Wake Forest Athletics
Photo by: BryceMitchell
Know Before You Go: Akron
9/2/2026 12:24:00 PM | Football
Online Release | Wake Forest Athletics Game Day Information | Week 1 Digital Guide | Wake Forest Football 2026 Yearbook
Know Before You Go: Akron
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 Financial Stadium.
The game will kickoff at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on The ACC Network.
Gameday Timeline
Wake Forest Football will celebrate the start of the 2026 season against Akron on Thursday, Sept. 3, with an authentic Winston-Salem music experience as the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black and Winston-Salem State University's Red Sea of Sound reunite for a joint performance on Opening Night. Read the full story by clicking HERE.
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. Additional football student-athlete jerseys can be purchased here. If you would like to place an online order for fans can visit WakeForestShop.com.
Open the Gate - Dr. Peter Rodriguez
Wake Forest's newest University President, Dr. Peter Rodriguez, will serve as the Open the Gate honoree during the Demon Deacons' opening night matchup against Akron on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Allegacy Stadium. Read the full story by clicking HERE.
Wednesday Night Fireworks
Join Wake Forest Athletics for its traditional fireworks show before every Demon Deacon home football game. The five-minute show will begin at approximately 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Poteat Field following the conclusion of Wake The Demons.
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.
Parking & Traffic
IMPORTANT PARKING UPDATE: Amid ongoing construction and roadway improvements related to The Grounds — a transformational mixed-use development that began construction in late 2024 — 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 parking maps and information by https://app.godeacs.com/football_parking.
Day of Game Parking
Parking will be available to purchase on gameday in the Allegacy & Pepsi Lots at the LJVM Coliseum, Second Harvest Food Bank lot, and Whitaker Loft lot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking will be $20 per space in the LJVM lots for Wake Forest's matchup against Akron. The Senior Services Lot & Midway Lot (Fairgrounds) will be available at the same rate. All Buses and RVs will be charged for three (3) spaces at the game rate and will be given three (3) ticket stubs.
A free parking option at 2400 Reynolda Road is available with multiple shuttles providing transportation to and from the drop-off and pickup area located in front of the main entrance to LJVM Coliseum. Shuttles will begin running two (2) hours prior to kickoff.
Pre-Purchased Parking
Parking in the Allegacy & Pepsi Lots can be purchased in advance online here.
Parking Lot Open Times
Parking lots will open at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3 for Wake Forest's matchup against Akron.
Courtesy Shuttles
If you need help traveling around Allegacy Stadium on game day, the Flow Courtesy Shuttle is available to help take fans to their destinations. Golf Cart shuttles are available to assist disabled, elderly or injured patrons. Please request one from a parking lot attendant in the following lots:
ADA Parking
Handicapped Accessible Parking
Note: Couch Ballpark ADA Parking subject to availability, first come first serve. Overflow may park in the Red Lot.
McCreary Tower/Gold/Red Lots: Reserved handicapped parking passes can be ordered on a seasonal basis in the McCreary Tower, Gold and Red parking lots. If a handicapped-specific pass has not been purchased, plenty of handicapped parking is still available. Patrons will need to display their McCreary Tower/Gold/Red Wake Forest Parking Pass and a handicapped placard to gain access. We encourage the purchase of your McCreary Tower, Gold, or Red Lot Handicapped pass at the beginning of the season
Blue and Orange Lots: Reserved handicapped parking is not available in the Blue or Orange Lots. However, accommodations are available. First, patrons can park in their designated lot and request a courtesy shuttle to the Entry Gate. Please contact the nearest parking attendant text or call 336-758-GAME (4263) to request a courtesy shuttle. Second, patrons can display their Blue or Orange lot pass AND a handicapped placard to access handicapped spots in the Couch Ballpark Lot free of charge.
Visiting Team or General Public: ALL visiting team or general public disabled patrons may enter via Deacon Blvd. and park in the Red Lot. You must have a valid handicapped placard. Courtesy shuttles are available from this location to Gate 1 only. Please contact the nearest parking attendant text or call 336-758-GAME (4263) to request a courtesy shuttle.
