This is out of today’s USA Today:
… If you want a model for how fans should support their team and
behave, the Hurricanes might be your best bet. They might have the
league’s best collection of tailgaters. They come early, hold a cookout
and enjoy themselves immensely. In the Finals, they have been polite
and respectful toward the Canadian national anthem. You don’t hear a
peep from anyone during the singing of O Canada. They sing the U.S.
anthem and everyone shouts "Red" when that word pops up in the song.
The Hurricanes play in red uniforms. And this group cheers loudly and
passionately for its team. It’s doubtful there is any building with
louder fans.
Just for clarification, the Raleighing sound meter registered 118dBs during Game 1 on Monday night. The measurement was taken from 5 rows above the Edmonton tunnel. Four years ago yesterday, at the beginning of the infamous Game 3 against Detroit, the sound meter measured that very same 118dBs. For more on sound levels, see our previous story.
For fans wanting to spend a little time reflecting on the home playoff games to this point, check out the Hurricanes archive page and click on each "Flavor of the Game" link. These video essays are excellent capsules of the fun we are all having.
In the meantime, be sure to ride around downtown and see the Canes banners hanging from the streetlights and see "Hurricane Alley", the row of Glenwood South restaurants with decorated windows. The Armadillo Grill might be the winner in that area.
If you want to watch Game 3 with thousands of other insane Caniacs, the RBC Center will open its doors at 7pm tomorrow night. Parking and admission are free and the game begins on 8pm on NBC.
