RALEIGH, N.C. — Thousands of Carolina Hurricanes fans gathered in downtown Raleigh on Saturday to celebrate the team’s Stanley Cup victory with a championship parade. The event drew an estimated crowd of 150,000 people, according to Julia Milstead, a public information officer for the city, nearly one-third of Raleigh’s population as estimated in July 2025.

Supporters packed sidewalks, filled office building windows, and even lined multiple levels of a parking deck to catch a glimpse of the team as they paraded through the city. The jubilant atmosphere extended into a rally held at the conclusion of the procession, where players and staff addressed the enthusiastic crowd.

Coach Rod Brind’Amour, who also captained the Hurricanes when they last won the Cup 20 years ago, expressed his astonishment at the turnout. “I’m in shock. It doesn’t happen very often, but I’m just kinda speechless,” he said during the rally.

The parade marked a significant moment for the Carolina Hurricanes franchise and their fans, celebrating the team’s latest achievement in the National Hockey League. The event highlighted the strong local support for the team in North Carolina’s capital city.