Rideshare Information
The drop off/pick up location for rideshares is on Shorefair Drive behind the indoor tennis center.
The Faculty Drive Gate & Grounds Trail
The new Faculty Drive pedestrian gate is complete and The Grounds multi-use trail is open for sneak peeks on game days. Coming from campus, access via Faculty Drive is currently the recommended route, where you can exit the gate, use the signaled crossing at University Parkway, and enter The Grounds trail.
The trail will be open 3 hours prior to kickoff and 90 minutes after the final whistle on game days this fall. Please follow all signage and instructions. Parking on Faculty Drive is prohibited for anyone who is not a resident of Faculty Drive.
For more information, please click here.
Guest Services
Gate Information
Ticketed fans in the seating bowl (excludes the Touchdown Club) may enter through ANY GATE. The following are suggested entrances to easily access sections and to keep lines and delays to a minimum. Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff, McCreary Tower and Bridger Field House open 2 hours prior to kickoff.
Will Call
McCreary Tower
Guest information booths are located in a variety of locations both inside and outside of the stadium. Booths outside of the stadium are located by the Bridger Field House Ticket Office and Gate 1 and are staffed starting 3 hours prior to kickoff. There is an information booth inside of Allegacy Stadium on both the East Side and the West Side. Both will open when gates open (1.5 hours prior to kickoff).
Gameday Text Hotline
Have a question or need assistance during the game? Text 336-758-GAME for quick help from our fan support team. We're here to ensure you have a great experience! Fans can anonymously share or ask:
Visit the Wake Forest Athletics Lost & Found Website to file a claim.
Medical Stations
Medical stations are located at Sections 10 and 20.
Cashless Concessions
All concessions stands at Allegacy Financial Stadium are cashless.
Concessions Options
With the help of concessions & catering partner Proof of the Pudding, Wake Forest Athletics is excited to offer a wide selection of food and beverage options at Allegacy Financial Stadium.
The fan-favorite 4-Pack is 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.
Deacon Shop
The Deacon Shop has five locations that are open on gameday: one in the Fan Zone near Gate 1, one behind section 10, one on Deacon Hill, one on the first floor of Bridger Field House, and one in the Flow Lexus Club in McCreary Tower.
Game Programs
Game programs for the 2026 Football season are all digital and can be found each week at godeacs.com/footballprogram.
Audio & Visual Sensitivity
Please be advised that Wake Forest football game productions will involve flashing light sequences throughout, including after each Wake Forest score. This may cause discomfort for photosensitive viewers.
The use of high volume music also occurs regularly as a part of the production of Wake Forest football games. For your comfort, earplugs are available at Guest Information Booths while supplies last, located inside and outside of the stadium.
Stadium Policies
Clear Bag Policy
When lightning is detected within 8 miles of Allegacy Stadium, the following policy will be implemented:
Outside Food & Beverage
Outside food and beverage is prohibited in Allegacy Stadium with the exception of one (1) clear, plastic water bottle. It must be completely empty to be permitted.
Tailgating Policy
In an effort to maintain the safest possible environment for fans, metal detectors are in place at all gates at Allegacy Stadium.
Policy on Demonstrations
Wake Forest Athletics does not permit demonstrations or political campaign events during the six-hour period before, during, or within two hours after Wake Forest Athletics's events at the following locations: Allegacy Financial Stadium, Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, David F. Couch Ballpark, or the Indoor Tennis Center (collectively, "Wake Forest Athletics Facilities").
Persons who wish to engage in these activities outside of Wake Forest Athletics's events must contact Wake Forest's facility general manager, Marcus McAlpin of Legends Global (mmcalpin@legendsglobal.com; 336-758-5660), to make rental arrangements.
Wake Forest Athletics does not permit chalking or posting by other persons at Wake Forest Athletics Facilities.
