Big day at PNC Arena: 1,000 vaccinations and a Canes game with actual fans

Thursday will be a big day at PNC Arena, which will host a mass vaccination clinic and then Carolina Hurricanes fans for the first time in over a year.

Posted 10:07 a.m. Mar 4, 2021 — Updated 2:42 p.m. Mar 4, 2021

Nia Harden

, WRAL reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — Thursday will be a big day at PNC Arena, which will host a mass vaccination clinic and then Carolina Hurricanes fans for the first time in over a year.

A limited number of fans -- 3,000 -- will be allowed back inside the venue as the Hurricanes host the Detroit Red Wings.

It's the first time Canes fans have been able to watch a game live since February 28, 2020, and the result of Gov. Roy Cooper allowing venues that seat over 5,000 people to open attendance up to 15% of capacity.

"We want to prove that we can do this the right way, a safe way," said Canes general manager Don Waddell, who added that "we'll see how these first four or five home games go" before putting more tickets up for sale. On Thursday morning, tickets were still available. Here's what to know if you're planning to buy tickets.

Want to go to a Canes game? Here's what you need to know

Before the excitement, Wake County Public Health will host an appointment-only clinic in the parking lot. The clinic will run from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and officials say more than 1,000 people will get vaccinated, many who are essential frontline workers in Group 3 of the state's rollout plan.

Nearly 11,000 frontline workers are waiting to get appointments in Wake County. Officials say there are more spots open for clinics at PNC Arena on Friday and Saturday. People can call the hotline at 919-250-1515 or use the online form to register for a vaccine. A staff member will call when an appointment is available.

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