Raleigh has big sporting things going on this weekend!

Going into All Star weekend, there were so many things going on but made the NHL perceive the Triangle as a great spot to hold important events. Did the NHL ever have any concerns about holding these events here? If not, what were their concerns? Which hurdles did they have to clear to really convince the league that this area can put on a great event and sell it out? Who can get credit for the success of putting Raleigh, and the Carolina Hurricanes, on the map?