Wake Forest Athletics

The Best Fan Experience in North Carolina Awaits! Wake Forest Football Announces Around The Triad For July 20-21 in Winston-Salem
7/16/2026 9:23:00 AM | Football
These events will be highlighted by a Happy Hour and Pep Rally on Monday evening at Miller’s on Robinhood with head coach Jake Dickert and select student-athletes.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Get excited, Deacon Nation! With Opening Night at Allegacy Stadium right around the corner, Wake Forest football will once again host Around The Triad Monday, July 20 - Tuesday, July 21.
As Wake Forest continues to provide the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina and bring Value to Wake Forest, Winston-Salem and the Triad Communities, the schedule of events throughout the two days is as follows:
Monday, July 20
To conclude the festivities on Monday evening, the Demon Deacons will host a Happy Hour & Pep Rally at Miller's on Robinhood from 5-7 p.m., where head coach Jake Dickert and select student-athletes will meet with fans and sign autographics. Additionally, fans will be entered to win special prizes and autographed items.
Tuesday, July 21
Show Your Demon Deacon Pride! Yard Signs Now Available For Pickup
Wake Forest fans can now pick up their own Wake Forest football yard signs at the ticket office of Bridger Field House ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 season.
Select sponsors, such as Allegacy Financial, will also have yard signs available for pickup at the Westbrook, Stafford Village, Biotech, Peace Haven and North Patterson locations.
Fans can also receive a free yard sign with any purchase over $50 at the Deacon Shop or the Wake Forest Bookstore located on campus. Yard signs will also be available for pickup at multiple grassroots community events over the coming weeks.
Fans can also earn a chance to win exclusive game-day experiences as part of the Lights Out campaign, A community-wide initiative designed to increase Wake Football visibility throughout the region while rewarding fans for showing their Demon Deacon pride.
About the Lights Out Initiative
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.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Follow on Social Media
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts
As Wake Forest continues to provide the Best Fan Experience in North Carolina and bring Value to Wake Forest, Winston-Salem and the Triad Communities, the schedule of events throughout the two days is as follows:
Monday, July 20
- 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Camp Discovery
- Camp Discovery provides a welcoming, supportive and engaging summer experience for youth ages 8–21 with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Hosted at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, the camp is designed to inspire creativity, build confidence and encourage meaningful connections.
- Event not open to the general public
- 12 - 1 p.m.: Cook Out
- Address: 2897 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106
- Meet Wake Forest football student-athletes during the lunch hour
- Fans encouraged to attend
- 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Meet & Greet at Lowes Foods
- Address: 3372 Robinhood Road Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106
- Meet and greet student-athletes and coaches while picking up posters, schedule cards, yards signs and more
- Fans encouraged to attend
- 5 - 7 p.m.: Happy Hour & Pep Rally at Miller's on Robinhood
- Address: 3458 Robinhood Rd, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27106
- Hear from head coach Jake Dickert and members of the Wake Forest football team as we count down to Opening Night!
- Fans encouraged to attend
To conclude the festivities on Monday evening, the Demon Deacons will host a Happy Hour & Pep Rally at Miller's on Robinhood from 5-7 p.m., where head coach Jake Dickert and select student-athletes will meet with fans and sign autographics. Additionally, fans will be entered to win special prizes and autographed items.
Tuesday, July 21
- 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.: William G. White, Jr. Family YMCA
- Wake Forest football student-athletes will be visiting with summer campers and other members of this YMCA location.
- Event not open to the general public
- Afternoon - Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital
- Coach Dickert and Wake Forest football student-athletes will spend time visiting with patients and spreading joy at Atrium Health Levine Children's Brenner Children's Hospital.
- Event not open to general public
- 6 - 8 p.m.: Winston-Salem Dash vs. Greensboro Grasshoppers at Truist Stadium
- Address: 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- Join us for Demon Deacon Night, presented by Wake Forest Athletics, as the football team and staff members will be at the ballpark.
- Fans are encouraged to buy tickets here.
Show Your Demon Deacon Pride! Yard Signs Now Available For Pickup
Wake Forest fans can now pick up their own Wake Forest football yard signs at the ticket office of Bridger Field House ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 season.
Select sponsors, such as Allegacy Financial, will also have yard signs available for pickup at the Westbrook, Stafford Village, Biotech, Peace Haven and North Patterson locations.
Fans can also receive a free yard sign with any purchase over $50 at the Deacon Shop or the Wake Forest Bookstore located on campus. Yard signs will also be available for pickup at multiple grassroots community events over the coming weeks.
Fans can also earn a chance to win exclusive game-day experiences as part of the Lights Out campaign, A community-wide initiative designed to increase Wake Football visibility throughout the region while rewarding fans for showing their Demon Deacon pride.
About the Lights Out Initiative
- Fans place a Wake Football yard sign at their home or business.
- Participants submit a photo of their sign through a dedicated landing page.
- Submitted signs are tracked and displayed on an interactive map, showcasing the communities and neighborhoods representing Wake Football.
- Throughout the campaign, select submissions are featured across Wake Athletics social media channels.
- Fans who participate are entered for opportunities to win exclusive game-day experiences, such as postgame field access, sideline passes, VIP hospitality, or other unique Wake Football experiences.
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.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Follow on Social Media
Follow the Deacs on social media and GoDeacs.com for the latest announcements and news.
Accounts
- @WakeFB
- @DemonDeacons
- @WakeForest
- @WFUAlumni
Players Mentioned
Thursday, July 09
Thursday, July 02
Thursday, June 25
Thursday, June 18





