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Carolina Hurricanes watch party is moving to a bigger venue in downtown Raleigh

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  • Raleigh is hosting a free Game 5 watch party at Red Hat Amphitheater.
  • Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the June 11 watch party.
  • Only small clear bags or a small clutch are allowed; sealed or empty water bottles OK.

The official Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup Final watch party, previously held at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh, is moving to a larger venue.

The city of Raleigh will open the Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S. McDowell St., for a free watch party of Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the puck drop is at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 11.

The Carolina Hurricanes are 2-1 against the Vegas Golden Knights headed into Game 4 on Tuesday, June 9.

The watch parties have grown in popularity requiring more space, said Liam Aubrey, marketing manager for the Raleigh Convention Center. Moore Square is also already scheduled to host the Soccer Square Fan Fest, a four-day World Cup watch party.

A free watch party will also be held outside the Lenovo Center’s South Plaza during all home games.

Carolina Hurricanes fans react while watching the second period during a watch party for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights in Moore Square on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes fans react while watching the second period during a watch party for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights in Moore Square on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com

What can you take?

The event is rain or shine, and people are asked to not bring chairs. There will be seating in sections 1 through 7, or people can bring a small blanket to sit on the lawn.

The amphitheater’s clear bag policy is in effect, meaning only small clear bags or a small clutch will be allowed.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed, except for an empty reusable water bottle or a sealed water bottle. Canes-themed food and drinks will be available for purchase at bars and food trucks, including Hollywood Taco Shop and Two Roosters.

People are encouraged to wear their Canes gear.

Carolina Hurricanes fans react while watching the second period during a watch party for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights in Moore Square on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C.
Carolina Hurricanes fans react while watching the second period during a watch party for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights in Moore Square on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Raleigh, N.C. Kaitlin McKeown kmckeown@newsobserver.com

Expect traffic in the area

Just be aware the watch party coincides with several high school graduations.

Thursday is the start of multiple days of high school graduations at the Raleigh Convention Center, including graduations at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday.

Wake County Public School System urged students and parents to allow significant time for traffic and parking, The News & Observer reported.

“The Complex is experienced with several events happening across all our venues, we’ve had concerts during graduation before, and the city and the venues will work together closely to ensure the best experience we can provide for everyone,” Aubrey said. “There are several parking options near the venues, and attendees can visit RaleighConvention.com or RedHatAmphitheater.com to find their best parking option and plan their route accordingly.”

How to watch the Stanley Cup on TV

Games will be shown live on ABC and online at ABC.com, though you will need to share your TV provider and login. You can also stream on ESPN+.

Games 1-4 are Tuesday, June 2; Thursday, June 4; Saturday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 9. Games 5-7, if necessary, are Thursday, June 11; Sunday, June 14 and Wednesday, June 17.

All games are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. EST.

This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Carolina Hurricanes watch party is moving to a bigger venue in downtown Raleigh."

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Anna Roman
The News & Observer
Anna Roman is a service journalism reporter for the News & Observer. She has previously covered city government, crime and business for newspapers across North Carolina and received many North Carolina Press Association awards, including first place for investigative reporting. 
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