Raleigh, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes are kicking off a playoff run on Monday, and PNC Arena will likely be louder than it has in a long time.
Up to 12,000 fans will be on hand to see the Hurricanes take on the Nashville Predators in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Canes will play in front of the biggest crowds they've seen since the beginning of the pandemic.
In a news conference Friday, team President and General Manager Don Waddell estimated the team could allow as many as 10,000 to 12,000 fans. PNC Arena's published capacity is 19,722.
Masks will still be required in the arena.
"We're trying to create an environment where people feel like it's safe to come into," said Hurricanes General Manager Don Waddell. "We want to continue, we want to make sure people have fun but they feel like they're in a good environment that we're watching out for them."
Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Friday afternoon that the state would no longer require masks and social distancing. All current capacity restrictions in indoor spaces have also been lifted.
"It's definitely an advantage when you can feel the emotion in the building," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "I think the players feed off that. There's no way around it."
Tickets are still available for Game 1 of the first round playoff series. The puck drops at 8 p.m. Game 2 will be Wednesday in Raleigh, also starting at 8 p.m.
Tailgating, another staple of postseason hockey in Raleigh, will also be allowed.
WRAL's Chris Lea and Kacy Hintz will be live at PNC Arena on Monday for the latest coverage.
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