It started as a single night honoring the military.
In 2003, the Carolina Hurricanes introduced Military Appreciation Night, an opportunity for the club to pay tribute to the men and women of the armed forces. It made sense, given Raleigh’s proximity to major installations of all branches of the United States armed forces, and gave the team a chance to introduce itself to a transient-by-nature population, many of whom settle in North Carolina when their military career comes to an end.
Sixteen years later, Military Appreciation Night has become a staple on the Hurricanes’ annual calendar, but the team has expanded far beyond that initial foray.