Wake Forest Athletics

Lost Worlds Brewing Unveils Deacon Ale, Official Craft Beer of Wake Forest
7/16/2026 2:55:00 PM | Football, General
The golden ale will add to the Demon Deacons’ gameday excitement and celebration of victories.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest Athletics and Lost Worlds Brewing have officially announced the release of Deacon Ale. This partnership between Lost Worlds, Wake Forest Sports Properties and Wake Forest Athletics introduces a new self-distributed beer artfully crafted to fuel the gameday atmosphere in Winston-Salem. Deacon Ale is the latest initiative in the Demon Deacons' commitment to providing The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina – set to benefit Wake Forest, its proud fanbase and the university community in numerous ways.
Deacon Ale has a 4.2% ABV and will be available throughout Allegacy Stadium, inside LJVM Coliseum, and all Wake Athletics venues moving forward. In addition, Deacon Ale may be purchased from Lowes Foods, Total Wine & More, and Harris Teeter throughout the Triad and beyond, with the product hitting the shelves over the next few weeks.
Fans are invited for a special Deacon Ale tasting opportunity at Lowes Foods at 3372 Robinhood Rd. in Winston-Salem on Monday, July 20 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. during the two-day Around the Triad appearances by football head coach Jake Dickert and Demon Deacon football student-athletes on July 20 and 21.
About Lost Worlds Brewing Company
Opening its doors in 2020, Lost Worlds Brewing was founded by Dave and Allison Hamme to create a basecamp for like-minded adventure seekers to plot their next adventures while enjoying quality beer brewed in their community. The 5,000 square-foot facility includes a 10-barrel brewing system, visible from the taproom. The 3,000 square-foot outdoor biergarten features music, food trucks and a great outdoor experience for guests. Lost Worlds Brewing is a member of the Brewer's Association and the North Carolina Craft Brewing Guild. The company operates out of two locations in Cornelius and Charlotte, N.C.
What They're Saying
Single Game Tickets on Sale Now
Single-game tickets are now on sale for the 2026 football season as Coach Jake Dickert and the Demon Deacons prepare for another exciting fall of Wake Forest action on the gridiron.
Following last year's nine-win season – the fourth in program history and second in five seasons – the Deacs will begin the 2026 campaign with Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Here is a full breakdown of the prices for each game and unique themes for each contest that will help bring our community together for these annual fun events:
Four Packs On Sale Now
The fan-favorite 4-Pack will be back for the 2026 season and now includes built-in concessions credit! 4-Packs include four game tickets, a parking pass, a $20 concessions credit ($5 per ticket) redeemable at all permanent concessions stands (excludes food trucks and satellite stands), and a code for 20 percent off an online purchase at the Deacon Shop (code sent after each game). 4-Pack quantities and locations are limited and available while supplies last.
2026 Wake Forest Football Four Pack Pricing
* Stanford 4-packs do not include a parking pass due to the Carolina Classic Fair.
Group Day Options Await
Opportunities are now available for groups across the state of North Carolina to enjoy the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina through organized group outings. Make Wake Forest football the destination for your next group outing and join us in DEACTOWN for a game this season!
A number of organized group opportunities are available for the 2026 season. With limited inventory available, take advantage of these discounted rates now to bring your group to Allegacy Stadium. Customized packages, including group promotional codes for online purchases, can be organized by contacting the Wake Forest Ticket Office sales team at 336-758-3322 ext. 1.
2026 Wake Forest Football Group Day Pricing
* Limited locations and quantities available
Season Ticket Offers
As Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie shared after Coach Dickert signed his long-term contract extension – Wake Forest Athletics has asked Deacon Nation to make a personal commitment to the "One More Rule" and attend at least one more Wake Forest football game – in person – in 2026 than a fan did in 2025. Fans are encouraged to purchase the special Built in the Dark season ticket plan – just $149 per ticket – with seats available in Sections 1 and 10 (rows FFF–OOO) and Sections 11–12 (rows L–CC) while inventory lasts.
Fans can also review full season ticket options and pricing for the 2026 season by clicking here and purchase online at GoDeacs.com/tickets, or by calling 336-758-3322.
Wake Forest Football Overview
In the greatest debut campaign by a head coach in program history, Dickert, his staff and his players guided the Demon Deacons to just the fourth nine-win season in school history, punctuated by an emphatic 43–29 victory over Mississippi State to capture the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Wake Forest finished the 2025 season 9-4, marking the fifth time in the last nine years the program reached eight or more wins – one of only five ACC programs to accomplish that feat during the span.
