Know Before You Go: Western Carolina

Know Before You Go: Western Carolina

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest Athletics is committed to providing The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina inside all of its venues while ensuring that all fans have a great time in a healthy and safe environment. Wake Forest University has several gameday strategies and health and safety protocols in place to ensure all fans have a great experience at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.

With the overwhelming excitement for Demon Deacons football in the Winston-Salem and Triad communities, Wake Forest Athletics is excited to announce there are limited tickets remaining for Saturday's contest at Allegacy Stadium.

If you are interested in purchasing limited tickets for Saturday's game against Western Carolina, call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 for more information or to purchase tickets click HERE.

The game will kickoff at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.

Gameday Timeline

9:00 a.m. - Lots Open
11:00 a.m. - Student Tailgate Opens
11:00 a.m. - Ticket Office Opens
11:00 a.m. -Lowe's Foods DEACTOWN Fan Zone Opens
11:30 a.m. - Deacon Walk
12:00 p.m. - Touchdown Club Open
12:00 p.m. - Flow Lexus Club Opens
12:30 p.m. - Pollard Club Opens
12:30 p.m. - All Gates Open
1:00 p.m. - Team Warmups
1:40 p.m. - Pregame Show Begins
2:02 p.m. - Kickoff

Gold Rush Childhood Cancer Game
Following the Pro Humanitate motto of Wake Forest University, the Demon Deacons football program is proud to partner with Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital for a 'Gold Rush' game to raise awareness and benefit research for childhood cancer this Saturday when the Deacs host the Western Carolina Catamounts inside Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.

This exciting opportunity, which is slated to kickoff at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra, brings tremendous value to our communities.

While supplies last, special ticket packages through the Wake Forest Ticket Office are on sale for $35 each. The Gold Rush ticket package includes an exclusive gold t-shirt, a game ticket located in the East Side of Allegacy Stadium with $15 of sale to be donated to Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital for childhood cancer research. The Gold Rush ticket ticket package can be purchased by clicking here.

The Gold Rush t-shirts are being produced by Winston-Salem's Hanesbrands and will also be sold in the Deacon Shop on campus, at Allegacy Stadium and at www.WakeForestShop.com

Wake Forest Athletics will present a total donation check to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist leadership during the game to signify this effort.

Football Alumni Weekend
This weekend marks the largest gathering of Wake Forest Football alumni ever as we welcome back former players and coaches from across the decades. Events include Thursday's Head Coaches' Dinner, Friday's facility tours and alumni social, and Saturday's tailgate and on-field recognition.

We're especially honored to welcome back former head coaches Jim Caldwell, Al Groh, Jim Grobe, Dave Clawson, and John Mackovic, who join our alumni in celebrating the proud tradition of Demon Deacon Football. Wake Forest will have the opportunity to recognize Coach Grobe, Coach Mackovic and our alumni during Saturday's game.

Football alumni will be recognized in the first quarter for their contributions to the program. Later in the first quarter, Coach Mackovic will also receive a special recognition.

Grobe Family Honorary Captains
Wake Forest is excited to welcome back head coaching alumni Jim Grobe and his wife Holly who will serve as honorary captains at the coin toss ahead of the game.

Promotions
Fans in attendance will receive a free gold pom while supplies last, courtesy of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist!

Deacon Shop to Have Select Jersey Inventory Available
Deacon Shop operated by Follett, gives you a new way to show your Deacon pride as select student-athlete jerseys will be on sale at Allegacy Stadium. Additionally, if you would like to place an online order fans can visit WakeForestShop.com.

Open the Gate - Johnny Foster ('78)

