Thursday, February 24, 2011

The future of All Star Specials Tonight

When I first created this site, I was so excited that I did not even give a thought to what I would do with it after the event was over. I thought about turning it into a 'Canes blog, but there are so many great ones already, such as Canes Country and The Storm Report.

After much careful thinking, I have decided to put the All Star Specials Tonight domain up for sale. The 2012 All Star game is set to happen in Ottawa, so I would encourage any Ottawans who are super excited and want to keep their community informed of All Star Game happenings to contact me at allstarspecials@raleighonlinemedia.com ASAP.

If you enjoyed following All Star Specials Tonight, I encourage you to check out my other blog, Raleigh Specials Tonight. I promise to keep you updated on hockey happenings there! You can also follow RST on Twitter, @RALSpecials.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Day 3 highlights from All Star Weekend

Finally, the day of the All Star Game had arrived! First, I would like to thank the Weather Gods for smiling down upon Raleigh - it was sunny and in the 60's. PERFECT tailgating weather! The RBC Center was packed with excited hockey fans. I don't think I had ever seen a line so long at The Eye! People were def snatching up the All Star gear!

The house definitely on Team Staal's side. You could here "Let's Go Staal" and Let's Go Skinner" being shouted throughout the game. Even though there was no checking and no fights, it was a close score almost the whole time, which kept the game exciting. In the end, Team Lindstrom outscored Team Staal,11-10. Despite being on the losing team, Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks was named MVP.

The Carolina Hurricanes definitely got a boost from this weekend. Tomorrow's home game against the Boston Bruins has already sold out. Check out "Watch Hockey in Raleigh" on the right-hand side bar if you are looking for a place to watch the game.

Go Canes!

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Day 2 highlights from All Star Weekend

We decided to skip out on another day of the Fan Fair so we'd have time to hit up the All Star Wide Open events. We got there just in time for the Paperhand Puppet parade, which was amazing and it was great to have some entertainment while standing in line to get Jeff Skinner's autograph. After meeting the "Rookie of the Year", we headed to the Beer Garden tent - we got to try 8 beers for $10 - including many local beers! My favorite of the day was Santa's Secret from Carolina Brewing Co. After all that boozing, we had to eat, so we tried Klausie's Pizza - which was DELICIOUS! This is one food truck that I plan to follow. If you haven't gotten a chance to try it, like their Facebook page so you know where they will be next!

We headed to the RBC Center for the Red Carpet arrivals of our guests of honor. Unfortunately, my short stature worked against me - I couldn't see anything. But, it was fun nonetheless!

I loved how light-hearted and fun the Skills Competition was. I was cheering for players I don't normally cheer for and it was great to see the players having a good time. I was surprised to see goaltenders Tim Thomas and Cam Ward in the skating competition! The highlight was seeing Zdeno Chara beat his own record in the hardest shot competition. Team Staal beat Team Lindstron handily 33-22. Looking forward to the game tonight!

Remember, if you need a place to watch the game, Lucky B's, Character's Quarters, Havana Deluxe, and Backyard Bistro will be open and will have the big game on TV!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Day 1 Highlights of NHL All Star Weekend

We started out early, heading to lunch downtown around 1:00 We stopped at Cherry Bomb Grill, which features a large list of local beers. For All Star weekend, they have Bud and Bud Light on special for $2.50.

We slowly made our way to the Raleigh Convention Center for the NHL Fan Fair, taking pics along the way and enjoying our city from a tourist's perspective. The line to get into the NHL Fan Fair was MASSIVE, but went pretty quickly once the doors opened. I LOVED the Guardian Project hall that we entered through. It was difficult to get good pictures though.

My husband is an avid hockey card collector,so we spent a chunk of time at the card and memorabilia booths. If you are going to the Fan Fair today, Taylor Hall will be signing autographs at the Panini Booth around 12:30 and at the Upper Deck booth around 2:00 PM.

After getting our pictures taken with the Stanley Cup, we tried out our hockey skills - which are sorely lacking, but it was fun anyway! I actually scored 1 goal on "Marty Brodeur"!

We were not lucky enough to be among the "chosen ones" see see the Fantasy Draft, but we stuck around and watched it on the big screens.

Today, we plan on checking out the vendors and entertainment on Fayetteville Street before heading to the RBC Center for the Red Carpet and the Skills Competition. Beer Garden, Roller Derby and rod Brind'Amour: Here we come!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Look for me at All Star Wide Open and the Fan Fair!

I'll be at All Star Wide Open and the NHL Fan Fair today! If you see me, come say hi. How will you know it's me? Well, I'm almost positive that I will be the only one in a Canes Jersey dress:


Want one? Check out Little Black Jersey Co.

All Star Specials this weekend!

I hope everyone is getting ready for the big All Star weekend! I am so excited, I've been having a hard time concentrating on anything else!

Here are some All Star specials going on this weekend:

101 Lounge will be open from 6 PM- 2 AM Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Enjoy $6 Caniacs (Special Rum Drink),$5 All-Star Shooters, $4 Draft Beers and $2 Bud Lights.

Enjoy one of the best burgers in the U.S. with a special All Star menu at Raleigh Times. Several Canadian brews will be on special.

White Collar Crime
will have $2 Labatt pints ALL weekend!


Thursday, January 27, 2011

Solas hosting 3 All Star Parties

It's not just sports bars that are getting in on the All Star Action! Solas, a high end night club, is hosting 3 parties during All Star Weekend. Rumor has it that this is where the NHL elite will be hanging out, so if you want to rub elbows with the guests of honor, this is the place to be.

January 28th - Enjoy 3 floors of high energy music while sipping on Blackberry Spritzes. Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the night!

January 29th - Reservations are needed for this high-energy party in the middle of the All Star Weekend.

January 30th - NHL After Party. Reservations are needed for this full force par-tay too, get on the horn! Call 919-755-0755.