Wolfpack Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Dave Doeren

Team Mascot: Mr. and Ms. Wuf

Year Opened: 1966

Capacity: 57583

City / State: Raleigh / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Textile Bowl

Rival Team: Clemson Tigers

Each year Clemson and NC State bud heads in what is colloquially known as the Textile Bowl. The nickname comes from the fact that these two universities have the two largest textile programs in the world. The textile industry also has a strong historical significance in both of the school’s states. Clemson won the first meeting 24-0 and have held the upper hand in the rivalry ever since as they hold a 54-28-1 all-time lead in the series. The Wolfpack will look to narrow the gap this season when the Tigers come to Raleigh.

NC State vs North Carolina

Rival Team: UNC Tar Heels

The Tar Heels and Wolfpack having been battling it out on the gridiron for over a century as these two teams first met in 1894 when North Carolina shutout NC State 44-0. The Tar Heels would dominate the rivalry for the next sixty years. However, things have been more even recently as the Wolfpack have won six of the last eight meetings.

NC State vs Wake Forest

Rival Team: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The Wolfpack’s rivalry with the Demon Deacons stems from the schools’ proximity and the fact both schools are in the ACC Atlantic Division. NC State leads the all-time series between these two schools 62-38-6 and hopes to extend that lead this coming season.

Wolfpack Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Carter-Finley Stadium is located on the state fairgrounds of North Carolina meaning that there is plenty of space to tailgate and party before the game. You’ll find a great variety of food and beverages that are sure to make your mouth water at a Wolfpack tailgate as Carter-Finley Stadium’s location makes it a great place for tailgating.

No discussion about a North Carolina school tailgate can be had without discussing the famous BBQ. Inside Carter-Finley Stadium you can find the delicious cuisine of one the most famous BBQ restaurants in Raleigh. If you’re looking for something to eat during the game, make sure to grab some of their famous chopped pork.

One unique aspect of tailgating at NC State  is that all season long fans compete for the right to be the tailgate champions. Throughout the season prizes are awarded for different tailgating challenges related to categories such as setup, food, and vehicle. These awards help to create the amazing tailgating atmosphere here as everyone is sure to up their game to win the honor of tailgate champion.

Traditions

Walk of Champions

Before the game fans line the sidewalks in front of the Murphy Football Center to cheer on their team. Here you’ll get a chance to get up close and personal with the players and coaches before they take the field. The Walk of Champions is a must for any diehard Wolfpack fans.

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Ram Roast

The annual cookout is held before the NC State-UNC game and is a great time for students. If you’re NC State student there is no better way to get into the Wolfpack spirit than taking part in the Ram Roast.

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Tailgate Championship

One unique aspect of tailgating at NC State is that all season long fans compete for the right to be the tailgate champions. Throughout the season prizes are awarded for different tailgating challenges related to categories such as setup, food, and vehicle. These awards help to create a fantastic tailgating atmosphere as everyone is sure to up their game to win the honor of tailgate champion.

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Wolfpack Turf Statue

The large statue located outside of the Wendall H. Murphy Football Center features a waterfall and three wolves climb on rocks. Stop by and snap a picture with the Wolfpack Turf Statue during your trip to Raleigh.

Where to tailgate

Wolfpack Stadium Guide

In Game

NC State  fans arrive at the game early to cheer on their team but rarely leave early as the fans here brim with passion and pride for their Wolfpack. The crowd here spends most of the game on their feet as everyone cheers on the team win or lose. No matter what section you are sitting in you are sure to have a lot of company as you cheer on the Wolfpack to victory.

Things start off at Carter-Finley Stadium with a bang as the fans are pumped and ready to cheer on their team to victory the moment the players charge through the “Wolf Den” shaped tunnel.  As the team emerges in front of a packed house of cheering Wolfpack fans one can’t help but feel a chill run down their back. This incredible atmosphere lasts throughout the game and makes a Wolfpack football game a amazing experience.

Things to check out

Sign of the Wolf

The Sign of the Wolf is a great way to show off your Wolfpack pride and let everyone know who you root for. To show the Sign of the Wolf bring your ring finger, middle finger, and thumb together while sticking your index and pinky fingers up. Next time you're at an NC State game, make sure to show the Sign of the Wolf to meet fellow fans and make friends quickly.

Wolf Den

After pre-game ceremonies, which feature the singing of the Alma Mater, National Anthem, and fight song the players finally enter the field. The players charge through a “Wolf Den” shaped tunnel as they emerge in front of a packed house of cheering Wolfpack fans. This entrance is sure to get any fan pumped and ready to cheer on the Wolfpack to victory.

Flag Bearers

Each week two players are given the honor of carrying the American and North Carolina flags onto the field. This tradition is a great way for the coaching staff to show the players they appreciate their hard work as well as a great way to honor the US and North Carolina.

“The Power Sound of the South”

NC State is home to one of the best marching bands in the country, as The Power Sound of the South is sure to put on a great show worth the price of admission all on its own. One of their most famous traditions is the spelling out of NC State in cursive, which really helps create that NC State game day feel.

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Vaughn Towers

Vaughn Towers houses the press box, luxury boxes, and club seats. If you’re looking for a premium in-game experience then make sure to get tickets in the Vaughn Towers.