Wake Forest alum and longtime volunteer manager for the Wake Forest Football team Johnny Foster ('78) will serve as the Open the Gate honoree during the Demon Deacons' Week 2 matchup against Western Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 6 inside Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Foster has had a longstanding relationship with Wake Forest Football stemming from his time as a student manager, a position he held from 1974-77. After graduating from Wake Forest in 1978, Foster continued working in football with the Baltimore Colts until the team moved in 1984.
After the Colts moved to Indianapolis, Foster stayed in Baltimore to pursue his passion for aviation, ultimately leading him to serve as the President and CEO of Skytech, Inc., the authorized dealer of Pilatus and Piper Aircraft across nine states. During his time at Skytech, which ran from 1980 until his retirement in 2022, Foster assumed roles in every facet of the business along the way and was instrumental in ushering the next phase of company growth – Aircraft Sales.
Even while working in the aviation industry and helping to build Skytech, Inc., Foster continued his connection with Wake Forest football, leading him to become the unofficial "alumni captain" of the Wake Forest football program. Over the past 20 years, Foster has utilized his pilot skills to help fly head coaches Jim Caldwell, Jim Grobe, and Dave Clawson on recruiting trips. Foster has also attended every home and away game over the past 20 years while also serving as a volunteer equipment manager for the team for over a decade.
For his continued service to the Wake Forest football program, Foster was recognized as the recipient of the 2020 Gene Hooks Award, which is given to an athlete, manager, coach or administrator for integrity, charity and leadership.
This upcoming season, Wake Forest football will once again honor Foster's longstanding commitment to Wake Forest as the Director of Equipment Services will be dedicated in his honor.

2024 Women's Soccer Team to be Recognized on the Field
The Wake Forest women's soccer team advanced to the College Cup for the second time in program history, with the first coming in 201. It also marked Wake Forest's 23rd appearance in the NCAA Tournament, with 22 of them coming under the helm of Tony da Luz. Wake Forest finished the 2024 season with a 9-1-1 mark at Spry. Head coach Tony da Luz is one of just 26 coaches to coach in the College Cup multiple times (2011, 2024). They were ranked as high as No. 2, the highest ranking in program history. On Sept. 19, 2024, the Demon Deacons claimed their first-ever win over a No. 1 team as they took down Stanford, 1-0. The Deacs became the first team in NCAA history to take down a No. 1-ranked team and a No. 2-ranked team in back-to-back matches after downing No. 2 Virginia in Charlottesville on Sept. 15. The Deacs had five top-10 wins, the most for the Deacs in program history.
Three weeks ago, Wake Forest placed six on the CSC Academic All-Region Team (Hanks, Ansbrow, Colton, Murphy, Chavoshi, Morris). In addition to posting the best goals-against average in the conference, the Wake Forest defense only conceded seven goals during ACC play, the fewest in the conference as well as the second-most clean sheets with five. Eleven goals allowed in the regular season were the fewest in program history, beating last season's record by three goals.

Friday Night Fireworks
Join Wake Forest Athletics for its traditional firework show before every Demon Deacon home football game. The five-minute show will begin at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday at the Athletics throws field behind McCreary Football Field House.

Accessibility Information
Wake Forest Athletics strives to provide content at games, social media and on GoDeacs.com that is accessible to all people. In the continued effort to improve accessibility of the technology and digital content at tomorrow's game, fans can access closed captions here for the public address announcer and in-venue content.

Wake Forest Athletics is always open to learning about new ideas and ways we can improve. Please report accessibility challenges, identify content you find inaccessible, or give us general feedback at pantagw@wfu.edu.

Parking Information and Tailgating Policies
Season long parking is officially sold out for the 2025 season including the McCreary Tower, Blue, Orange, Red, Couch Ballpark and Starry Lots.. When arriving at your Lot at Allegacy Stadium, have your parking pass out to get scanned by the Lot attendants, allowing for expedited and efficient entry for all fans.

Large group outings, or fans who have purchased a Bojangles 4-Pack, will receive a mobile pass prior to the game for the Coliseum Lot. For fans who have not secured a season parking pass, there are variable game-by-game rates. Parking rates for the 2025 season include:

$20: Western Carolina and Delaware
$40: NC State, Georgia Tech, SMU and North Carolina

All Buses and RVs will be charged for three spaces at the game rate (will be given three ticket stubs). Additionally, all game-by-game bus and RV parking will be in the Pepsi Lot, Allegacy Lot and The Fairgrounds.

The rideshare location for all fans is on Shorefair Dr. near the ITC and Green Lot. Additionally, student shuttles will start running three and a half hours prior to the game with pickup locations on campus in Lot P behind Wait Chapel and Poteat Residence Hall.

Additional parking options include free parking at 2400 Reynolda Road with multiple shuttles providing transportation to and from the drop-off and pickup area located at the LJVM Ticket Office at the main entrance.

