Demon Deacon Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Dave Clawson

Team Mascot: Demon Deacon

Year Opened: 1968

Capacity: 31500

City / State: Winston-Salem / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Wake Forest vs UNC

Rival Team: UNC Tar Heels

The Wake Forest-UNC rivalry is the oldest rivalry in the state of North Carolina as the two schools have been playing each other since 1888 when Wake Forest took down the Tar Heels 6-4. Things haven’t quite gone the Demon Deacons way though recently as the Tar Heels own the overall series record with a 68-35-2 record. The 2019 meeting will mark the first time that two teams from the same Power 5 conference will schedule one another as non-conference opponents.

Wake Forest vs Duke

Rival Team: Duke Blue Devils

Duke is an in-state rival and Tobacco Road member in addition to being Wake Forest’s ACC crossover rival. Duke leads the all-time series 55-37-2, but the Demon Deacons hope to narrow that gap soon.

Wake Forest vs NC State

Rival Team: NC State Wolfpack

The Wolfpack is arguably the Demon Deacons biggest rival as both schools are in the ACC Atlantic Division. NC State leads the all-time series between these two schools 62-38-6, but the Demon Deacons will look to make a dent in that lead this coming season.

Demon Deacon Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Tailgating at Wake Forest primarily takes place in the parking lots surrounding the sports complex that is located just east of campus. The fans here are not shy about who they support and love to display the black and gold of Wake Forest. The fans also provide plenty of tailgate games and pre-game entertainment, such as cornhole, creating a fun and lively tailgating environment.

In addition to pre-game entertainment, Wake Forest tailgates offer a bevy of food based in North Carolina tradition, which helps create a unique North Carolina style tailgate. Here you’ll find plenty of barbecue as well as spicy foods to fill up on, including stuffed hot peppers and hot wings. Grab a beer and a bite to eat before the game as the fans here are more than welcoming.

Wake Forest fans are extremely welcoming and you’ll fit right in if you’re wearing black and gold, so don’t hesitate to arrive to the game early and party with your fellow Demon Deacon fans.

Traditions

Rolling the Quad

Wake Forest students celebrate victories over rivals and ranked opponents by covering the Quad in toilet paper. If you’re in Winston-Salem after a big win then join in on this fun tradition.

play Watch video

Lowes Foods Tailgate Town

The Lowes Foods Deacon Tailgate Town on Baity Street is a great place to go before the game. It offers a wide variety of food, games, live music, and a live radio show. Tailgate Town opens three hours before kickoff, so if you’re looking for something to do before the game make sure to check it out.

Where to tailgate

Demon Deacon Stadium Guide

In Game

Despite being the sixth smallest school in the FBS and the smallest in a BCS conference, Wake Forest has a tremendous amount of fan support. The fans here really get behind their team win or lose and have even earned the title of having the best attendance based on a percentage of capacity from 2006 to 2009. The Deacons averaged over 100 percent of capacity each year during that stretch showing their pride and dedication to the team.

The Grille at Deacon Tower offers a unique way for fans to enjoy the game as it offers a full service sit down restaurant inside of the stadium.  The Grille is open on game days to those with club seats or a suite and offers American cuisine that uses fresh locally grown ingredients. If you’re looking for something to eat during the game and aren’t afraid to open your wallet, then the Grille at Deacon Tower is the place for you.

The great fan support and fun atmosphere surrounding a Wake Forest game day make attending a Demon Deacons an excellent time for any college football fan.

Things to check out

Deacon Tower

Deacon Tower stands as the centerpiece of the Wake Forest football complex and is one of the most beautiful press facilities in the nation. The seven-story tower completed in 2008 is home to the luxury suites, club seats, and press boxes at Truist Field at Wake Forest. If you ever get the chance to take in a Wake Forest from Deacon Tower make sure you take it as it offers a one of a kind view that can’t be found anywhere else.

play Watch video

Deacon Hill

The hill in the southeast end zone is used for additional seating and offers a unique football game viewing experience. If you want to be able to stretch out during the game then make sure to check out Deacon Hill.

Open the Gate

One of the biggest traditions at Wake Forest is “Open the Gate” where a famous alumni leads the team onto the field on a Harley. Past honorees include sports legends such as Arnold Palmer and Tim Duncan as well as other alumni who have accomplished great things in their lives. Keep your eyes peeled as you’ll never know who will open the gate at the next Demon Deacons home game.

play Watch video

Demon Deacon

The nickname Demon Deacons originated in 1923 when the school paper referred to the team as the Demon Deacons due to their devilish play. However, it wasn’t until 1941 that the Demon Deacons mascot made his first appearance when Jack Baldwin led the team onto the field riding the North Carolina ram while dressed as the now famous character. The mascot has been a mainstay ever since and is sure to provide plenty of entertainment at any Wake Forest sporting event, so keep your eyes open for him throughout the game.

play Watch video

Fight Songs

  1. Dear Old Wake Forest

    Dear old Wake Forest, Thine is a noble name;

    Thine is a glorious fame, Constant and true.