With that, the nine victories in 2025 was tied for the most among all FBS and Power 4 programs in the Carolinas.
Dickert surpassed Billy Dooley who won seven games during his first season in Winston-Salem in 1987 and the 2025 campaign was highlighted by marquee College Football Playoff Top-25 wins over SMU and No. 12 Virginia – the Cavaliers' only home loss of the year – as well as a Big Four victory over North Carolina inside a sold-out Allegacy Stadium.
Defensively, the Demon Deacons were among the ACC's elite in 2025, ranking seventh in the league and 44th nationally in scoring defense while finishing top-six in the conference in both total defense and passing defense. Wake Forest did not allow a touchdown against either No. 12 Virginia or North Carolina during the season.
Individual success followed team success, as 12 Demon Deacons earned All-ACC honors in 2025. The selections marked the ninth consecutive season Wake Forest placed six or more players on the All-Conference teams, and since 2019, the program's 74 All-ACC honorees rank fifth most in the ACC. Additionally, three Demon Deacons garnered All-America honors as senior tailback Demond Claiborne and redshirt senior safety Nick Andersen were named honorable mention by Phil Steele and rookie kicker Connor Calvert was named a FWAA Freshman All-American.
The Demon Deacons return top-tier talent again for the 2026 season led by a core group of star defensive back Davaughn Patterson, breakout offensive weapon Carlos Hernandez and the ACC leader in tackles for loss Langston Hardy.
Patterson, an All-ACC selection, made 80 total tackles, 4.0 TFLs, nine pass breakups and forced a fumble. He finished sixth in the ACC and first on the team with nine passes defended. For Patterson's efforts in the memorable win over SMU, he was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week and garnered PFF Team of the Week honors.
Hernandez was the Deacs leading receiver in 2025 catching 40 passes for 611 yards and three receiving touchdowns while also scoring a rushing touchdown and returning an unforgettable punt for a touchdown in the road win at No. 13 Virginia. Against Delaware, he had a career day, catching five passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a 97-yarder, the longest reception in school history. He also totaled 100 receiving yards, 51 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in the victory over North Carolina.
Hardy, an All-ACC pick, led the ACC and finished fifth in the country with 17.0 tackles for loss. He also tied for 11th in Wake Forest history with 17.0 TFLs in a season. Additionally, his 7.0 sacks led the team and was good for fifth-most in the conference.
Guest Services
Fans with questions before, during and after all Wake Forest home football games are encouraged to contact the Wake Forest Athletics Gameday Hotline via phone at 336-758-GAME or email at gameday@wfu.edu. This service is also available during normal business hours Monday-Friday.
Fans needing assistance are also encouraged to visit Wake Forest Athletics gameday information website on GoDeacs.com ahead of all home contests. The gameday page is the hub of all fan information pertaining to gameday policies and procedures for Allegacy Stadium.
Additionally, Rhino event staff team members are available at numerous guest information booths inside and around Allegacy Stadium. Locations are identified on our interior map found here.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Deacon Ale has a 4.2% ABV and will be available throughout Allegacy Stadium, inside LJVM Coliseum, and all Wake Athletics venues moving forward. In addition, Deacon Ale may be purchased from Lowes Foods, Total Wine & More, and Harris Teeter throughout the Triad and beyond, with the product hitting the shelves over the next few weeks.
Fans are invited for a special Deacon Ale tasting opportunity at Lowes Foods at 3372 Robinhood Rd. in Winston-Salem on Monday, July 20 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. during the two-day Around the Triad appearances by football head coach Jake Dickert and Demon Deacon football student-athletes on July 20 and 21.
About Lost Worlds Brewing Company
Opening its doors in 2020, Lost Worlds Brewing was founded by Dave and Allison Hamme to create a basecamp for like-minded adventure seekers to plot their next adventures while enjoying quality beer brewed in their community. The 5,000 square-foot facility includes a 10-barrel brewing system, visible from the taproom. The 3,000 square-foot outdoor biergarten features music, food trucks and a great outdoor experience for guests. Lost Worlds Brewing is a member of the Brewer's Association and the North Carolina Craft Brewing Guild. The company operates out of two locations in Cornelius and Charlotte, N.C.
