Now that we’re entering the latter part of summer, it’s time to start thinking ahead about the upcoming fall season, if you want to get a jump on even more good times. And fall means football, especially Wake Forest football in the Triad!
The 2019 season of Demon Deacon Football is set up perfectly to be one of the most exciting yet. After defeating Memphis 37-34 in last season’s Birmingham Bowl, the Deacs finished with back-to-back-to-back bowl victories for the first time in program history (including the 2017 Belk Bowl championship and 2016 Military Bowl championship.) Coach Dave Clawson and his very talented team and coaches plan to make even more history this season. Deacon fans will be delighted to see Wake Forest host all the teams of the Big Four (UNC, NC State, and Duke) for the first time since 1921, and the first time ever in Winston-Salem (the campus relocated in 1956 from Wake Forest, NC). Of course, there’s also another history-making opportunity with a chance to earn bowl eligibility for an unprecedented fourth-straight season in program history.
Wake Forest will begin the season with an exciting twist, as their first three games are all on Friday nights. The home opener is on Friday, August 30th at 8 p.m. at BB&T Field against the Utah State Aggies out of the Mountain West Conference. This will be Wake’s first televised game on the new ACC Network. It will be an excellent opportunity to show off your Deacon Pride and help the team get off to a great start. The Aggies have come close against the Power Five Conferences in recent years, including a 38-31 loss last year against Michigan State at East Lansing. So they’ll be ready to play on Friday night; all the more reason for Wake fans to fill the stadium and show their support.
After the Aggies contest, the Deacons travel to Rice for their second Friday night game (also televised on the Conference USA network), before coming back home to BB&T Field for their final Friday night game on September 13th at 6 p.m. against the North Carolina Tarheels. This game will be shown on ESPN and has been designated as the annual “Wear Black” game. Fans are asked to wear all-black outfits to BB&T Field and show the nation what it means to be a proud Demon Deacon fan.
Then it’s back to the traditional Saturday tailgate party on September 21st, when Wake celebrates its annual Homecoming game against the Elon Phoenix from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Next up on October 12th, the Louisville Cardinals visit Winston-Salem. The Deacons spoiled the Cards Homecoming last season with a 56-35 dominating performance at Cardinal Stadium. Scott Satterfield, former head coach of Appalachian State University and Coach Jerry Moore protégé, takes over the Cardinals’ reins this season, so this should be an interesting rematch. On Saturday, October 19th, the Seminoles of Florida State, clad in their familiar garnet and gold, come to town. Last season the Deacs suffered a disappointing 38-17 loss in Tallahassee after a tremendous first-quarter performance. Second-year head coach Willie Taggart will not be on his home turf this time around, however.
On Saturday, November 2nd, the Wolfpack of NC State make an appearance in the second home Big Four game of the year for Wake. Coach Dave Doeren’s team finished third in the Atlantic Division and was ranked 14th in the nation when Wake met them last season. Who could forget Wake’s thrilling come-from-behind, two-touchdown fourth-quarter performance to seal the 27-23 win in Raleigh? I’m guessing no one dressed in red and white! And finally, on Saturday, November 23rd, it’s Senior Day at BB&T Field, as they host the Duke Blue Devils in the last home game, as well as their final Big Four matchup, of the season. The Deacons had a must-win game at Wallace Wade Stadium last season and came through big with a 59-7 victory. The Blue Devils will be looking to avenge that loss, which should make for another thrilling Tobacco Road contest.
Wake Forest Athletic Director John Currie (WF Class of 1993), along with Head Coach Dave Clawson and the rest of the Wake Forest Athletic Staff, coaches and players want you to know that you don’t have to be a Wake Forest alumnus or even from Winston-Salem to be a Demon Deacon Fan. They would like to welcome all new and long-time loyal fans alike to join them in making history this season. Check out these incredible ticket offers available now on godeacs.com and at the ticket office. Season Tickets starting at just $165; Opening Night Package including 4 Tickets and Parking Pass for Wake Forest vs Utah State on August 30th, all for just $69; “Big Four” 3-Game Ticket Package, starting at $110; pick any 2 home games, starting at $80; pick any 3 home games, starting at $111; pick any 4 home games, starting at $132; and single-game tickets starting at just $20. Those interested in group rates, including church, youth, recreational league, corporate, and more, can visit their website for more details. Note the Deacon Hill and Touchdown Club packages are not available online. Contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336.758.3322, extension 1, to order while supplies last. The Ticket Office is open 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Don’t forget to check out the annual Wake Forest Fan Fest Event on Saturday, August 17th, at BB&T Field. Visit their website godeacs.com for more information. You can purchase your tickets and meet the Deacons’ fall sports teams, coaches and cheerleaders, get autographs, along with children’s interactive games and activities, special giveaways and more! This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
To purchase tickets and learn more, visit godeacs.com, or call the ticket office at 336.758.3322, extension 1. Order your tickets today and you’ll be ready to enjoy all the excitement of Friday nights and Saturday afternoons at BB&T Field and the Lowe’s Foods Deacon Tailgate Town on Piccolo Lane, beginning three hours before kickoff. Remember there’s no better party in town on Game Day!
GO DEACS!
