I love college football season. Saturday afternoon in the Fall is my favorite time of year. And one of my favorite things to do in Raleigh is attend games at Carter–Finley Stadium, home to the North Carolina State Wolfpack football team. Known as A Den For The Pack, the stadium was officially opened in 1966 and has a current seating capacity of 56,919 fans.
NC State Football is back playing at Carter-Finley Stadium for their season opener on Friday, September 11th at 7pm versus Richmond. If you’re planning to attend an NC State football game here in Raleigh, this guide is for you! Fans unable to attend Carter-Finley can catch the action on ESPNU or gather at one of these NC State sports bars to cheer on the pack. Now, keep reading for our complete gameday guide to Carter-Finley Stadium.
Getting to Carter–Finley Stadium
Carter–Finley Stadium is located at 4600 Trinity Road, Raleigh and is a 5-mile drive west of downtown Raleigh (approximately 15-minute drive) via Hillsborough St that runs past the North Campus of NC State University. Drive times and distances from other locations include:
- RDU International Airport: 15 minutes (9.5 miles)
- Durham: 25 minutes (19.6 miles)
- Chapel Hill: 30 minutes (22 miles)
- Charlotte: 2.5 hours (160 miles)
- Washington D.C: 4.5 hours (275 miles)
Most people will be driving to the stadium, unless you get dropped off by one of the ride-share services or a bus. Driving directions:
- From the West: Take 1-40 East to the Wade Avenue exit; Exit at Edwards Mill Rd. or Blue Ridge Rd. and follow the signs to Carter-Finley Stadium.
- From the East: Take 1-40 West to the 440 Beltline. Take the Wade Avenue exit and go west. Exit on Blue Ridge Rd. or Edwards Mill Rd. and follow the signs to Carter-Finley Stadium.
- Click here to get directions from your location.
Below is detailed information on parking and tailgating at Carter-Finley Stadium, and options for getting there by the Red Terror Shuttle Bus, and Bus Route 60 Wolfline).
Parking at Carter-Finley Stadium (for NC State Games)
Parking still requires a valid permit and gates to the parking lots open 5 hours before kickoff. Pricing continues to scale by opponent tier ($20–$90 depending on lot and game), and paid lots are now cashless (credit/debit only). Lot capacity has also grown. Here are the key points:
- Gates to parking lots open 5 hours before kickoff.
- 100 additional parking spaces have been added at the Cardinal Gibbons lot.
- Game-day paid lots are now cashless (credit/debit only), with tiered pricing by game:
- Highway 54 Lot – 5766 Chapel Hill Road
- Westchase Handicap Accessible Lot – 4011 Westchase Blvd.
Pricing: $20 – Richmond | $30 – All Remaining Games - Frank Weedon Lot – 4700 Trinity Road
Pricing: $60 – Richmond | $80 – App State, Wake Forest, Cal, Syracuse | $90 – Louisville, Duke - CVM Deck/Cardinal Gibbons
Pricing: $30 – Richmond | $50 – App State, Wake Forest, Cal, Syracuse | $60 – Louisville, Duke
Important reminders:
All game day lots are cashless. Fans can purchase parking passes online with their game tickets, or by calling the Ticket Office at 919-865-1510. Advanced parking is mailed to fans and must be purchased at least 10-days in advance of the event date to ensure timely delivery. These lots include: Westchase, Cardinal Gibbons, Trinity, and Frank Weedon. Game day parking is subject to availability and is first come, first serve. Click for full parking details.
Tailgating Policies
The core rules for tailgating at NC State Football games haven’t change, but NC State is calling this year’s approach to the parking lots “Tailgating 2.0,” with a renewed emphasis on safety and courtesy in the lots:
- Tents: Must stay entirely within your own parking space — no blocking sidewalks, drive lanes, emergency access points, or neighboring spaces. Written permission from NC State Athletics Facilities (919-515-7369) is required for anything that physically alters a parking space, and no permanent structures are allowed.