What They're Saying
- Founder & General Manager of Lost Worlds Brewing Company Dave Hamme:
- "Lost Worlds Brewing is beyond pleased to support Wake Forest University with the release of Deacon Ale. Described as 'sunshine in a glass,' Deacon Ale is a 4.2% ABV golden ale. Designed in partnership with Wake Forest University, this iconic can depicts the best of this esteemed university. We can't wait to share it with our friends at Wake Forest on gameday!"
- Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie ('93):
- "Deacon Ale will be a great feature for Demon Deacons of age to enjoy on gameday this fall in Allegacy Stadium and wherever Wake fans are cheering on the Old Gold & Black! We are excited for this partnership with Lost Worlds Brewing that extends the Demon Deacon brand throughout the region."
- Wake Forest Sports Properties Senior Manager of Business Development Kristen Atwell:
- "Deacon Ale is more than a great-tasting beer – it's a chance for Demon Deacon fans to celebrate their love for Wake Forest while supporting a passionate partner. Dave Hamme's collaborative ideas to merge an adventure-themed brewery with a dedicated fanbase is brilliant. We're excited to see this partnership come to life in stores throughout the market and sporting events this fall."
- Proof of Pudding Director of Operations Tiffany Joyner:
- "We are thrilled to launch this new partnership with Lost Worlds Brewing and bring Deacon Ale to our fans. As a North Carolina brewery based in Cornelius, Lost Worlds brings a strong local connection and a great craft product that we know fans will enjoy. At Proof of the Pudding, we are always looking for ways to enhance the gameday experience through our concessions, and adding Deacon Ale gives fans another unique way to celebrate their Demon Deacon pride. We're excited about what this partnership brings to Wake Forest Athletics and look forward to seeing it become part of the fan experience on gameday."
Single Game Tickets on Sale Now
Single-game tickets are now on sale for the 2026 football season as Coach Jake Dickert and the Demon Deacons prepare for another exciting fall of Wake Forest action on the gridiron.
Following last year's nine-win season – the fourth in program history and second in five seasons – the Deacs will begin the 2026 campaign with Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Here is a full breakdown of the prices for each game and unique themes for each contest that will help bring our community together for these annual fun events:
- Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3 vs. Akron: Starting at $15
- Wear Black and UNRIVALED Weekend on Friday, Sept. 18 vs. Miami: Starting at $50
- Family Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Stanford: Starting at $50
- Salute to Service on Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Virginia: Starting at $30
- Homecoming and Gold Rush on Saturday, Nov. 7 vs. Merrimack: Starting at $15
- Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 28 vs. Duke: Starting at $15
Four Packs On Sale Now
The fan-favorite 4-Pack will be back for the 2026 season and now includes built-in concessions credit! 4-Packs include four game tickets, a parking pass, a $20 concessions credit ($5 per ticket) redeemable at all permanent concessions stands (excludes food trucks and satellite stands), and a code for 20 percent off an online purchase at the Deacon Shop (code sent after each game). 4-Pack quantities and locations are limited and available while supplies last.
2026 Wake Forest Football Four Pack Pricing
| Game | Starting Price | August 1 Increase | Sept. 1 Increase | Oct. 1 Increase |
| Akron (Sept. 3) | $66 | $76 | x | x |
| Miami (Sept. 18) | $145 | x | $155 | x |
| Stanford (Oct. 3) * | $145 | x | $155 | x |
| Virginia (Oct. 31) | $95 | x | x | $105 |
| Merrimack (Nov. 7) | $66 | x | x | $76 |
| Duke (Nov. 28) | $66 | x | x | $76 |
Group Day Options Await
Opportunities are now available for groups across the state of North Carolina to enjoy the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina through organized group outings. Make Wake Forest football the destination for your next group outing and join us in DEACTOWN for a game this season!
A number of organized group opportunities are available for the 2026 season. With limited inventory available, take advantage of these discounted rates now to bring your group to Allegacy Stadium. Customized packages, including group promotional codes for online purchases, can be organized by contacting the Wake Forest Ticket Office sales team at 336-758-3322 ext. 1.