For ADA parking with a valid handicap placard, Couch Ballpark Parking is subject to availability, first come first serve. Overflow may park into the Red Lot.

2025 Gameday Parking Map:

Parking Lot Specific Details

Lot	Fan Access	Entry Route	Additional Notes
Starry Lot	Passholders Only	Enter from Deacon Blvd. via Shorefair Drive	No access from University Pkwy to Deacon Blvd. Space is guaranteed until 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Diet Pepsi Lot	Passholders Only	Enter from Deacon Blvd. via Shorefair Drive	No access from University Pkwy to Deacon Blvd. Space is guaranteed until 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Pepsi Lot	Passholders & Gameday Parking	Enter from University Parkway or 27th Street (Goodwill Entrance). Northbound traffic may enter off University Parkway.	No access from Deacon Blvd. Space is guaranteed until 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Allegacy Lot	Gameday Parking	Must enter from University Parkway	No access from Deacon Blvd. Space is guaranteed until 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Grounds Lot	Passholders Only	Must enter from Deacon Blvd. via University Parkway	No alternate access Space is guaranteed for the entire game
Couch Ballpark Lot	ADA & Passholders Only	Must enter from Deacon Blvd. via Shorefair Drive	No access from University Parkway Space is guaranteed for the entire game
McCreary Tower Lot	ADA & Passholders Only	Must enter from Deacon Blvd. via Shorefair Drive	No access from University Parkway Space is guaranteed for the entire game
Gold Lot	Passholders Only	Must enter from Whitaker Park Road via Reynolds Boulevard or 32nd Street via Shorefair Drive.	No access will be permitted from Deacon Boulevard, or Piccolo Lane. Your space will be guaranteed for the entire game.
Blue Lot	Passholders Only	Must enter from Whitaker Park Rd. via Reynolds Blvd.	No access from Shorefair Drive, Deacon Blvd., or Piccolo Lane Space is guaranteed for the entire game
Orange Lot	Passholders Only	Must enter from Whitaker Park Rd. via Reynolds Blvd.	No access from Shorefair Drive, Deacon Blvd., or Piccolo Lane Space is guaranteed for the entire game
Red Lot	ADA & Passholders Only	Must enter from 32nd Street via Shorefair Drive	No access from Whitaker Park Rd., Deacon Blvd., or Piccolo Lane Space is guaranteed until 30 minutes prior to kickoff
Public Parking (Senior Services)	Gameday Parking	Must enter 30th St. via Shorefair Dr.	Lot will remain open until full
Public Parking (The Midway / Fairgrounds)	Gameday Parking	Must enter Gate 7 via Shorefair Dr.	Lot will remain open until full
2400 Reynolda	Gameday Parking (Free Parking)	Reynolda Road via Silas Creek Parkway	Free shuttle will operate 3 hours prior to kickoff and 1.5 hours post game. Pick Up/Drop Off location will be at the entrance of 2400 Reynolda, and at the front entrance of the LJVM Coliseum.

Additionally with multiple sellouts expected this fall, Wake Forest Athletics encouraged fans to get their tickets for the 2025 season while supplies last! Limited quantities remain for Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Aug. 29, Western Carolina on Sept. 6, NC State on Sept. 11, Georgia Tech on Sept. 27 and for North Carolina on Nov. 15.

Little Richards Tailgate Options
- Little Richards, a long-time Winston-Salem BBQ staple, is providing Wake fans a great tailgating solution on football gamedays. This season, Wake fans can pre-order a tailgating catering package from Little Richards and pick it up right on site at Allegacy stadium! Little Richards will be set up near Gate 3 in the grassy area by Bridger Field House with their tent and will have their catering van on-site.

