Hurricanes will let fans move to lower bowl, suites vs. Senators

Tom Dundon is looking to create a playoff atmosphere at PNC Arena.

The new owner of the Carolina Hurricanes is hoping to make a splash with his new franchise and on Tuesday he will make his first big move. In an attempt to create a louder environment and potentially give his club a home-ice advantage, Dundon has implemented a plan to have all ticket holders from the upper deck move to seats in the lower bowl, and even the suites, to bring the crowd closer to the ice.

"I want the lower bowl to be energetic and packed," Dundon said, according to Chip Alexander of The News Observer. "It’s obvious it's sort of a playoff push now.

"We're going to let the people who want to come down and get a better experience (come). I think we're going to run out of tickets so we're going to have to open up suites … to make sure we take care of as many people as we can."

The Hurricanes, who sit four points out of a playoff spot, currently average 12,936 fans per game - the second-fewest in the league - but that number equates to just 69.3 percent capacity, which ranks last among all 31 clubs.

"I think it would be awesome if there’s nobody up there but it might end up there's a few because people have their preferences," Dundon said. "I'm hoping they all want to come down and get it closer and make it louder. That's the goal, to make this more the playoff-type environment."

Dundon also noted that, depending on how Tuesday's plan goes, the ticket strategy could be implemented in future home games.

Tuesday's game against the Ottawa Senators will see the club honor members of their 20th Anniversary Team. And, on top of that and the improved seating, fans will also enjoy deals at the concession stand.

It's a good night to be a Hurricanes fan.