Raleigh is buzzing for hockey

A palpable buzz for Raleigh's first outdoor NHL game can be felt across the city right now.

• Nearly every conversation we've had in recent weeks seems to circle back to the game or the red-hot Carolina Hurricanes, who have the second-best record in the NHL and are serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.

Why it matters: The Feb. 18 game, part of the NHL's popular Stadium Series showcase, is more than just an opportunity to showcase Raleigh on the national stage.

• The outdoor event is forecasted to have a $12.4 million economic impact, according to one preliminary analysis, Loren Gold, executive vice president of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, told Axios.
• Nearly 55,000 people are expected to attend the game, which was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Around 50% of the tickets have been sold to Wake County residents, Gold added.

Driving the news: One measure of the anticipation is the sky-high price of tickets on the re-sale market.

• Tickets sold quickly and the cheapest secondary-market ticket on SeatGeek as of Wednesday was $266 — though the vast majority were over $300.

• Those are the kind of prices more reserved for deep playoff runs.

Details: The Canes will play the Washington Capitals inside of Carter-Finley Stadium.

• Construction of the rink, which is being built on top of the turf for N.C. State's football team, began this week.
• The game starts at 8pm and will air on ABC.
• The Hurricanes are also hosting a free fan fest in downtown Raleigh on Feb. 17 that will run from 11am-9pm.