NEW YORK – The National Hockey League (NHL) will capture the varsity game day and thick atmosphere as part of their remodeling of Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh for the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series sold-out outdoor game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington welcome capital cities this Saturday, February 18 (8pm ET, ABC, ESPN+, SN360, TVAS2).
In a rendering released today that previews the NHL’s takeover of NC State football stadium, the outdoor hockey game will take to the field with NC State students, the varsity marching band, musical performances and special appearances from NC State legends and Members of NC State share The Hurricanes’ 2006 Stanley Cup championship team.
Carter-Finley Stadium will house the full-size NHL ice rink surrounded by design elements inspired by the electrifying environment of college sports. The silver, red and black color palette celebrating the Hurricanes’ 25th anniversary and featured in the event’s logo adorns the entire field in the style of college pennants and posters.
For the first time at an NHL outdoor game, the NC State students in attendance will enjoy the entire game from the field. A fan zone on the south side of the stadium will provide the students and the ESPN broadcast set with front row seats for the Hurricanes-Capitals game and a first intermission musical performance on the NHL stage. The main actor will be announced in the coming days.
The NC State Marching Band, the Southern power sound, and the leaders will entertain fans from the north side of the stadium throughout the game, including a performance at the second interval. The Power Sound of the South will also lead the pre-game celebrations with a performance during the Hurricanes and Capitals player introductions.
The opening ceremony officially begins with a performance of the US national anthem by the Power Sound of the South. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is offered as part of the NHL’s longstanding partnership with PXP. Founder and CEO of PXP Brice Christianson will act as ASL interpreter and Jason Altmann as ASL performer. NC State Joint ROTC Color Guard will present colors while 60 veterans from the NFCU veterans showcase will be on skates to unfurl the US flag.
Ripken the Bat Dogof NC State Football and Durham Bulls fame, will lead the ceremonial puck drop. Eric Kohl, Mike Commodore And Chad Larose by the Hurricanes’ 2006 Stanley Cup championship team will sound the storm siren to conclude the opening ceremonies.
Before the Hurricanes take on the Capitals, the Truly Hard Seltzer® NHL PreGame™ – the official fan festival of the outdoor game – will provide game day fans of all ages with fun hockey attractions in the East 1000 parking lot at PNC Arena with dynamic activities from 2 a.m. – 7 p.m :30 p.m. ET.
2023 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series ticket holders are encouraged to download the NHL Fan Access™ app for up-to-date notifications on event schedules, access to event tickets and more. For more information, fans should visit and follow NHL.com/stadiumseries @NHL And @PR_NHL and join the conversation by using the official hashtag #StadiumSeries.