Morrisville Site of new 'Canes Practice venue

Artists’ rendering of new Carolina Hurricanes practice facility

A new partnership between the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes and the Wake Competition Center makes the Morrisville sports complex the team’s official practice facility beginning with the 2020-21 season.

“This is an enormous step forward for our organization, providing our coaches and athletes with a state-of-the-art training facility in the heart of the Triangle,” said Canes President and General Manager Don Waddell. “In addition, the Wake Competition Center will be an outstanding addition for the thriving youth and amateur hockey community in this market.”

The Wake Competition Center was designed by Raleigh developer Jeff Ammons as a multi-sport complex and academy near RaleighDurham International Airport which will feature facilities for ice hockey and skating, gymnastics, volleyball, soccer and athletic training.

The hockey facilities are housed in a 115,000 sq. ft. building, with two NHL-sized sheets of ice and the ability to host 1,700 spectators. The Hurricanes will occupy a 12,000 sq. ft. permanent area in the complex that will include locker rooms, equipment space, coaches’ offices, medical training areas and workout facilities.

“We’ve been proud to work with the Hurricanes over the years, with Raleigh Center Ice serving as the team’s official practice facility,” said Ammons. “But we’ve also recognized the need for upgraded facilities for the Hurricanes, and to enhance our ability to host youth and college hockey tournaments in the Triangle. We’re excited about this partnership and the long-term future of hockey in North Carolina.”

Ammons spearheaded the $30 million Wake Competition Center — tucked away off Aviation Boulevard, and expected to include facilities for gymnastics, volleyball, soccer and athletic training.

The end product is expected to be a premier regional ice skating venue that includes a restaurant, a pro shop, skate rentals, party rooms and more.

“This is an enormous step forward for our organization, providing our coaches and athletes with a state-of-the-art training facility in the heart of the Triangle,”

Don Waddell--- Carolina Hurricane's President and General Manager