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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Tailgate TownTailgate 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.
Parking LotsIf you’re looking to set up your own tailgate, Wake Forest offers several public parking lots. The lots are located outside the LJVM Coliseum and cost $10 making them a good value.
Reserved LotsThe Reserved Lots consisting of the Gold, Red, Blue, and Orange lots require parking passes, but are home to some of the best tailgates found at Wake Forest. Those of you wanting to tailgate with the biggest Demon Deacons fans out there will want to find a way to get a reserved parking spot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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