No signs or flags are permitted within the gates of Wake Forest Athletics Facilities before, during, or after Wake Forest Athletics's events, with the sole exception of registered Wake Forest student organizations with a Student Tailgate reserved tent at football games. This exception allows student organizations to identify their tailgate. If a flag or sign is for purposes other than identification of the organization's tailgate (it must use the organization's name, logo and/or identifying letters, such as fraternity or sorority letters), the flag or sign will be removed from the Student Tailgate and excluded from the football stadium.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Know Before You Go: Akron
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 Financial Stadium.
The game will kickoff at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on The ACC Network.
Gameday Timeline
- 2:00 p.m. - Lots Open
- 4:00 p.m. - Student Tailgate Opens
- 4:00 p.m. - Ticket Office Opens
- 4:00 p.m. - Lowe's Foods DEACTOWN Fan Zone Opens
- 4:45 p.m. - Deacon Walk
- 5:00 p.m. - Touchdown Club Open
- 5:00 p.m. - Flow Lexus Club Opens
- 5:30 p.m. - Pollard Club Opens
- 5:30 p.m. - All Gates Open
- 6:00 p.m. - Team Warmups
- 6:30 p.m. - Pregame Show Begins
- 6:57 p.m. - Open the Gate
- 7:00 p.m. - Kickoff
Wake Forest Football will celebrate the start of the 2026 season against Akron on Thursday, Sept. 3, with an authentic Winston-Salem music experience as the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black and Winston-Salem State University's Red Sea of Sound reunite for a joint performance on Opening Night. Read the full story by clicking HERE.
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. Additional football student-athlete jerseys can be purchased here. If you would like to place an online order for fans can visit WakeForestShop.com.
Open the Gate - Dr. Peter Rodriguez
Wake Forest's newest University President, Dr. Peter Rodriguez, will serve as the Open the Gate honoree during the Demon Deacons' opening night matchup against Akron on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Allegacy Stadium. Read the full story by clicking HERE.
Wednesday Night Fireworks
Join Wake Forest Athletics for its traditional fireworks show before every Demon Deacon home football game. The five-minute show will begin at approximately 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Poteat Field following the conclusion of Wake The Demons.
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.
Parking & Traffic
IMPORTANT PARKING UPDATE: Amid ongoing construction and roadway improvements related to The Grounds — a transformational mixed-use development that began construction in late 2024 — 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 parking maps and information by https://app.godeacs.com/football_parking.
Day of Game Parking
Parking will be available to purchase on gameday in the Allegacy & Pepsi Lots at the LJVM Coliseum, Second Harvest Food Bank lot, and Whitaker Loft lot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parking will be $20 per space in the LJVM lots for Wake Forest's matchup against Akron. The Senior Services Lot & Midway Lot (Fairgrounds) will be available at the same rate. All Buses and RVs will be charged for three (3) spaces at the game rate and will be given three (3) ticket stubs.
A free parking option at 2400 Reynolda Road is available with multiple shuttles providing transportation to and from the drop-off and pickup area located in front of the main entrance to LJVM Coliseum. Shuttles will begin running two (2) hours prior to kickoff.
Pre-Purchased Parking
Parking in the Allegacy & Pepsi Lots can be purchased in advance online here.
Parking Lot Open Times
Parking lots will open at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3 for Wake Forest's matchup against Akron.
Courtesy Shuttles
If you need help traveling around Allegacy Stadium on game day, the Flow Courtesy Shuttle is available to help take fans to their destinations. Golf Cart shuttles are available to assist disabled, elderly or injured patrons. Please request one from a parking lot attendant in the following lots:
- Pepsi Lot
- Diet Pepsi Lot
- Starry Lot
- The Grounds Lot
- Allegacy Lot
- Gold Lot
- Red Lot
- Blue Lot
- Orange Lot
- Green Lot
ADA Parking
Handicapped Accessible Parking
Note: Couch Ballpark ADA Parking subject to availability, first come first serve. Overflow may park in the Red Lot.