Parking Ingress and Egress:
- Amid ongoing construction and roadway improvements related to The Grounds — a transformational mixed-use development that began construction in late 2024, including the recently announced Creekside apartment development — Wake Forest Athletics has realigned gameday parking and traffic patterns to reflect changes along the new Deacon Boulevard.
- All fans are encouraged to review the updated 2025 parking maps, lot assignments, and entry points by visiting GoDeacs.com/Parking2025. This resource includes interactive maps, helpful FAQs, and tips to ensure a smooth and efficient arrival experience.
- Additionally, courtesy gameday shuttles will be provided to all paid parking lots for the 2025 season.
Added Options to the Touchdown Club
- Wake Forest Athletics is excited to announce the introduction of new upgraded seating options within the Touchdown Club, enhancing what is already one of the most popular premium spaces inside Allegacy Stadium located off Bridger Field House.
- Beginning with the 2025 season, Touchdown Club ticket holders will have the opportunity to upgrade their experience with reserved barstool seats or loge tables located on the Touchdown Club platforms located closest to the field. Fans may also continue to purchase reserved chair back seating and the reserved tables located at the concourse level just outside of the Snead Room indoor club space.
  - The new Touchdown Club seating options will include 35 barstools assigned to ticket buyers with a drink rail on the first platform off the field. The second platform from the field will have seven large tables with four seats at each table for reserved group seating.
Flow Lexus Club Updates
- On the fourth floor of the McCreary Tower, the Flow Lexus Club is adding two 3x3 video walls (one per side) 147" diagonal, 18 upgraded high definition displays throughout the fourth and built-in wireless mics and four new HDMI input plates.
New Seating Stickers on the East Side
- In Sections 11-20 all seats (minus chairbacks and east side club) will have new seat number stickers, making it easier to find your designated seat location upon arrival.
New REVELxp Location Same High-Level Service
- Fans looking for an all-inclusive, turnkey tailgate experience before a Deacs home game can purchase exclusive tailgate packages now. The gameday REVELxp spots are now located outside of Gate Five. Tailgate packages start at $650 and can include a TV with Dish Satellite, tents, tables, chairs, coolers, ice, and everything you need to enjoy your gameday in DEACTOWN. Full service catering packages are also available and feature a variety of local food and beverage options.
- Please visit here to select your tailgating package today.
Pedestal Scanners
- In an effort to continue to offer the Best Fan Experience for all, pedestal scanners will now be added at gates to expedite the entrance process to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Fans can now scan their mobile tickets right from their phones.
Gameday Hotline Texting
- Have a question or need assistance during the game? Text 336-GO-DEACS for quick help from our fan support team. We're here to ensure you have a great experience! Fans can anonymously share or ask:
  - General Questions
  - Facility & Maintenance Needs
  - Fan Experience Feedback
  - Harassment or Other Security Issues
Lost and Found
- If you lost an item attending a Wake Forest football game at Allegacy Stadium, please call the Wake Forest Gameday Hotline at 336-758-GAME (4263) or email gameday@wfu.edu. Guests who find items during an event are asked to turn in the item to a nearby Guest Services staff member or a nearby Guest Information Booth. Lost and Found items are kept for 60 days then will be donated or discarded if items go unclaimed.
Premium Deacon Hill Seating Option:
- Located in a prime viewing area, Deacon Hill Premium Seating and Cabanas offer a unique and upscale game day experience. Call the Wake Forest ticket sales team at 336-758-3322 to secure a spot in this exciting new premium addition.
- Based on popular demand, Allegacy Stadium will now have four Deacon Hill Suite options with the locations under the Class of 1961Videoboard.
Student Tailgate:
- The DEACTOWN Student Tailgate space behind the East stands of Allegacy Stadium is back! Wake Forest Athletics is excited to announce the addition of live musicians for ALL seven home games this Fall. The space will also include food trucks, a large video screen, and additional activations throughout the season. Click HERE to learn more about the 2025 Deactown Student Tailgate.
DEACTOWN Fan Zone Presented by Lowes Foods:
- The DEACTOWN Fan Zone presented by Lowes Foods opens three hours before kickoff and has plenty of seating to sit back, enjoy some music, have a drink, watch a game and let the kids run around and have a good time. Additionally, Deacon Nation can enjoy:
  - Live Band
  - Video Wall
  - Lowes Foods Beer Barrel
  - Inflatables
  - Deacon Shop
  - Face Painters
  - Food Trucks
Gameday Grub: Innovative & Delicious Food Options Await Fans at Allegacy Stadium
- With the help of Wake Forest's concessions & catering partner Proof of the Pudding, Athletics is excited to offer a new selection of food and beverage options at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Additionally, more picnic tables will be made available for fans on the concourse under the shadow of the Bob McCreary Video Board Honoring the Class of 1961. This layout will allow fans to feel like they are at a brewery or outdoor restaurant in Bailey Park while enjoying the good vibes of ACC football.

