June. 05, 2006

Stanley Cup Finals to Generate Priceless National & International Media Exposure; Plus $5.5 Million in Direct Visitor Spending

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 5, 2006) - Hosting the Stanley Cup Finals will produce many tangible and intangible benefits for the area, according to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB). The Hurricanes will play home games at the RBC Center on June 5, 7, and if necessary, June 14, 19.

Foremost, there is no price tag to measure the tremendous national and international media exposure generated by hosting this prestigious event. With more than 250 worldwide media receiving credentials to cover the action in Raleigh, many of those journalists will receive their first exposure to North Carolina's Capital City area. In the process, Raleigh will enhance its brand image and further cement its status as a major league sports and visitor destination.

In addition, the event should generate $5.5 million in direct visitor spending for the local economy as the result of more than 13,700 total hotel room nights. These figures represent four games being played at the RBC Center. While that visitor spending is a welcomed boost from out-of-town fans, corporate guests of the NHL, players, their families and the media, it still pales in comparison to the numerous intangible benefits associated with the Stanley Cup Finals being played in Raleigh.

The Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, as the official destination marketing organization of Raleigh and Wake County, accelerates sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business. Of note, visitors spent some $1.14 billion in Wake County last year that generated more than $321 total savings per local household in state and local taxes.