[Professional sports in the Triangle]

danbarkin — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:24:09 -0400

The Triangle's sports scene is about more than ACC basketball, even though that's what we're known for. This area is also home to an NHL hockey franchise, two minor league baseball teams, and a professional soccer team. Here's a look at the Triangle's pro franchises.

They were world champs in 2006

The Carolina Hurricanes gave the Triangle a wild ride in their Stanley Cup season, culminating one frenzied night in June with a 3-1 win over Edmonton to clinch the Cup in the seventh game of the championship series. The celebration lasted for days as Canes fans reveled in the accomplishments of veterans Rod Brind'Amour and Glen Wesley, youngster Cam Ward and newcomers Cory Stillman and Ray Whitney. Thousands of fans mobbed downtown Raleigh for the celebration.

How they got here, sort of: They were the Hartford Whalers until owner Peter Karmanos announced in the Spring of 1997 that the team was moving to Raleigh. The Canes played in Greensboro for a couple of seasons while the RBC Center was being built.

When they really got here: In October 1999, the Canes played their home opener in the new arena, which was then known as the Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena.

The first run at the Cup: The Canes made it to the championship round in 2002, losing to the Detroit Red Wings.

It's Ours!: That was the headline atop the News & Observer the morning after the Game 7 victory. It was the first championship in franchise history and the first major professional sports championship in North Carolina.

How to become a Canes fan: Tickets ♥ Schedule ♥ Lord Stanley's Blog ♥ History

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And then there's baseball ...

The Triangle is home to the Durham Bulls (made famous by the 1988 movie that made stars of Kevin Costner and a minor league franchise) and the Carolina Mudcats, still waiting for their closeup but a launching pad for some major league stars.

The Bulls are the Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and some years seem almost as good as their unremarkable major league parent club. They play in one of the minors most appealing ballparks, located next to the American Tobacco complex in downtown Durham. The Durham Bulls Athletic Park opened in 1995, replacing a park that had its origins in the 1920s. Many major league stars have played in Durham on their way up the baseball ladder (Chipper Jones, Rusty Staub, and Johnny Pesky, to name just a few). Go here for a full list of Bulls who have made it to the bigs.

Durham's minor league history goes back to 1902. To learn more about it, go here.

How to become a Bulls fan: Tickets ♥ Schedule♥Transactions♥Directions

The Carolina Mudcats are a Double-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins, and play at Five County Stadium in Eastern Wake County near the borders of Franklin, Johnston, Nash and Wilson counties. The team is a showcase for hot young prospects who sometimes start the season in Zebulon only to find themselves in major league uniforms by the end of the season. (Think Dontrelle Willis)

How to become a Mudcats fan: Tickets♥ Schedule ♥ Directions

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And if you're into soccer.....

There's the Carolina RailHawks. The expansion team in Cary plays in the United Soccer Leagues First Division. You can learn more about the RailHawks here. The RailHawks also plan to launch a women's pro soccer team next summer.

How to become a RailHawks fan: Tickets ♥Schedule ♥Directions

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[Professional sports in the Triangle]