My favorite time of year is Saturday afternoons in the fall. I love college football, and whether I’m attending games at NC State’s Carter-Finley stadium or sitting in a sports bar with other fans, I’m happy. If you’re an alumni or fan of another college team and looking for alumni chapters and game day watch parties in Raleigh, see down below as I’ve done the research for you!
Growing up in Australia and before moving to Raleigh in 2004 I didn’t watch much college football because of time zone challenges and lack of streaming services back in the day. But since moving to Raleigh I quickly fell in love with the tradition and rivalries of college football and have met many people from out of state cheering on their teams in various sports bars in Raleigh.
Raleigh is of course home to the NC State University Football team who play out of the 56,000 seat Carter-Finley Stadium, so I am going to start off with NC State bars where you can cheer on the Wolfpack, followed by other college team watch parties. If I’ve missed your college teams watch party, let me know where it is in the comments at the bottom.
NC State Bars
The Player’s Retreat
- Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
- Website: PlayersRetreat.com
The Player’s Retreat (PR) is the most iconic of the NC State bars and a true Raleigh institution. The PR has been a classic Raleigh sports bar for over 70 years, drawing in students, alumni, and sports aficionados alike. This is where we watched NC State beat Duke in the Sweet Sixteen during their incredible Final Four basketball run, and it was jumping! At the PR you’re located mere steps from State’s main campus, so you can celebrate a win at the Belltower when they light it red.
The PR exudes old-school charm with cozy booths, sidewalk tables, and an abundance of TV screens. It’s the kind of college sports bar I’d love to visit if traveling through Raleigh. On the menu are some of the best burgers in Raleigh, I’m a fan of the Hawaiian burger and Wolfpack burger (with slaw, mustard, and chili), their house made onion rings are the best in Raleigh, and I also highly recommend Mimi’s Sausage Dip & Chips, and their wings. NOTE: Kids eat here free on Sunday’s.
Plus, the Players Retreat has an extensive selection of whiskey, bourbon, and scotch, including one of the largest collections of single malts – perfect for toasting a Wolfpack victory! A must-do at least once during the college football season, especially for a state game to take in the lively atmosphere. Indoor seating at the bar, booths, or tables, plus outdoors on the patio (TV’s outside).
Mitch’s Tavern
- Address: 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: MitchsTavernRaleigh.com
Another NC State landmark opposite main campus on Hillsborough Street. Mitch’s Tavern feels like a journey back in time, reminiscent of my adventures across the UK and Ireland. Established in 1974, this iconic tavern is adored by State students and alumni and was famously featured as the tavern in the 1988 film “Bull Durham.” Take a stroll around and you’ll spot quirky NC State memorabilia adorning the walls.
Known for serving up fantastic chili, soups, nachos, and sandwiches like the mouthwatering and popular Mitch’s Reuben, and an array of beers (all at reasonable prices). Mitch’s Tavern definitely has some of the best bar food in Raleigh.
Mitch’s Tavern doesn’t boast a multitude of TVs like the other local sports bars mentioned in this article, but it does exude a classic college bar feel and a place I love to return to for drink specials and quality bar food.
Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant
- Address: 3905 Western Blvd, Raleigh
- Website: www.amedeosrestaurant.com
Two miles from State’s campus on Hillsborough, Amedeo’s Restaurant & Bar has been a Raleigh icon since 1963, boasting the largest display of Wolfpack sports memorabilia in Raleigh. It’s like taking a walk down memory lane of Wolfpack history. If you’re from out of town and thinking about attending state, no visit to Raleigh for an NC State campus tour is complete without a stop here!
Amedeo’s was founded by Amedeo (Dick) DeAngelis, a former NC State football player whose love for the game and great food inspired what has become a beloved Wolfpack gathering spot near campus. On the walls you’ll see memorabilia of famous Wolfpack football players and coaches such as Philip Rivers, Russel Wilson, Terry Holt, Bill Cowher, and Pete Carrol.
You can choose to sit at the bar, in a booth, in the casual dining room, or in the casual bar room setting. The food here is another standout. Popular dishes include their famous lasagna, Pack Pasta, Margherita Pizza, Cheesy Meatballs, Garlic bread, Tuscan Chicken Pasta (GF), Cannolis, and Homemade Tiramisu.
With its casual, pizzeria-style atmosphere, Amedeo’s exudes the quintessential sports bar vibe, complete with games on all the TV’s and Wolfpack fans sharing drinks and lively conversation. It’s a fun spot to immerse yourself in the vibrant student life of Raleigh.
Sammy’s Tap & Grill
- Address: 2235 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh
- Website: SammysTapGrill.com
When we first moved to Raleigh in 2004 (kid free), we lived around Lake Johnson for four years, and nearby Sammy’s Tap & Grill was our local. Almost every weekend was spent with friends at Sammy’s watching college sports and eating some of the best chicken wings in Raleigh and enjoying pitchers of Yuengling Lager (life has changed but the memories remain).
Conveniently located near NC State’s Centennial Campus on Avent Ferry Rd, it’s a popular hangout for Wolfpack fans, and for NFL fans, it’s a Pittsburgh Steelers bar on Sunday’s during NFL season. There’s an abundance of TVs in the main bar area showing all college games, including individual screens at each booth, and in the outdoor enclosed porch area, so you can catch all the action while enjoying your favorite bar bites and drinks.
