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Top 10 Moments of the Decade in North Carolina Sports

By Christian Candeloro

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs onto the field during player introductions before their game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 08: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs onto the field during player introductions before their game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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No. 10: Kemba Walker drops 60 points on 76ers

There haven’t been many bright spots from the Hornets’ decade. The team had a major star in Walker, a guard that made Charlotte basketball exciting. On a November night in 2018, Walker put on a show, setting the franchise record for most points in a game. It’s the signature moment from Kemba’s career in Charlotte and one that will be remembered by Hornets’ fans for a long time.

No. 9: Hurricanes host All-Star Game in 2011

RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 30: Team Staal and Team Lidstrom line up for the Canadian and United States national anthems prior to in the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JANUARY 30: Team Staal and Team Lidstrom line up for the Canadian and United States national anthems prior to in the 58th NHL All-Star Game at RBC Center on January 30, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

In 2001, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman promised the city of Raleigh that the NHL All-Star game would be awarded to Raleigh if the team hit the 12,000 season ticket mark. The Canes finally received the All-Star Game in 2011 and players were met with an electric atmosphere. Eric Staal was a team captain and selected teammate Cam Ward with the first overall pick. The weekend is one of the brightest spots in Raleigh hockey history.

Next decade, an outdoor game could make the top moments and cement itself in Hurricanes’ history.

No. 8: Panthers Draft Cam Newton

The Panthers forever changed the complexion of their franchise by selecting Newton, a premier talent and Heisman winner out of Auburn. Newton threw for 2864 yards and 30 touchdowns while adding 1473 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground on the way to leading Auburn to the National Championship.

Newton made good on the Panthers’ investment. In his rookie year, he was the Rookie of the Year while breaking the record for rookie passing yards and touchdowns.

In his time with the Panthers, Newton is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2015. He led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 and changed the culture in Carolina forever.

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