- Fire safety: Open-flame fires are strictly prohibited. Fire pits need a screen and 25 feet of clearance from anything combustible; portable outdoor fireplaces need 15 feet of clearance and must follow manufacturer guidelines; charcoal grills need 10 feet of clearance and must be fully extinguished and disposed of properly before you head into the stadium.
- Alcohol: Beer and unfortified wine only — no liquor — in NC State-controlled lots.
- Noise: Amplified sound isn’t permitted, and everyone’s expected to keep noise within Raleigh’s noise ordinance.
- Clean-up: Fans are asked to clean their tailgate spot before heading into the game.
- Banned in the lots: Drones, golf carts, hoverboards, motorized scooters, and unauthorized promotional vehicles.
- Parking lots open 5 hours before kickoff
- See full tailgating policies here.
Shuttle Bus
The Red Terror Bus Service for game days leaves from Witherspoon Student Center (Cates Ave) starting 3 hours before kickoff and running 90 minutes after the game ends. Less crowded the earlier you take it. No containers allowed. One bag per-person. While the stadium is located on university land, it is a mile west of the academic campus, so it is essentially an off-campus stadium.
I have not personally done this, but you can get to Carter-Finley Stadium by Bus Route 60 (blue route) on the NC State University Wolfline is open to the public and offers services the stadium. It departs from campus on Hillsborough Street. See route map here. (Note: current schedule is only for weekdays).
Seating at Carter-Finley Stadium (and tickets)
General seating remains reserved bleacher seating throughout the bowl for all fans age 3 and up, but there’s a fresh coat of paint this year: all bleacher seats have been renumbered, so double-check your ticket against the new numbering when you find your row — don’t assume it’s in the same spot as last season. Check out this seating map. And if you know your seat number, check out your view from this 3D interactive seating map.
The TowneBank Center rises above the west stands and stretches from endzone to endzone. The 117,000 square-foot structure includes four levels, 51 private luxury suites and 955 club seats, as well as a University Suite for the Chancellor, and has new carpet installed in the Dail Club and the third-floor suites for 2026. The state-of-the-art facility also includes accommodations for the media, with 112 press seats. For more premium seating information and Wolfpack Membership click here.
Tuffy’s Terrace
Tuffy’s Terrace is an outdoor Premium Area located in the North End Zone. Enjoy Wolfpack Football with fantastic views from the 1st and 2nd Row Rail Seats, 30-person premium Suites, or with general admission standing room only Tuffy’s Terrace Deck Pass! All packages include access to a private bar and all-inclusive food offerings. Tuffy’s is back for 2026 with the same three ways to experience it:
- Reserved rail seats (Rows A & B)
- Private suite rentals (roughly 30-person capacity)
- Standing-room deck passes, which include a private bar and all-inclusive food
As in past seasons, this is one of the more social, upscale ways to watch a game at Carter-Finley without leaving the open-air atmosphere behind.
Raleighwood
Raleighwood, a 27,000 sq. ft. fan zone is free and open to all fans when the gates open. Located in the northeast corner of Carter-Finley near Gate 11, this concourse area includes food trucks, beverage stations and amenities such as tents, tables (picnic & cocktail) and live music and entertainment options.
Raleighwood is getting a food upgrade this year. In addition to its usual food trucks, beverage stations, live entertainment, and big-screen TVs, Raleighwood will now host new rotating food truck vendors on a weekly basis, so the lineup will change from game to game. It still opens 90 minutes before kickoff and remains free to enter, with entertainment continuing through halftime.
Tickets & Schedule
NC State’s opening home game is on Friday, September 11th at 7pm versus Richmond. And their last home game of this season is on November 14 versus Syracuse. See their full schedule here. For tickets to all Wolfpack football games, head to the official NC State athletics website here.
Facility Upgrades
The most visible upgrade this year is overhead: NC State installed new LED ribbon boards throughout the stadium with roughly 6x more pixels and 500+ additional square feet of display area compared to the old boards. Beyond that:
- A new playing field was installed after this summer’s concert season.
- New carpet in the Dail Club and TowneBank Center’s third-floor suites.
- Fresh paint and new vinyl graphics on the Ring of Honor.
- New graphics on the north end zone tunnel awnings and pads.