McCreary Tower/Gold/Red Lots: Reserved handicapped parking passes can be ordered on a seasonal basis in the McCreary Tower, Gold and Red parking lots. If a handicapped-specific pass has not been purchased, plenty of handicapped parking is still available. Patrons will need to display their McCreary Tower/Gold/Red Wake Forest Parking Pass and a handicapped placard to gain access. We encourage the purchase of your McCreary Tower, Gold, or Red Lot Handicapped pass at the beginning of the season
Blue and Orange Lots: Reserved handicapped parking is not available in the Blue or Orange Lots. However, accommodations are available. First, patrons can park in their designated lot and request a courtesy shuttle to the Entry Gate. Please contact the nearest parking attendant text or call 336-758-GAME (4263) to request a courtesy shuttle. Second, patrons can display their Blue or Orange lot pass AND a handicapped placard to access handicapped spots in the Couch Ballpark Lot free of charge.
Visiting Team or General Public: ALL visiting team or general public disabled patrons may enter via Deacon Blvd. and park in the Red Lot. You must have a valid handicapped placard. Courtesy shuttles are available from this location to Gate 1 only. Please contact the nearest parking attendant text or call 336-758-GAME (4263) to request a courtesy shuttle.
Rideshare Information
The drop off/pick up location for rideshares is on Shorefair Drive behind the indoor tennis center.
The Faculty Drive Gate & Grounds Trail
The new Faculty Drive pedestrian gate is complete and The Grounds multi-use trail is open for sneak peeks on game days. Coming from campus, access via Faculty Drive is currently the recommended route, where you can exit the gate, use the signaled crossing at University Parkway, and enter The Grounds trail.
The trail will be open 3 hours prior to kickoff and 90 minutes after the final whistle on game days this fall. Please follow all signage and instructions. Parking on Faculty Drive is prohibited for anyone who is not a resident of Faculty Drive.
For more information, please click here.
Guest Services
Gate Information
Ticketed fans in the seating bowl (excludes the Touchdown Club) may enter through ANY GATE. The following are suggested entrances to easily access sections and to keep lines and delays to a minimum. Gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff, McCreary Tower and Bridger Field House open 2 hours prior to kickoff.
- Visiting Player Guest: GATE 3
- Students: GATE 4
- Section 1-5: GATE 2
- Section 6-10: GATE 1
- Deacon Hill, Section 11-12: GATE 5
- Section 13-14, 18-20: GATE 4
- Section 15-17: GATE 3
- McCreary Tower Suites/Clubs: GOLD LOBBY
- Media/Working Staff: BLACK LOBBY
- East Field Suite: EAST FIELD GATE
- West Field Suite: WEST FIELD GATE
Will Call
McCreary Tower
- Serves Media and Suite Patrons
- Opens three hours prior to kickoff
- Closes at the start of the third quarter
- Serves the General Public
- Opens three hours prior to kickoff
- Closes at the start of the third quarter
- Serves player guests and high school coaches
- Opens at the same time as gates
- Closes at the start of halftime
- Serves the Visiting Team Player Guests
- Opens at the same time as gates
- Closes at the start of halftime
Guest information booths are located in a variety of locations both inside and outside of the stadium. Booths outside of the stadium are located by the Bridger Field House Ticket Office and Gate 1 and are staffed starting 3 hours prior to kickoff. There is an information booth inside of Allegacy Stadium on both the East Side and the West Side. Both will open when gates open (1.5 hours prior to kickoff).
Gameday Text Hotline
Have a question or need assistance during the game? Text 336-758-GAME 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
Visit the Wake Forest Athletics Lost & Found Website to file a claim.
Medical Stations
Medical stations are located at Sections 10 and 20.
Cashless Concessions
All concessions stands at Allegacy Financial Stadium are cashless.
Concessions Options
With the help of concessions & catering partner Proof of the Pudding, Wake Forest Athletics is excited to offer a wide selection of food and beverage options at Allegacy Financial Stadium.
