Fan Fair in side the Convention Center wasn't open until 1000, so we hung out downtown and tried to take in all the beautiful pictures! Lauren even asked about Chris (like she does regularly). Im sure we could have come up with some good pics. 
Walking in by the entrance of the Marriott was totally awesome! Huge banners that Allison was trying to figure out how we could get Cam Ward's down so she could hang it up in her bedroom. 
I don't think Raleigh was disappointing anyone in the NHL. It took Raleigh a few years to get the All-Star Game, even though we should have gotten it years ago. So Raleigh wanted to make sure it was an awesome weekend for everyone! 
Now, seeing Allison beside it, you can actually see how big it is. We hadn't even made it anywhere yet, and we were blown away. 
As we walked down Fayetteville Street (blocked off once again), the pictures, posters and everywhere we looked was engulfed in hockey! It was so cool! Of course, Allison found her man again! 
And of course, the typical picture! 
I was actually trying to figure out how to get this down by myself! Hummmmmm 
Lauren and her 1st purchase of the weekend! Pretty cool bags with purchases. We found out later that not everyone knew where to get the bags. ha ha ha... Little did we know how famous those glasses on her head would be..... 
I got a closer picture of this, but thought this one gave you more perspective about how BIG it really was. Anyone happening to fly by would definately know what Raleigh was doing January 28-30. 
After we rounded through everything, we headed over to the Convention Center. We thought by getting there 15 minutes early that would be enough...WRONG. We walked in and just to get in line was a wait. But they had obviously started letting people in early, and the line kept moving. We had gotten our tickets in advance so we didn't have to wait in line. 
Lets go...... 
They were letting people in with groups of about 50 at a time. We walked through this hallway of huge cartoon-like superhero hockey players. Something called the Guardian Project. We found out later what that was. Pretty cool. Lights, music, and everything hockey.Lauren didn't hesitate in getting her picture taken here 1st. She looks like she could put a good hit on someone, doesn't she?
We headed over to the Locker Room. They had about 8 lockers set up with all the gear. From helmets, pad, stick, pants....everything.
Lauren put on Sidney Crosby's gear. Had to get a picture and text it to Brianna & Parker! I sure wish they were able to come. They would have had a blast! But then Lauren dipped herself in Clorox. ha ha
Then it was my turn.....Alex Ovechkin, here I come! Can I just walk out with the jersey Mr. Locker room man? Uh, no!
Next up was Allisons turn. Joe Thornton! It didn't taker her long to get the gear on.
Lauren was jumping in Vincent Lecavalier's gear!
There were huge curtains of players through NHL history. Lauren is standing to give you perspective to show how BIG they actually were! If we did get one of these, Im not sure where it would fit!
One area was set up like an equipment room. They had video clips that would show you completing a slap shot in slow motion. Pretty neat. Everything inside was free. So all the interactive things they had were totally free.
Allison & Lauren got a puck/picture display of each of their players. Lauren got to see a picture of Jeff Skinner without all the helmet action on.
Before heading over to the Stanley Cup, I ran into some lovely EMS girls, protecting the streets on bike patrol!
Yep, the girls said they were having fun! Too much to do and we were running out of time!
Standing in line for the Stanley Cup....never too long of a line. We probably should have done this when we first walked in, but there was so much to do, we were trying to complete a circle to make sure we didn't miss anything!
Obviously Allison had to find something to keep her entertained. Texting of course!
Allison knows what picture opportunity awaits when the Stanley Cup is involved. We've touched the Cup numerous times, and each time is just as awesome as the 1st.
After we got this picture taken, we saw the Cup Keeper, Phil! I asked for a picture! What an amazing job. To travel everywhere with the Stanley Cup.
Walking back through the maze exiting the Stanley Cup were hand impressions of several of the All-Stars. Some of them have some pretty large hands!
Before we left, this huge NHL logo was turning, we had to be quick! But perfect picture opportunity.
Walking out they had this huge inflatable set up with the lanes of ice set up that you could intertube for free! Kids were lined up!
We headed over to the Locker Room. They had about 8 lockers set up with all the gear. From helmets, pad, stick, pants....everything. 
Lauren put on Sidney Crosby's gear. Had to get a picture and text it to Brianna & Parker! I sure wish they were able to come. They would have had a blast! But then Lauren dipped herself in Clorox. ha ha 
Then it was my turn.....Alex Ovechkin, here I come! Can I just walk out with the jersey Mr. Locker room man? Uh, no! 
Next up was Allisons turn. Joe Thornton! It didn't taker her long to get the gear on. 
Lauren was jumping in Vincent Lecavalier's gear! 
There were huge curtains of players through NHL history. Lauren is standing to give you perspective to show how BIG they actually were! If we did get one of these, Im not sure where it would fit! 
One area was set up like an equipment room. They had video clips that would show you completing a slap shot in slow motion. Pretty neat. Everything inside was free. So all the interactive things they had were totally free. 
Allison & Lauren got a puck/picture display of each of their players. Lauren got to see a picture of Jeff Skinner without all the helmet action on. 
Before heading over to the Stanley Cup, I ran into some lovely EMS girls, protecting the streets on bike patrol! 
Yep, the girls said they were having fun! Too much to do and we were running out of time! 
Standing in line for the Stanley Cup....never too long of a line. We probably should have done this when we first walked in, but there was so much to do, we were trying to complete a circle to make sure we didn't miss anything! 
Obviously Allison had to find something to keep her entertained. Texting of course! 
Allison knows what picture opportunity awaits when the Stanley Cup is involved. We've touched the Cup numerous times, and each time is just as awesome as the 1st. 
After we got this picture taken, we saw the Cup Keeper, Phil! I asked for a picture! What an amazing job. To travel everywhere with the Stanley Cup. 
Walking back through the maze exiting the Stanley Cup were hand impressions of several of the All-Stars. Some of them have some pretty large hands! 
Before we left, this huge NHL logo was turning, we had to be quick! But perfect picture opportunity. 
Walking out they had this huge inflatable set up with the lanes of ice set up that you could intertube for free! Kids were lined up! 
What a great way to start a Saturday! Next stop...Which Wich for tailgait food and then off to the RBC Center!
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