Summertime is winding down, so that can mean only one thing: football season is just around the corner! What better way to get over summer than by preparing for the fun and excitement of the fall season with Wake Forest football, and celebrating at the Lowe’s Foods Deacon Tailgate Town on Piccolo Lane on game day, cheering on our Wake Forest Demon Deacons this season. The family-friendly pre-game event begins three hours prior to kickoff and admission is free. Fans can enjoy delicious food and drinks from vendors, interactive games, and fun tailgating opportunities with friends and family while listening to the live “Countdown to Kickoff” Radio Show with Lary Sorensen, Stan Cotten, and Dave Goren as part of the pre-game show. Afterward, head next door to BB&T Field, and watch all the action from a tremendous home schedule this season.
This season’s schedule includes a record five-game home stand (7 home games total) for non-stop excitement, beginning with their September 8th home opener at noon, at BB&T Field, against Towson University out of the Colonial Athletic Association in the FCS, representing their first-ever meeting. The following Thursday night, September 13th, at 7:30 pm, is the ACC home opener against the Boston College Eagles. Fans should note this game will be televised on national TV (ESPN) and all fans are encouraged to WEAR BLACK. Last season the Deacons’ offense went 4 for 4 in red zone attempts, and the defense forced four turnovers in their 34-10 victory on the road at BC Alumni Stadium. Next, on Saturday, September 22nd, the Deacons host the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. In their last meeting, the Deacs suffered a heart-breaking loss 48-37 on the road after scoring 27 second-half points in a comeback that fell short. Then on September 29th (Family Weekend), the Owls of Rice University from Conference USA, under new head coach Mike Bloomgren, pay a visit. Prior to joining Rice, Bloomgren was Director of Offense and Associate Head Coach for the Stanford Cardinal, so this should be an offensive battle on both ends of the field. The Deacons conclude their five-game home stand on October 6th with the Clemson Tigers. Head Coach Dabo Swinney’s team is the favorite to win the ACC, along with being at or near the top of the national rankings this season. After heading on the road, Wake Forest returns home on November 3rd (Homecoming), to face the Syracuse Orangemen. Head Coach Dino Babers’ team is trying to reach a bowl game in his third season at the helm, so this should make for an energizing matchup. Wake finishes their home schedule on November 17th with their first-ever meeting with the Pittsburgh Panthers. In 2017, in the last game against 2nd-ranked Miami, Pitt freshman quarterback Kenny Pickett led his team to an upset in the final minutes. So this should be a thriller to end the regular season home schedule before the Deacons head to Duke.
Last season was memorable, finishing 8-5 as the highest-scoring team in program history, including an incredible 55-52 victory over Texas A&M in the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Year five of the Dave Clawson Era is shaping up to be even more successful, as the Deacons battle to reach a bowl game for the third year in a row.
The season kicks off with a fan favorite on Saturday, August 18th, with the annual Wake Forest Fan Fest. Gates open at 4:30 pm and the team will be introduced at 5:30 pm. It features players and coaches of the Wake Forest Fall sports teams, along with the spirit squad and Demon Deacon Mascot at BB&T Field, complete with inflatables for the kids, face-painting, food and drinks, autographs and more. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. This will also be a great opportunity to purchase your season tickets first-hand, select your seat, and guarantee your spot for all the action this season.
Fans can take advantage of Wake Forest Athletics flexible ticket plan options, convenient for every fan’s budget, starting with the Deacon Hill package (four season tickets for $140), a popular choice with a history of selling out quickly. In addition to their full-season ticket plans, they offer customized two, three, and four-game mini-packages with prices starting at just $50. Single game and group tickets are also available.
Don’t forget, there will also be a number of promotional days this season including Band Day (Towson, 9/8), Boy Scout Day (Rice, 9/29), Church Day (Syracuse, 11/3), and Military Appreciation Day (Pitt, 11/17). Each promotion includes tickets to the game, and some will provide opportunities to perform at halftime. For inquiries about any of these promotional days, please call Wake Forest Athletics at (336) 758-DEAC (3322), extension 1.
The timing is perfect to visit wakeforestsports.com or call (336) 758-DEAC (3322), extension 1, and purchase your tickets today! Then get ready for good times and special memories with your friends and family, all while cheering on the Triad’s ACC Team, our Wake Forest Demon Deacons!
GO DEACS!