Plus, there’s weekly drink specials, trivia nights, and live music that keeps State students and locals coming back for more making it a fun sports bar in Raleigh. I think I need to turn back the clock and revisit Sammy’s during this 2026 football season, who’s coming with me?!
Other College Teams Watch Parties
Ohio State Buckeyes fans
The Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grill is another West Raleigh favorite sports bar, and yes Wolfpack fans also watch games here, but it is the official Ohio State fan base headquarters. Join fellow alumni, fans, families, and friends to cheer on Ohio State with great food, cold drinks, giveaways and an atmosphere that feels like home – they sing the fight song with every touchdown. Get there early to grab a seat for all big OSU games! Watch my video.
I’ve been here during an OSU game, and Buckeye fans certainly get some of the horseshoe home game atmosphere going right here in Raleigh. Featuring ten big 120″ projection screens that line the walls showing all the games, plus 20 LED TVs behind the bar area, and TVs outside on their large outdoor full-service patio, this is a fun place to gather with friends and watch college football in Raleigh.
Over 40 beers on tap and daily drink specials, good variety of above-average bar food (wings, chips, and sausage dip are popular), great, friendly service, 4 regulation size pool tables, and a lively atmosphere. Located off Hillsborough Street (directly across from Meredith College) and relatively close to NC State. During NFL season, this bar fills up with New England Patriots fans cheering on the Pats – but once again, all fans are of course welcome – come in for some fun trash talk.
Alabama Crimson Tide fans
Roll Tide Raleigh is the local chapter for Bama fans throughout the greater Triangle area. According to their Facebook page, they have gameday watch parties at Wild Wing Cafe in Brier Creek. NOTE: I don’t see any recent updates for 2026 on their Facebook page, so you may have to join their chapter to get current information. Email: [email protected]
Penn State fans
The Penn State alumni association has a Triangle chapter and according to their Facebook page they have football watch parties at MacGregor Draft House in Cary so you can cheer on your Nittany Lions.
Notre Dame fans
The Notre Dame Club of Eastern North Carolina typically has football watch parties in the “cottage room” at Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant in northwest Raleigh. I can’t see any current updates for 2026, so join their Facebook page and reach out to their admin for current updates. Email: [email protected]
Michigan Wolverine fans
The U-M Club of Triangle Area is your connection to all things Michigan. They host football watch parties at the Carolina Ale House in Brier Creek, so you can gather there and cheer on the Wolverines. All events are free and open to alums, friends and fans. Email: [email protected].
Florida State fans
There’s a Seminole Club of Triangle that serves Florida State University students, alumni and friends. They also have gameday watch parties at the Carolina Ale House in Brier Creek. Contact Justin Smith, email: [email protected]
Texas Longhorns Fans
The Texas Exes chapter in the Triangle gathers to watch Longhorn football games at Edit Beer Co. in North Raleigh. Join the Texas Exes Facebook group in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area to stay up to date with their gameday watch parties.
Clemson Tigers fans
There’s a Triangle Clemson Club that has been prowling The Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill region since 1989 for alumni, family, and friends. According to their Instagram account they are having watch parties at Tap Yard in Raleigh. Email: [email protected]
South Carolina Gamecock fans
Any University of South Carolina fans in the area should follow @TriangleGamecocks on Instagram for updates on their watch parties, which seem to be at Raleigh Brewing. You can also follow their Facebook page for future updates.
Tennessee Vols fans
The Tennessee alumni association has a Triangle Area chapter with over 1,900 alumni. According to their Facebook page they have watch parties at MacGregor Draft House in Cary so connect with them directly for latest updates. Email: [email protected]
Miami Hurricanes fans
There is a Raleigh-Durham ‘Canes alumni group for alumni, parents, students, and friends. I couldn’t find watch party information, but if you join their Facebook group they may have updates and information inside their community. Email: [email protected].
LSU Tigers fans
LSU alumni association has a Triangle North Carolina Chapter. I can’t see updated information for 2026, but according to their Facebook page their watch parties last season were at South Line Brewing. But connect with them for the latest information and updates. Their Point of Contact is Jason Dore, email: [email protected]
Georgia Tech fans
There is a Georgia Tech alumni association in the Triangle. And according to their Facebook page, they have watch parties at the Carolina Ale House in Cary.
In Summary
This is not an exhaustive list. I’ve done my best to research as many college alumni websites as possible, but many were either lacking in information, or their alumni chapters were nonexistent in the Raleigh area. If you are aware of other alumni watch parties anywhere in the Triangle area, please share the details in the comments section down below, and I will add them to this post.
Visiting Raleigh from out of town for a game? Here are some of the for top hotels near NC State University
For more sports related articles, check out the below posts:
- Gameday guide to carter-Finley Stadium
- 20 best sports bars in Raleigh
- Where to watch soccer games in Raleigh
- Guide to Lenovo Center: Home of Carolina Hurricanes
- Guide to Reynolds Coliseum: Home of State women’s basketball
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