- All bleacher seats renumbered (see Seating above).
- An updated mobile command post and police processing center, part of ongoing gameday safety improvements.
Gate Information
Stadium entrance gates typically open 1.5 hours prior to kick-off for access to general seating areas, and all gates are accessible entrances into Carter-Finley Stadium. The Carter-Finley Stadium Map can be found here.
- General seating gates open 1.5 hours before kickoff — so 5:30 PM for the Friday opener.
- TowneBank Center patrons can enter 2 hours before kickoff, but only through Gates 4, 8, and 14.
- Student Entrance: Gate 6
- Gate 5 (south end) remains closed to the public — use Gates 2, 3, or 4 instead if you’re arriving from that side of the stadium.
- Will Call is at the Ammons Family Ticket Center, on the west side of the stadium between Gates 4 and 5.
- General Will Call: Ammons Family Ticket Center located on the West side between Gates 4 & 5.
- Media Will Call: Gate 5 (Opens 3 hours prior to kick-off)
- Olympic Sport Recruits: Gate 10
- Visiting Team Player Guests: Gate 11
- Police Assistance: University Police Command Center between Gates 4 & 5
Re-entry / pass-outs: Pass-outs become available starting with five minutes left in the second quarter. If you need to leave and come back, hang onto both your ticket and your pass-out stub — re-entry is not permitted after the start of the third quarter, so plan accordingly if you’re stepping out.
Smoking: Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are prohibited throughout the stadium except in designated outdoor areas — currently marked near Gate 1 (northwest) and Gate 11 (northeast). If you’re used to the old designated spots near Gates 2 and 8, note that this has shifted, so look for updated signage on gameday.
The Game Day Experience
NC State football fans are noisy, passionate, and love to tailgate which provides for a super fun environment and fan atmosphere during any game day at Carter-Finley Stadium. Whether you’re a seasoned football fan, an NC State alumni, or it’s your first ever college game in Raleigh, you’re guaranteed a good time whether they win or lose. The energy of the place makes it hard not to enjoy it, especially during night games – keep in mind they’ve been tailgating ALL DAY!
As for tailgating, they say it’s second to none in the state of North Carolina. Personally, I haven’t been to East Carolina (ECU) or Appalachian State (ASU) games yet, but from personal experience the tailgating at State games is way better than at UNC or Duke football games and one of the best in the ACC I’ve been told.
As Australians who grew up without tailgating at any of our sporting codes, the first time we experienced a State ‘game day’ it was an experience to remember! From the full-size RV setups with everything you could possibly need to grill-out, to the various tailgate lots surrounding the stadium filled with State fans including the setups among the nearby forest – this is Raleigh after all, the City of Oaks, if you haven’t been to a Wolfpack football game yet and tailgated, have you even lived in Raleigh?
Even if you don’t know anyone, like we didn’t our first time, the fans are friendly and will be glad to welcome you in or just walk around and take in the pre-game atmosphere and festivities. Go big or go home as they say, and yes, there is a college football game to watch, too.
Walk of Champions
Watching the home team get off the bus and enter the stadium is another cool gameday experience at Carter-Finley. Just head to the car parking area out front of the 103,254 square-foot Wendell Murphy Football Center (corner of Trinity Rd & Peter Karmanos Jr Dr) and Stadium Gate B and join a large gathering of fans, the NC State band, and cheerleaders who really add to the experience in welcoming the Wolfpack to Carter-Finley Stadium (approximately three hours prior to kickoff).
New to the Gameday Experience in 2026
A few other additions worth knowing for the upcoming 2026 season:
- Expanded Wolfpack Team Shop on the East Concourse, with game-specific merchandise, themed Frost Buddy cup designs, and commemorative pins for select games.
- Jeff Gravley shifts roles this year — still part of the broadcast team, but now working as a sideline analyst in addition to his usual pregame hosting duties.
- Real-time fan support: Text 984-352-7345 on gameday for live assistance, or reach out to @PackGuestSrvcs on X.