    We give thee of our praise, Adore thine ancient days,

    Sing thee our humble lays, Mother, so dear.  

     

    Dear old Wake Forest, Mystic thy name to cheer;

    Be thou our guardian near fore’er and aye.

    We bow before thy shrine, Thy brow with bays entwine,

    All honor now be thine, Mother, today.

  2. Here's to Wake Forest

    O here’s to Wake Forest

    A glass of the finest

    Red ruddy, Rhenish filled up to the brim.

    Her sons they are many

    Unrivaled by any

    With hearts o’erflowing, we will sing a hymn.  

    (Chorus)

    Rah! Rah! Wake Forest Rah!

    Old Alma Mater’s sons are we.

    We’ll herald the story

    And die for her glory,

    Old Gold and Black is ever waving high.  

    As frosh we adore her

    As sophs we explore her

    And carve our names upon her ancient walls.

    As juniors patrol her

    As seniors extol her

    And weep to leave fore’er her sacred halls.

    (Repeat Chorus)

    Though fortune forsake us

    And fate o’ertake us,

    We’ll ne’er forget our dear old college days.

    And o’er memory’s treasure

    We’ll drink without measure,

    And sing fore’er our Alma Mater’s praise.  
    (Repeat Chorus)

Demon Deacon Bars & Restaurants

  1. Foothills Brewing

    Foothills Brewing beer

    Microbrews galore, plus pub grub & live music in an airy setting with high ceilings & exposed brick.

    638 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA

    336-777-3348

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Taco Riendo 3

    Uncle Festers

    Excellent, authentic, traditional Mexican food!

    3619 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA

    336-922-4749

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  3. Small Batch Beer Co.

    beer

    Easygoing hangout offering elevated pub food in a hip setting with reclaimed wood & tile.

    241 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA

    336-893-6395

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Finnigan’s Wake Irish Pub

    Beers

    Brick-lined tavern offering up standard Irish food & a wide range of microbrews & scotch at the bar.

    620 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA

    336-723-0322

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. Putter’s Patio & Grill

    Putters Patio

    Serves classic favorites such as aged-to-perfection steaks, steaming fajitas, and the gorgonzola bleu cheese fries.

    3005 Bonhurst Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA

    336-724-9990

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Village Tavern

    Village Tavern

    Sleek & spacious eatery featuring a large menu of American favorites plus an extensive wine list.

    2201 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA

    336-748-0221

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Tequila Mexican Restaurant

    Tequila Restaurant

    Make Tequila Mexican Restaurant your favorite choice for Mexican Food. Its cold, refreshing drinks, and the great service Winston-Salem has loved for years.

    2802 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA

    336-727-9547

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  8. Mr. Barbecue

    Mr Barbecue

    Casual Southern BBQ joint since 1962, serving smoked-meat platters, classic sides & sandwiches.

    1381 Peters Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, USA

    336-725-7827

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  9. Prissy Polly’s BBQ Restaurant

    Ribs

    Warm counter-serve joint dishing up Eastern- and Lexington-style BBQ & more, plus weekly live music.

    729 NC-66, Kernersville, NC 27284, USA

    336-993-5045

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  10. BLL Rotisserie Factory

    pasta

    Uses only natural and fresh herbs to prepare our chicken, following the perfection of the Italian Tradition

    380 Knollwood St, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, USA

    336-725-7071

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Lexington Barbecue

    Imos Pizza Pizza

    North Carolina-style barbecue standards offered with signature sauce in down-to-earth digs.

    100 Smokehouse Ln, Lexington, NC 27295, USA

    336-249-9814

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  12. Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

    Elizabeths Italian Restaurant Pizzeria

    Basic strip-mall source for Italian comfort eats ranging from pizza & pasta to stromboli & subs.

    2824 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA

    336-724-4650

    Bar website

    european - italian - $$

  13. Ryan’s Restaurant -Steaks-Chops & Seafood

    Ryans Restaurant Steaks Chops Seafood

    Renowned for their specialty pastas, exceptional seafood dishes, and homemade desserts.

    719 Coliseum Dr NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA

    336-724-6132

    Bar website

    american - italian - $$$

  14. North Point Grill

    Norht Point Grill

    You'll find a wide variety of great meals. From oversized salads, soups in our famous bread bowl, seafood, pasta, and the largest variety of sandwiches in the area you won't leave hungry.

    7843 North Point Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA

    336-896-0500

    Bar website

    american - $