The fan-favorite 4-Pack is 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 | Sept. 1 Increase | Oct. 1 Increase |
| Akron (Sept. 3) | $76 | x | x |
| Miami (Sept. 18) | $145 | $155 | x |
| Stanford (Oct. 3) * | $145 | $155 | x |
| Virginia (Oct. 31) | $95 | x | $105 |
| Merrimack (Nov. 7) | $66 | x | $76 |
| Duke (Nov. 28) | $66 | x | $76 |
Deacon Shop
The Deacon Shop has five locations that are open on gameday: one in the Fan Zone near Gate 1, one behind section 10, one on Deacon Hill, one on the first floor of Bridger Field House, and one in the Flow Lexus Club in McCreary Tower.
Game Programs
Game programs for the 2026 Football season are all digital and can be found each week at godeacs.com/footballprogram.
Audio & Visual Sensitivity
Please be advised that Wake Forest football game productions will involve flashing light sequences throughout, including after each Wake Forest score. This may cause discomfort for photosensitive viewers.
The use of high volume music also occurs regularly as a part of the production of Wake Forest football games. For your comfort, earplugs are available at Guest Information Booths while supplies last, located inside and outside of the stadium.
Stadium Policies
Clear Bag Policy
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"
- One gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
- Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand or 6.5" x 4.5" with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options
- An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags after proper inspection at the gate
- All bags are subject to search
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any non-clear bag larger than 6.5" x 4.5"
- Artificial noisemakers
- Backpacks (Including Clear)
- Balls & Frisbees
- Binoculars Case
- Cameras with a lens greater than 6"
- Car Seats
- Drones
- Fanny Packs
- Fireworks or any explosives
- Hard back metal seats
- Ice Chests/Coolers
- Laptop Computers
- Laser pointers
- Outside food or drink
- Oversized clear tote bags
- Plastic containers larger than 34oz
- Purses larger than 6.5" x 4.5"
- Signs/Banners of any kind
- Strollers (Umbrella strollers are permitted)
- Tinted Plastic Bags
- Tripods
- Umbrellas
- Video cameras
- Weapons
- Anything deemed hazardous or unsafe by WFUPD, WSPD, or Event Staff
When lightning is detected within 8 miles of Allegacy Stadium, the following policy will be implemented:
Outside Food & Beverage
Outside food and beverage is prohibited in Allegacy Stadium with the exception of one (1) clear, plastic water bottle. It must be completely empty to be permitted.
Tailgating Policy
- Tailgating is only permitted in parking spaces that you have purchased. If you would like to occupy more than one space while tailgating, please purchase them. 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
In an effort to maintain the safest possible environment for fans, metal detectors are in place at all gates at Allegacy Stadium.
Policy on Demonstrations
Wake Forest Athletics does not permit demonstrations or political campaign events during the six-hour period before, during, or within two hours after Wake Forest Athletics's events at the following locations: Allegacy Financial Stadium, Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, David F. Couch Ballpark, or the Indoor Tennis Center (collectively, "Wake Forest Athletics Facilities").
Persons who wish to engage in these activities outside of Wake Forest Athletics's events must contact Wake Forest's facility general manager, Marcus McAlpin of Legends Global (mmcalpin@legendsglobal.com; 336-758-5660), to make rental arrangements.
Wake Forest Athletics does not permit chalking or posting by other persons at Wake Forest Athletics Facilities.
No signs or flags are permitted within the gates of Wake Forest Athletics Facilities before, during, or after Wake Forest Athletics's events, with the sole exception of registered Wake Forest student organizations with a Student Tailgate reserved tent at football games. This exception allows student organizations to identify their tailgate. If a flag or sign is for purposes other than identification of the organization's tailgate (it must use the organization's name, logo and/or identifying letters, such as fraternity or sorority letters), the flag or sign will be removed from the Student Tailgate and excluded from the football stadium.
Feedback
As fans have questions, feedback or ideas, Wake Forest Athletics encourages you to email wfsports@wfu.edu with those thoughts.
Monday, August 31
Friday, August 28
Wednesday, August 26
Tuesday, August 25