Downtown has been really red recently. Have you noticed? Of course, the Pic of the Week had to be related to the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup win. I’m a fan and always try to watch as much playoff hockey as I can, and this was an incredible run. I just love Raleigh when the Canes go deep, because people everywhere are into it. They momentarily seem to shed their other sports allegiances (even if just somewhat), and Raleighites are just a little more in tune with each other.

For the Stanley Cup run, I tried to get out for every game, and the watch parties were top notch. I made it to some bars, a theater, parks, and the big one at Red Hat Amphitheater. Sports can have that intoxicating effect where everyone wants to gather and be part of something bigger, and I was signed up for it. Naturally, downtown plays a role in this gathering effect, as I continue to preach about how our center city is the “hostess with the mostess.” There are spaces for all kinds of things that take place, big and small, and when the game is over, you can commiserate with others over a loss or celebrate in the streets.

Now the city gets to do it all over again, just bigger. The championship parade rolls through downtown this Saturday, and if the watch parties were any indication, it’s going to be one of the largest gatherings center city has seen in years. That’s the thing about a moment like this: the Canes gave us a reason to celebrate, but it’s downtown that gave us the place to do it. Enjoy the parade and make sure to try and get a chance to see that cup!

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