- Accessibility: All gates remain accessible, ADA parking is available in the Westchase lot with a valid placard, a wheelchair-accessible shuttle runs starting midway through the third quarter, and private lactation rooms are available on request through Guest Services.
Food & Beverage
There are plenty of food and beverage options in the stadium, think your typical stadium food and prices – all concession stands use a cashless pay system. Concessions got a real refresh for 2026:
- Chick-fil-A is back with expanded stands on both the east and west concourses.
- Pit BBQ Sandwich stands have expanded to all north and south end zone locations.
- New menu items include Tuffy Value Packs (hot dog, drink, and chips bundled for roughly 26% savings), Loaded Steak Nachos with queso and pico, Chili Cheese Nachos with jalapeños, an Andouille Sausage Roll with peppers and cheese, and three specialty footlong hot dogs: the All the Way Dog (chili and slaw), the BBQ Dog (smoky sauce and fried onions), and the Classic Dog (onions, relish, and mustard).
- Raleighwood now features weekly rotating food trucks (see above), plus additional food truck options on the east and west concourses.
- Gluten-free options remain available, including nachos, popcorn, and peanuts.
- All concession stands remain cashless.
- Additional water stations have been added around the concourse for hot early-season game days — worth knowing for a 7 PM September kickoff.
Food options include specialty barbecue, hot honey fried chicken sandwiches, new grill carts, and hot-pressed sandwiches. In addition to Chick-fil-A’s return, Alpaca will serve Peruvian rotisserie chicken and other Latin dishes from the concourse adjacent to Raleighwood. Wolf & Hen will serve chicken tenders and fries along with other game-day favorites in Raleighwood.
NOTE: If you have nutrition requirements e.g. gluten free intolerance or celiac, your dining options will be limited, plan accordingly.
Alcohol Sales Policies
Beer and wine sales inside the stadium continue under the same core rules fans have seen in recent seasons:
- Purchases are limited to two beers per person, per ID, per transaction.
- A valid, legal photo ID is required, and anyone who appears to be under 30 will be carded.
- Alcohol sales begin 90 minutes before kickoff and cut off at the end of the third quarter.
- No outside alcohol, and no alcohol containers may be carried in or out of the stadium.
- Staff will not serve any patron who appears visibly intoxicated.
New for 2026: NC State has rolled out NC Sips, a mobile ordering system that lets fans order beer from their phone at various stadium locations rather than waiting in a concession line — a handy option if you don’t want to miss a series while you’re in line.
What Can You Bring to Carter-Finley Stadium?
The clear bag policy itself hasn’t changed for 2026. Make sure you know what you can, and cannot bring, into the stadium since it may be a long walk back to your car and you can miss out on some of the fun! They are strict on their bag size and clear bag policy, so I would recommend getting a wristlet or clear bag if you want to bring one.
Bags allowed (one per person):
- A small clutch/purse up to 4.5″ x 6.5″, with or without a strap, which may be carried in addition to your clear bag
- A clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, OR a one-gallon clear resealable freezer bag
- For more information on their bag policy and sizes click here.
Other permitted items:
- One sealed bottle of water, or an empty reusable bottle up to 32 oz.
- Handheld still cameras (detachable lenses under 5″ long and 3.5″ in diameter; camera body under 3″ deep; overall length under 8″; no flash)
- Small binoculars and cell phones
- Collapsible strollers
- Armless seat cushions without pockets
- Diapers and infant/child supplies, carried in a clear bag
- Banners or flags no larger than 3′ x 2′, as long as they don’t block anyone’s view or attach to a stick or pole
- Medically necessary items, after inspection at the gate (allow extra time)
- Service animals (emotional support animals are not permitted)
Not allowed:
- Backpacks, large purses, camera bags, or coolers of any kind
- Outside food, snacks, alcohol, or beverages
- Umbrellas (open or closed-but-large)
- Video cameras, GoPros, cameras with detachable lenses beyond the size limits above, selfie sticks, laser pointers, and artificial noisemakers
- Non-collapsible or oversized strollers
- Folding or camp chairs, or any stadium seat with arms or a pocket
- Radios without headphones
- Weapons of any kind, including pocketknives
- Drones
The stadium’s own advice still holds: the fastest way through the gate is no bag at all. If you can leave it in the car, do.
