Carolina Hurricanes Cam Ward (left) & Erik Cole take a spin around the stadium with their newly won Stanley Cup. Singer/songwriter Tift Merritt hangs out with SpongeBob SquarePants during the game. SpongeBob gets a lucky smooch from Tift Merritt, shortly after she sang The National Anthem. Bulls fans go crazy as the Stanley Cup enters the stadium. Carolina Hurricane Erik Cole (left) greets Bulls Pitcher Seth McClung. Canes’ Goalie Cam Ward throws out the first pitch. Bulls Coach John Tamargo (right) & the Bulls players watch the Stanley Cup take a turn on the field.

The Durham Bulls Athletic Park has been the place to be lately. Not only are the Durham Bulls full swing into their season, but several high-profile guests have been stopping to see the fans and take in the game.

On Tuesday, July 4, 2006, country music recording artist Tift Merritt sang the national anthem before the game. Merritt got her start playing clubs in the Triangle area and came back for a visit. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter got to give a smooch to another ballpark visitor, SpongeBob SquarePants.

On Friday, July 7th, ice met grass as two Carolina Hurricanes stopped by to throw out the ceremonial opening pitch. Goalie Cam Ward & forward Erik Cole of the Stanley Cup winning Canes squad, got wild cheers from fans, still enjoying the afterglow of winning hockey’s highest prize. They also brought the Stanley Cup along and gave it a spin around the field so fans could get a glimpse of the sacred Cup.

Thanks to DBBC’s George Habel & WRAL.com’s Rachel Shockley for these capcom photos.