A map of a football stadium

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Communication Inside Helmets:
- As a reminder from last fall, players and coaches from both programs will harness cutting-edge technology to revolutionize their game. Equipped with helmets that enable real-time communication, coaches can now strategize and adjust tactics directly on the field, elevating teamwork and in-game coordination to a new level.
Bench Video Review:
- Starting in 2024, coaches and players have utilized tablets on the sidelines to access real-time video and film reviews. These cutting-edge tools provide instant analysis and strategic insights, giving both coaches and players a powerful advantage during the game.

Additionally, many initiatives and plans from previous seasons are back in place for the 2025 season:

Tailgating Policies for Wake Forest Football

Tailgating is only permitted in parking spaces that you have purchased.
If you occupy more than one space while tailgating, you must purchase the additional spaces. Patrons will be required to show the same number of parking passes as the parking spaces they occupy.
Only propane grills may be used when tailgating; charcoal grills are prohibited for safety reasons, among others.
Kegs are permitted.
Any persons or groups providing alcohol to others are responsible for preventing excessive consumption and for making sure those consuming alcohol are of legal age.
No glass containers are allowed.
No tents should be erected in parking spaces unless an additional pass is purchased.
Spiking/staking tents is prohibited.
No music amplifiers, subwoofers, bass systems, etc. are permitted. Wake Forest Athletics may deem any speaker system excessive and require the volume to be lowered or to turn it off or remove it.
Gasoline-powered electrical generators are prohibited.
Open flames (except for propane grills) are prohibited.

With that, fans looking for an all-inclusive, turnkey tailgate experience before a Deacs home game can purchase exclusive tailgate packages now. Tailgate packages start at $650 and can include a TV with Dish Satellite, tents, tables, chairs, coolers, ice, and everything you need to enjoy your gameday in DEACTOWN. Full service catering packages are also available and feature a variety of local food and beverage options.

Please visit here to select your tailgating package today.

Last-Minute Reminders
Part of providing the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina is ensuring that all patrons understand gameday timelines and other logistical information before fans leave their home to come to Allegacy Stadium. With that, please check out Wake's clear bag policy and prohibited items list and remember to download your mobile tickets that can be accessed through the Wake Forest App.

Additionally, with multiple sellouts expected this fall, tickets can be purchased on the secondary market from SeatGeek upon that announcement.

Finally, the enhancements prior to the 2023 season Wake Forest Athletics will be enjoyed by all as installed new LED lighting, new field turf, handrails throughout the stadium, stairs on each side of Deacon Hill and a new LED video board on Bridger Field House.

Bojangles Four Pack and Single-Game Tickets
The Bojangles Four-Pack includes tickets in a reserved east side seating section and complimentary parking in the Diet Pepsi Lot at the LJVM Coliseum for select games. With demand already at record levels for several home games, only a limited number of Four-Pack packages are available. These tickets will sell out, so act fast!

Don't miss your chance to be part of the action this fall—secure your single game or Bojangles Four-Pack tickets today and be there for every touchdown, turnover, and unforgettable moment.

Wake Forest Athletics has previously announced the full fan experience, group day and promotional plans for the 2025 football season.

The quickest and most efficient way to order single-game tickets is to click the link above for the specific game you want to purchase or to call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 ext. 1. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Guest Services
Remember, DEACTOWN is digital and cashless so download your mobile tickets for entry and bring a credit or debit card to use at concessions stands. Our Fan Experience and ticketing staff along with our hard-working Rhino Sports & Entertainment Services partners will be circulating and are available at guest information booths inside and around the stadium. Your input is really helpful as we strive to provide the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina so please email gameday@wfu.edu or text/call 336-758-GAME with gameday-related questions!

Safety is the number one priority at all times so utilize the handrails in all Allegacy Stadium aisles and use the stairs on either side of Deacon Hill if that's where you are sitting! Also, remember that we have energy efficient (and brighter) LED lighting and there will be special light shows and pyrotechnics during the game after the Deacons score or a big play takes place. And, remember to hydrate all day as we may enact our heat plan that includes multiple water bottle filling stations and misting fans throughout the venue. Any fan experiencing a heat-related illness should contact the nearest Rhino Event Staff member or visit a First Aid Room.

Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.

Wake Forest Athletics

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