Carolina Hurricanes national anthem singer Adam Lee Decker is readying himself for a high-stakes performance.
He will sing before a sold-out crowd and a nationally televised audience for Thursday night's Eastern Conference Finals opener at the Lenovo Center.
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Decker has been singing the National Anthem at Hurricanes games for nine years. He has become a fan favorite during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
ABC11 tracked his routine inside the venue on Tuesday. The musician and former "America's Got Talent" contestant is preparing to lead the arena.
"We're taking it in, we're smelling the popcorn," Decker told WNCT about his pregame ritual.
"We're smelling the ice, taking in the cool…just the excitement through my body."
He emphasized the emotional connection.
"It means so many things to so many different people, and they trust me here, and I trust myself here, and Canes Nation, a lot of Canes Nation, is usually happy."
The atmosphere inside the Lenovo Center provides an immediate emotional pull. "You walk into this building, and it's a funnel.
You're going to fall into it," Decker said to ABC11.
Decker also joked about how fan recognition affects his daily routine. He now thinks carefully about his attire when running errands outside the house.
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"Yeah, exactly. Apparently, allegedly Svechnikov knows who's going to be singing the anthem every time.
So I love that," Decker said.
The musician maintains a grounded perspective on his role. He balances his local celebrity status with regular musical commitments, including performances at weddings.
"It's one of those things that are just it's so raw. It's so fresh.
It's alive, and I love it," Decker said.
Rather than looking ahead to a potential Stanley Cup run, Decker's attention remains fixed on the opening game.
"Everybody kind of knows my face and my name, and it's my opportunity to show everybody that I'm just kind of a normal dude who appreciates hockey," he said.
The performance marks the return of Carolina Hurricanes postseason action. The team advances through the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.
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"I'm just glad to lead the charge," Decker said.
