Live updates: Canes’ Stanley Cup win brings surge of fans to Raleigh victory parade

If the Carolina Hurricanes’ victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup was indeed a perfect storm, downtown Raleigh can expect the storm surge to arrive Saturday. Crowds packed in five rows deep on Fayetteville Street by 8 a.m.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Hillsborough and St. Mary’s streets, travels east to the State Capitol, then doglegs right onto Fayetteville Street, culminating in a championship celebration at City Plaza, in front of the downtown Marriott.

Refresh this page throughout the day for updates, photos and videos on the Hurricanes victory parade.

9:30 a.m. Winning means everything

Raleigh native Naz Idoura, 27, has been a Canes fan for as long as he can remember. Winning the cup “means everything” to him, he said. A hockey player himself, a left wing for the North Carolina Autism Hockey League, Idoura said his favorite players are Seth Jarvis and Jalen Chatfield — a “brotha.” With high costs and a busy work schedule, Idoura said he wasn’t able to make it to any Canes games this season. But he arrived in downtown Raleigh at 7:30 a.m. to make sure he could get a good spot for the victory parade and rally.

9:10 a.m. Even George loves the Canes

Dozens stood in line outside the Capitol to grab a quick selfie with George Washington’s statue decked out in a black Canes jersey, clutching an Easton hockey stick in his right hand. Meanwhile, cars crawled past on Morgan Street, including a Raleigh police truck blaring out the iconic three-horn honk which prompted a “Let’s Go Canes” chant from fans nearby.

8:55 a.m. “For Rod! Always for Rod!”

When the parade gets underway, one of the first and loudest folks cheering will be Jessica Buck. She’s been positioned near the start of the route since 6:30 a.m. Buck has a long history with the Canes. She was actually at the game in 2006 when the team won its first Stanley Cup. Though she wasn’t able to be in Las Vegas when the Canes won this Cup on Sunday, Buck has been excited and invigorated by this year’s team and playoff run. What has thrilled her the most has been seeing Rod Brind’Amour — her favorite player in 2006 — now lifting the Cup as Hurricanes coach. Asked when she expects to cheer loudest during the procession? “For Rod, of course! For Rod! Always Rod!”

8:45 a.m. Canes fans celebrate long wait for the Cup

Hillsborough resident Tracy Zacharzuk arrived in downtown Raleigh around 8:15 a.m., walked a mile from her parking spot and set up her chair at City Plaza. A fan since 2007, Zacharzuk attended every home Stanley Cup Final game this season and said she was excited about the win. “Finally our time,” she said.

8:15 a.m. Canes fans already packed into downtown

The sun had barely risen but Canes fever was already burning early Saturday. Lifelong Raleigh resident Casey Currin, who stayed overnight at a downtown Raleigh hotel, hit City Plaza by 6 a.m.

A season ticket-holder since 2008, she’s endured through many years of empty stadiums. But she’s also seen the stadium packed, including at Game 5 and the Lenovo Center watch parties.

Her reaction when the Canes won it all? “I did cry,” she said.

Today, she’ll get a chance to see the trophy and shed tears with thousands of like-minded Caniacs.

Carson Moore of Mooresville got an even earlier start. The 16-year-old left home at 3:30 a.m. to get a front-row spot along the parade route, setting up his chair on Fayetteville Street at 4:50 a.m.

Who’s in the Carolina Hurricanes Stanley Cup parade?

Wondering who you’ll see in the celebratory parade through downtown Raleigh on Saturday? Here’s a list of players, coaches and others. The parade order is subject to change, per the Carolina Hurricanes.

Leading off will be a Raleigh Police Department motorcade and Raleigh Fire Department Honor Guard. The North Carolina State University’s marching band — the Power of the South — and dancers follow next.

Others on the route include Coach Rod Brind’Amour, the players, Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, community hockey teams, Carolina Hurricanes alumni, Stormy, the Canes’ mascot, the Good Ol’ Canadian Boys (friends of Canes player Seth Jarvis), Canes broadcasters, Canes owner Tom Dundon and general manager Eric Tulsky.

— Esther Frances

Where is free parking in downtown Raleigh?

If you’re still hoping to find parking, you’d better be reading this in the car. The city is letting people park free at five city-owned lots near the parade route:

• Cabarrus Street Deck: 436 S. Salisbury St.
• Moore Square Deck: 233 S. Wilmington St.
• Wilmington Street Station Deck: 117 S. Wilmington St.
• City Hall Parking Deck: 201 W. Morgan St.
• City Center Deck: 429 S. Wilmington St.

The state is also offering free parking at its lots and decks, including those for employees:

• Lot 48: 500 Vaughn Court
• Deck 64: 413 N. Salisbury St.
• Deck 76: 415 N. Salisbury St
• Deck 75: 333 N. Salisbury St.
• Lot 3: 413 N. Wilmington Street
• Lot 34: 207 E. North Street
• Deck 77: 120 W. Edenton St.
• Lot 25: 199 W. Peace Street
• Lot 20: 227 E. Edenton St.
• Lot 18: 101 N. Wilmington St.

— Autumn Coleman and Twumasi Duah-Mensah

How to watch the Stanley Cup parade on TV

The parade in downtown Raleigh starts at 11 a.m. It will be broadcast on ABC11, ABC11.com and their ABC11 North Carolina mobile app. The parade can also be streamed on Spectrum, WRAL and CBS17.

—Autumn Coleman

Autumn Coleman and Esther Frances contributed to this story.

This story was originally published June 20, 2026 at 8:03 AM.

Josh Shaffer

The News & Observer

919-829-4818

Josh Shaffer is a general assignment reporter on the watch for “talkers,” which are stories you might discuss around a water cooler. He has worked for The News & Observer since 2004 and writes a column about unusual people and places.

Renee Umsted

The News & Observer

919-419-6579

Renee Umsted is The News & Observer’s Affordability Reporter. She writes about what it costs to live in the Triangle, with a consumer-focused approach. She has a degree in journalism from TCU.