadium, as a result of the pushed completion date (now 2029) and increased project cost, the new agreement leaves the Rays responsible for any cost overruns, which President Matt Silverman said they are unable to absorb.
While the project is in limbo, the Rays will play their 2025 regular season home games at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa. And, in November, the St. Petersburg City Council reversed its vote to repair Tropicana. As far as the (uncertain) future of the team goes, Pascucci emphasizes that any market hoping to lure the American League East Rays will likely need to be on the East Coast and have strong viability numbers (population, media market, income), government support, land for a stadium (ideally in a downtown or planned entertainment district), and potentially a billionaire owner/partner (e.g. Canes owner Tom Dundon) willing to work with MLB/Rays ownership. Clearly, many of which Raleigh arguably has.
“No market can check all of those boxes at the moment,” says Pascucci, but if the deals fall through in Tampa, there are only a handful of markets that could land the Rays. “It will be worth keeping an eye on Nashville, Orlando and Raleigh.” So, could the City of Oaks’ MLB future be a home run away?
The MLB team is currently in limbo, but the City of Oaks could be a saving grace.
Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused a devastating amount of damage on the East Coast this fall—upending homes, businesses, roads and lives in its wake. Another victim was Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team, which saw ~$55 million in damage to its translucent Fiberglas roof and interior, rendering it unplayable for the 2025 season—and leaving the Rays without a home stadium for 2026 and beyond.
Upon the destruction of the facility, the rumor mill began churning out possible sites for a relocation, with Raleigh floated as a viable option. “This [conundrum] potentially opens the doors for other markets hoping to recruit an MLB team,” says Lou Pascucci, one of the leaders of MLB Raleigh, a campaign to get an expansion team in the City of Oaks.
Backtracking pre-hurricane season, the Rays had a deal in place for a new $1.3 billion ballpark in St. Petersburg’s upcoming Gas Plant District development, but it has been met with several delays. Most recently, the county commission voted to table consideration of the financing bonds until its Dec. 17 meeting.
While the project is in limbo, the Rays will play its 2025 regular season home games at Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa. And, last month, the St. Petersburg City Council reversed its vote to repair Tropicana Field, which was already planned to be demolished in 2027.
As far as the (uncertain) future of the team goes, Pascucci emphasizes that any market hoping to lure the American League East Rays will likely need to be on the East Coast and have strong viability numbers (population, media market, income), government support, land for a stadium (ideally in a downtown or planned entertainment district), and potentially a billionaire owner/partner (e.g. Canes owner Tom Dundon) willing to work with MLB/Rays ownership. Clearly, many of which Raleigh arguably has.
“No market can check all of those boxes at the moment,” says Pascucci, but if the deals fall through in Tampa, there are only a handful of markets that could land the Rays. “It will be worth keeping an eye on Nashville, Orlando and Raleigh.” So, could the City of Oak’s MLB future be a home stretch away?
Raleigh Mag’s 6 most significant issues for the first 100 days
After almost a decade covering every inch of Raleigh from legislation to libations, Raleigh Magazine is primed to posit what we think are the biggest issues facing our city as we usher in a new era. After the votes are counted and the dust settles on election season, a new mayor will take the helm for the first time in five years. Beyond mayor—and on the heels of Raleigh’s youngest and most diverse city council—we stand to have as many as seven new council members take oath, as every district, save District D (Jane Harrison), is contested. So, as we turn the page on our future this December, the first 100 days will serve as a good barometer for where we are headed—and these are the issues that matter most.
Pro-Growth Development Over the last five years, several projects and towers have been voted down—or not presented for fear of a “no” vote. Will the new city government support a 40-story tower Downtown? In North Hills? Our city’s literal shape is on the line. And those first few zoning votes will be very telling.
HousingDensity In our sit-down with Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin (see “The Notorious MAB” feature), she hones in on housing density as a top priority: “When we approved our comprehensive plan—10 years in the making—it was really built around growth centers as where the density would be, and we’re seeing that happen, connected by transit. … We cannot ignore the fact we desperately need housing—all types of housing.” How the new council and mayor approach the missing middle and housing affordability will be critical to set the tone for our future.
Police Pay On the heels of a 10% pay raise last year, Raleigh police officer salary still only starts at $56,991—which is less than Cary, Holly Springs, Wake Forest and Apex. Will the new government green light another 15% raise to propel our police officer income to a more competitive rate for a capital city?
Bringing Back Main Street Revitalizing Fayetteville Street has been a central focus since DTR’s pandemic decline. In a recent council meeting, at-large member Jonathan Melton expressed the urgency to energize the corridor now—not a year from now. Will the new council approve the funding to revive it—and see it as a priority—to propel our Central Business District and the lifeblood of our city?
Removing Barriers for Small Businesses We’ve reported on the “one-size-fits-all” expensive approach that paralyzes small businesses (think chef Scott Crawford’s Jolie) trying to get off the ground. What will our new leaders do to set the tone and solve this issue of cutting the red tape for business owners?
Recruiting Major League Sports Sports have proven a priority in the market as a critical economic driver. Baldwin, alongside outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper and Canes owner Tom Dundon, have committed to bringing MLB to Raleigh. Now, only time will tell how the next governor, mayor and council participate in and propel these efforts.
