Hurricanes sign 20 year lease to stay in Carolina

The Carolina Hurricanes have announced a 20 year agreement to renovate and remain tenants in Raleigh, North Carolina's PNC Arena.

"We are excited to extend this lease with the Carolina Hurricanes through the 2043-44 season," said Philip Isley, Centennial Authority Board Chair in a prepared statement. "This renovation and development of a sports and entertainment district around PNC Arena will represent one of the biggest economic development projects in the history of the region."

"This is an exciting day for the Triangle," said Tom Dundon, Owner and Governor of the Hurricanes. "This development will transform PNC Arena into a year-round destination for residents, while also improving the event day experience for Hurricanes fans, NC State fans and concertgoers alike. North Carolina is the home of the Hurricanes, and I am proud to say that the Hurricanes will continue to call PNC Arena home."

"Our goal is to transform PNC Arena into one of the most comfortable, versatile and fan-friendly experiences in the country," said Don Waddell, President and General Manager of the Hurricanes. "This project will completely revitalize PNC Arena to make it a state-of-the-art facility at a fraction of the cost of a new arena."

"NC State is proud to call PNC Arena home to our Wolfpack men's basketball team, and we are excited to collaborate on a comprehensive renovation strategy that will enhance the overall experience for our fans and student-athletes," said Randy Woodson, NC State Chancellor. "We feel fortunate to have significant investments from city and county leaders, and we value our long-standing partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes - all working together to ensure PNC Arena remains a world-class facility."

The Hurricanes have been in PNC Arena since 1999, shortly after relocating from Hartford, Connecticut as the Hartford Whalers. The team hoisted the Stanley Cup in the arena in 2006 where it played host to this historic moment courtesy of 'Canes captain Rod Brind'Amour.

I'll be the first to admit that I didn't think hockey in Raleigh, North Carolina, the home of NASCAR and college basketball, would be successful. But man, oh man, have Caniacs proven me wrong. Raleigh is a strong, vibrant hockey community and I'm stoked that this fanbase gets at least 20 more years of stability moving forward. Well done!