Camera Policy
- Handheld still cameras are permitted.
- Detachable lenses must be less than 5 inches long and less than 3.5 inches diameter.
- Camera body cannot exceed 3 inches in depth/length.
- Overall camera and detachable lens combination cannot exceed 8 inches in overall length.
- Flashes are not allowed.
- Video cameras and GoPros are prohibited.
Text Assistance
NC State Athletics will continue to offer game day text assistance, which helps provide real-time problem resolution for patrons. If fans have an issue, they can text 984-352-7345 on game days or message Pack Guest Services on X at @PackGuestSrvcs.
Bars & Restaurants near Carter-Finley Stadium
Bru’s Public House
Located a 20-minute walk or five-minute drive away, Bru’s Public House has plenty of large TV’s with all the sports on a lively atmosphere on game days. Great selection of quality pub-style food – their pizzas are especially popular. Plus typical menu items like wings, nachos, burgers, salads, fries. Large selection of beers on tap and cocktails and wine. Makes for a good pre-game or post-game hangout.
Brickhouse Sports Bar & Grille
- Address: 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: Brickhouse-nc.com
A west Raleigh favorite and one of the best sports bars in Raleigh is Brickhouse located off Hillsborough Street (directly across from Meredith College) and relatively close to NC State and PNC Arena. Popular for NC State college games and Carolina Hurricanes fan. Fun fact: It also happens to be the headquarters of the Ohio State Buckeyes alumni club, and New England Patriots fans on NFL Sunday.
The Players Retreat
- Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
- Website: PlayersRetreat.com
Located across from NC State University’s North Campus, the Players Retreat is a tradition with NC State students and alumni. If you can’t make it to Carter-Finley Stadium to cheer on the Wolfpack, join the pack fans here. Established in 1951, it’s the oldest continuously operating tavern between Atlanta and Washington D.C. one of the storied sports bars in Raleigh and a true landmark in the city!
Raleigh Brewing Company
- Address: 3709 Neil St, Raleigh
- Website: RaleighBrewing.com
Raleigh Brewing’s mission with every beer brewed is to embrace the City of Oaks (Raleigh), and from the murals of the capital city on the taproom walls, to their beer names and their involvement with local community organizations and nonprofits, this is what they do. 20+ beers on tap with a wide selection of styles. This brewery is very spacious, with a large outdoor patio area (often with a food truck), a nice casual atmosphere and is pet friendly.
Ole Time Barbecue
Located only a 6-minute drive from the stadium, this is one of the best hidden gems in Raleigh, and one of those classic hole-in-the-wall roadside joints and one of the best bbq spots in Raleigh. Located slightly out of downtown on Hillsborough Street further west from NC State University (but still inside the beltline), Olde Time BBQ will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside someone’s home that’s been untouched for decades.
The Local
A short 5-10 minute walk to the stadium. This is an elevated sports bar and restaurant offering gourmet food, craft beers and a relaxed vibe. They pride themselves on embracing the local culture and flavors of Raleigh. Traditional American eats, local beers & spirits in a sports-themed setting with multiple TVs.
Hotels near Carter-Finley Stadium
Need a place to stay close to the action at Carter-Finley Stadium, consider these options:
- Four Points by Sheraton Raleigh Arena (2 min drive)
- Hyatt Place Raleigh Cary (5 min drive)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Cary I-40 (PNC Arena) (7 min drive)
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle (8 min drive)
- The Mayton, Cary (10 min drive)
- Aloft, Raleigh (8 min drive
For downtown Raleigh hotels check out this list. And for hotels near Raleigh Airport check these. We also have a list of recommendations for best hotels near NC State University. If you’re an NC State basketball fan, don’t miss our guides to Reynolds Coliseum and PNC Arena.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions? Or, if you have any of your own tips or suggestions about visiting and watching an event at Carter-Finley Stadium?
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Great guide! I can’t wait to experience a game at Carter-Finley Stadium. The tips on parking and tailgating will definitely come in handy. Go Pack!