Keep your eyes on West Raleigh, as a host of new updates are coming down the pipeline.
Canes’ new executive dynamic duo CEO Brian Fork and President Doug Warf have joined forces alongside GM Eric Tulsky to take on the Herculean task of bringing to fruition owner Tom Dundon’s vision for West Raleigh, including the plans for a PNC Arena renovation, expansion, future sportsbook, landing MLB Raleigh, and building out the best “premiere sports and entertainment district in the country,” says Fork—mixing Raleigh’s innate Southern hospitality and tech savvy to give us something no other city has, adds Warf.
The Canes dream team is eager to get started alongside partners Centennial Authority and NC State—to whom they are “eternally grateful,” says Warf. They, as well as the board, Wake County and City of Raleigh are integral to the vision, adds Fork, and “we owe a debt of gratitude.”
Plans/updates:
—$300 million PNC Arena renovation over next three years over multiple phases (likely three) during hockey off-season
—Focus at the Arena on fan experience is paramount re: speed of use and service from the event (concert/game) to F&B to merch.
—$800 mill–$1 billion mixed-use district development around the arena to include already announced concert/entertainment venues, walkable bars, offices, retail, residential, hotel, possible sportsbook, affordable housing component and more
—First phase for outdoor development: Scheduled construction and buildout are at least a year away, if not longer, with quickest start likely coming fall 2025 post-football (no decisions made).
—Once first phase starts (entertainment, restaurants, retail, some office/residential, probably hotel), all components of future phases will also be determined.
—Parking: Looking at additional parking and new parking concepts as part of the development all around the building. “We are well aware nobody would want to buy an apartment where they would have to sit in a line [to come home/leave] every time there is an event,” notes Fork.
—Traveling to/from events: Potential entrances at both/either Wade and Edwards Mill are being considered as part of the development (years away).
—Sportsbook plans have not been developed and much is still to be determined. If a sportsbook takes shape in a venue, construction wouldn’t start for at least a couple more years. Could decide to keep sportsbook relationship entirely online.
—A very serious pursuit to bring MLB to Raleigh—having owner on board puts us way ahead of other cities in U.S.
“Most places you’ve got a building that’s being renovated in an urban area that’s got a lot around it—or you’re going way outside of town,” says Fork. “Here we have a centralized location with a building and stadium already here in a big 80-acre parking lot we can develop. So that’s exciting—huge for Raleigh, for the fans of the teams that play here, the entertainment consumer and really our whole state.”
Both Fork and Warf’s commitment to Raleigh and Dundon’s vision is apparent.
“These are legacy projects,” says Warf. … “When you look at the team and the strength of where the team is and the building, when you look at what we can do around this… to see that start to come to fruition, that’s a legacy project. Pursuit of Major League Baseball is a legacy project. Those are things my daughter would tell her kids about. And to be even somewhat involved in that is monumental. Truly, truly exciting.”
From left: Doug Warf and Brian Fork
Get to Know Brian Fork:
“I’m just a Canes fan,” says Fork, nodding to his excitement. He grew up in Raleigh 2 miles from the facility in about the same place he’s raising his kids now.
“I’ve been a [Canes] customer for 25 years,” he adds, nothing he’s bought every type of ticket package you can get, from season tickets to rafters tickets (trying to sneak downstairs) and been to almost every home playoff game, the Draft, All-Star weekend, etc.
“I’ve been around—I bought the food and beverage, the jerseys, the hats. … I love the Canes. I watch the games. I get really into it. I’m a Wolfpack fan and spent a lot of nights in this building watching basketball. … There’s this fun kind of feeling of obligation that I have to the fans. Anything I can do to help the Canes and NC State basketball is going to be rewarding.”
A full-circle moment for a die-hard fan and Raleighite: “I remember when this place wasn’t here and we would throw the football in the grass probably right above where we’re standing right now on that gravel road that came into the stadium back before the Centennial Center had even been thought up by Jimmy V,” he reminisces. “This area means a lot to me—sports mean a lot to me.”
Get to Know Doug Warf:
“Doug worked here 15+ years and has done every job except kill penalties,” jokes Fork. “Neither Brian nor I have to learn how to do the Wolfpack symbol,” ribs Warf, who has lived in the Triangle for 25 years. “That was born into us.”
Warf is extremely excited to be back with the Canes and back at the place where he cut his teeth as an unpaid intern before spending the next 16 years. “This was a dream job for me,” he muses, adding a debt of gratitude to Michael Olander Jr. at MDO Holdings, from which he just parted. “He allowed me to do a lot of things that have helped me a ton in my growth in my business and professional development. I really appreciate [Michael] and the team at MDO Holdings—I’ll miss those guys, but I’m extremely excited to be back.”
Nodding to the likewise full-circle moment both personally and professionally, he adds: “Dundon has a big vision—and it starts with looking at the fact that there are three of us doing what was previously one job. That’s a testament to what he plans and wants to do here. The more we saw what Tom was envisioning—if you don’t get excited something is wrong with you.”
