This year the Washington Capitals will take part in the 2023 Stadium Series against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Stadium Series is the NHL’s annual outdoor game that doesn’t fall on New Years, allowing more teams and players to take part in the spectacle that is outdoor hockey.
The game is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union and the game will take place at Carter Finley Stadium on the campus of North Carolina State in Raleigh on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Today the NHL mobile refrigeration truck made it’s way to Raleigh to start setting up for the Stadium Series. Derek King, the NHL senior director, facilities operations and hockey operations explained the process:
"“You’ll see it all coming together tomorrow. Once the field is covered, they’ll build the stage deck where the arena floor is going to sit. Once the piping is complete, probably by Friday, we look to be on schedule to start making ice.”"
If you’re going to the game, parking lots open at 2 p.m. in what is sure to be a fun time tailgating. The official NHL tailgate party is the Truly Hard Seltzer NHL Pre Game from 2-7:30 over at the PNC Arena East 1,000 Parking Lot. Gates open at 6 p.m.
This will be the Caps fourth outdoor game and their second Stadium Series game. They won both Winter Classic games in 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh over the Penguins and 2015 against the Chicago Blackhawks at Nationals Park. They won the 2018 Stadium Series over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the United States Naval Academy.
Jerseys are also available but get yours fast before it sells out. It would be amazing and perhaps a first in NHL history if the Caps were to win this game for their fifth outdoor game win. It would also send a message to those “jerks”.