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Fight Songs

  1. NC State Alma Mater

    Sung before games and after Wolfpack scores

    Where the winds of Dixie softly blow

    o’er the fields of Caroline,

    There stands ever cherished, N.C. State,

    as thy honored shrine.

    So lift your voices! Loudly sing

    from hill to oceanside!  

     

    Our hearts ever hold you, N.C. State,

    in the folds of our love and pride.

  2. Pregame Fight Song

    Shout aloud to the men,

    Who will play the game to win.

    We’re behind you,

    Keep fighting for State.  

     

    Hold that line,

    Hold ’em fast,

    We will reach victory at last

    We’re behind you

    Keep fighting for State.  

     

    Rise up to the fray,

    And let your colors wave,

    Shout out for dear old NC State

    (Go State!)  

     

    And where e’er we go,

    We’ll let the whole world know,

    We’re behind you,

    Keep fighting for State.
    (Repeat)

  3. Red and White

    We’re the Red and White from State,

    And we know we are the best.

    A hand behind our back,

    We can take on all the rest.

    Come over the hill, Caroline.*

    Devils and Deacs stand in line.

    The Red and White from N.C. State,

    Go State!

  4. Wolfpack Chant

    One side of the stadium chants “Wolf” while the other side responds: “Pack”.

Wolfpack Bars & Restaurants

  1. Raleigh Times Bar

    Raleigh Times Bae

    Belgian beers, microbrews & American pub grub served in the namesake paper's historic former home.

    14 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

    919-833-0999

    Bar website

    american - european - $$

  2. The Baxter

    The Baxter

    The Baxter brings you an experience like no other bar, with its nerd-chic atmosphere and having up to 50 vintage and original arcade games, quality libations of various forms.

    108 N Graham St, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA

    919-869-7486

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. Sammy’s Tap & Grill

    Beer tap

    Ample sports bar with 57 TVs, plus standard bar fare, draws a boisterous collegiate clientele

    2235 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

    919-755-3880

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. The Brickhouse Sports Bar

    Half Barrel

    Rustic pub known for Cajun seafood & sandwiches, with live music & ample TVs for watching sports.

    3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

    919-829-3666

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Champion’s Bar & More

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Champions Bars & More is one of Raleigh's oldest Billiard Club and Sports Bar, proudly serving The triangle Ice Cold Beer since 1993.

    5563 Western Blvd # 10, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

    919-380-1617

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  6. Buffalo Brothers

    Buffalo Brothers

    Family-friendly spot with a large menu of pizzas, wings, burgers & more, with a bar area & 30 TVs.

    4025 Lake Boone Trail #100, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

    919-782-4949

    Bar website

    pizza - sportsbar - $

  7. The Goat

    Bear Trap

    This bar has the absolute best specials to go with a super fun selection of drinks!.

    5111 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

    919-233-4143

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Smokey’s BBQ Shack

    Ribs

    No-nonsense spot with platters & sandwiches of BBQ pulled pork, brisket & more, plus Southern sides.

    10800 Chapel Hill Rd, Morrisville, NC 27560, USA

    919-469-1724

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  9. The Pit

    The Pit

    Pit-smoked free-range pork, Texas-style brisket & other BBQ staples in a smart-casual setting.

    328 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

    919-890-4500

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  10. Angus Barn

    Angus Barn

    The Angus Barn Experience goes far beyond serving meals...We are in the memory business - making and creating unforgettable memories for you - our guest.

    9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617, USA

    919-781-2444

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  11. Clyde Cooper’s Barbecue

    Five Star Tavern Burger Etiwanda Roadhouse Burger Old Bag of Nails Pub Burger Dixie Pig Barbecue Burger

    Slow cooks only top lean pork shoulders and hams until they are meltingly tender, mixed with a splash of their own tasty barbecue sauce.

    327 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

    919-832-7614

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  12. Char-Grill

    Original Char Grill

    Char-Grill has the best burgers, fries and other favorites available at all of our fine locations. We also offer delicious milkshakes, ice-cold drinks and so much more!

    618 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

    919-821-7636

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  13. Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant

    Amadeos Restaurant

    Amedeo's has been a local favorite for over two decades and continues to be one of the premiere dining destinations in Northeast Houston.

    3905 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

    919-851-0473

    Bar website

    italian - $

  14. Old Time Barbecue

    Five Star Tavern Burger Etiwanda Roadhouse Burger Old Bag of Nails Pub Burger Dixie Pig Barbecue Burger

    Down-home BBQ joint serving meat-&-3 plates at lunch & dinner, plus tailgate-party platters to go.

    6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA

    919-859-2544

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  15. Backyard Bistro

    Backyard Bistro

    Backyard Bistro’s food and bar specials are as competitive as the games played across the street at PNC Arena or Carter-Finley Stadium.

    1235 Hurricane Alley Way, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

    919-851-6203

    Bar website

    american - bbq - sportsbar - $$

  16. Players’ Retreat

    Players Retreat

    Storied sports bar with an extensive menu of American fare, plus a long list of single-malt scotch

    105 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605, USA

    919-755-9589

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$