2026 Wake Forest Football Group Day Pricing
| Game | 15-99 Tickets | 100+ Tickets |
| Akron (Sept. 3) | $10 | $10 |
| Miami (Sept. 18) | $30* | $22* |
| Stanford (Oct. 3) | $30* | $22* |
| Virginia (Oct. 31) | $20 | $12 |
| Merrimack (Nov. 7) | $10 | $10 |
| Duke (Nov. 28) | $10 | $10 |
Season Ticket Offers
As Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie shared after Coach Dickert signed his long-term contract extension – Wake Forest Athletics has asked Deacon Nation to make a personal commitment to the "One More Rule" and attend at least one more Wake Forest football game – in person – in 2026 than a fan did in 2025. Fans are encouraged to purchase the special Built in the Dark season ticket plan – just $149 per ticket – with seats available in Sections 1 and 10 (rows FFF–OOO) and Sections 11–12 (rows L–CC) while inventory lasts.
Fans can also review full season ticket options and pricing for the 2026 season by clicking here and purchase online at GoDeacs.com/tickets, or by calling 336-758-3322.
Wake Forest Football Overview
In the greatest debut campaign by a head coach in program history, Dickert, his staff and his players guided the Demon Deacons to just the fourth nine-win season in school history, punctuated by an emphatic 43–29 victory over Mississippi State to capture the Duke's Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Wake Forest finished the 2025 season 9-4, marking the fifth time in the last nine years the program reached eight or more wins – one of only five ACC programs to accomplish that feat during the span.
With that, the nine victories in 2025 was tied for the most among all FBS and Power 4 programs in the Carolinas.
Dickert surpassed Billy Dooley who won seven games during his first season in Winston-Salem in 1987 and the 2025 campaign was highlighted by marquee College Football Playoff Top-25 wins over SMU and No. 12 Virginia – the Cavaliers' only home loss of the year – as well as a Big Four victory over North Carolina inside a sold-out Allegacy Stadium.
Defensively, the Demon Deacons were among the ACC's elite in 2025, ranking seventh in the league and 44th nationally in scoring defense while finishing top-six in the conference in both total defense and passing defense. Wake Forest did not allow a touchdown against either No. 12 Virginia or North Carolina during the season.
Individual success followed team success, as 12 Demon Deacons earned All-ACC honors in 2025. The selections marked the ninth consecutive season Wake Forest placed six or more players on the All-Conference teams, and since 2019, the program's 74 All-ACC honorees rank fifth most in the ACC. Additionally, three Demon Deacons garnered All-America honors as senior tailback Demond Claiborne and redshirt senior safety Nick Andersen were named honorable mention by Phil Steele and rookie kicker Connor Calvert was named a FWAA Freshman All-American.
The Demon Deacons return top-tier talent again for the 2026 season led by a core group of star defensive back Davaughn Patterson, breakout offensive weapon Carlos Hernandez and the ACC leader in tackles for loss Langston Hardy.
Patterson, an All-ACC selection, made 80 total tackles, 4.0 TFLs, nine pass breakups and forced a fumble. He finished sixth in the ACC and first on the team with nine passes defended. For Patterson's efforts in the memorable win over SMU, he was named ACC Defensive Back of the Week and garnered PFF Team of the Week honors.
Hernandez was the Deacs leading receiver in 2025 catching 40 passes for 611 yards and three receiving touchdowns while also scoring a rushing touchdown and returning an unforgettable punt for a touchdown in the road win at No. 13 Virginia. Against Delaware, he had a career day, catching five passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, including a 97-yarder, the longest reception in school history. He also totaled 100 receiving yards, 51 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in the victory over North Carolina.
Hardy, an All-ACC pick, led the ACC and finished fifth in the country with 17.0 tackles for loss. He also tied for 11th in Wake Forest history with 17.0 TFLs in a season. Additionally, his 7.0 sacks led the team and was good for fifth-most in the conference.
Guest Services
Fans with questions before, during and after all Wake Forest home football games are encouraged to contact the Wake Forest Athletics Gameday Hotline via phone at 336-758-GAME or email at gameday@wfu.edu. This service is also available during normal business hours Monday-Friday.
Fans needing assistance are also encouraged to visit Wake Forest Athletics gameday information website on GoDeacs.com ahead of all home contests. The gameday page is the hub of all fan information pertaining to gameday policies and procedures for Allegacy Stadium.
Additionally, Rhino event staff team members are available at numerous guest information booths inside and around Allegacy Stadium. Locations are identified on our interior map found here.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Players Mentioned
Thursday, July 09
Thursday, July 02
Thursday, June 25
Thursday, June 18





