School
NC State University
Stadium
Carter-Finley Stadium
Capacity
57,583
Conference
ACC
Official NC State University NC State Wolfpack home & away games
* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.
Fall football weather in Raleigh brings a mix of conditions from warm September afternoons to cold November nights. Layers are your best friend on game day.
78°
High
55°
Low
65°
High
44°
Low
50°
High
32°
Low
These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Carter-Finley Stadium.
Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.
The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Raleigh on game day
Raleigh's premier nightlife district with dozens of bars, restaurants, and outdoor patios packed on gameday
The heart of the city with sports bars, craft breweries, and a vibrant gameday scene
The classic college strip adjacent to NC State's main campus with longtime student bars
The best spots near Carter-Finley Stadium for NC State Wolfpack fans
The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Carter-Finley Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience
Total Distance
1.2 miles
Estimated Time
4 hours
Bar Stops
5 Stops
Route Type
Walking Route
Start Here
Glenwood South - Downtown Raleigh
End Point
Slingshot Coffee & Bar
Raleigh Beer Garden
Stop 1 of 5
400+ beers on tap
Wear your NC State Wolfpack gear and meet fellow fans at every stop along the route!
Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop
Book Your SpotThe rituals, chants, and moments that make NC State University NC State Wolfpack game day unlike anywhere else
3–4 hours before kickoff
Raleigh fans gather hours before kickoff to tailgate near Carter-Finley Stadium. Grills fire up, team colors fill the lots, and the energy builds to a fever pitch before the gates open.
At kickoff
When the NC State Wolfpack take the field, the stadium erupts. Fans pack the tunnel entrance and create a wall of noise that opposing teams dread. It's one of the loudest moments in college football.
Post-game
After a NC State Wolfpack win, the party moves back to the bar district. Fans flood the streets, bars stay packed until last call, and the celebration carries well into the night.
After every score
The NC State Wolfpack fight song is belted out by every fan in the stadium after every score. Learn the words before you arrive — you'll be expected to sing along with 60,000 of your closest friends.
Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single NC State Wolfpack ritual
Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Carter-Finley Stadium
Barbecue · $$
Award-winning North Carolina BBQ in downtown Raleigh. Eastern NC-style with vinegar-based sauce.
Fast Food · $
NC State student favorite. Incredible value with customizable trays and late-night hours.
Sports Bar · $$
Popular Hillsborough Street bar near campus. Great gameday atmosphere with outdoor patio.
Hot Dogs · $
NC State institution since 1978. Classic hot dog joint on Hillsborough Street.
Burger Joint · $
Raleigh burger institution. Drive-through only with flame-grilled burgers made to order.
Brewery & Restaurant · $$
Unique brewery with dim sum and bookstore. Upscale pre-game option in downtown Raleigh.
Turn your love of NC State Wolfpack football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at Carter-Finley Stadium
Official tailgate lots surrounding the stadium with grills, tents, and Wolfpack red everywhere.
Large overflow tailgate area at the NC State Fairgrounds adjacent to the stadium.
Campus-adjacent bar patios and street tailgates — the traditional Wolfpack pre-game scene.
Rideshare Drop-off
Uber/Lyft drop-off on Edwards Mill Rd near Carter-Finley Stadium. Glenwood South drop-off for pre-game bar crawl.
Shuttle Service
NC State runs free game day shuttles from the main campus to Carter-Finley Stadium on all home game days.
Top hotels near Carter-Finley Stadium for game day weekend
Everything you need to know about Raleigh game day bar crawls
Information sourced from official and authoritative references
NC State Athletics Official Site
Official schedules, tickets, and parking for Carter-Finley Stadium.
Carter-Finley Stadium Fan Guide
Stadium policies, bag rules, and gameday information.
Visit Raleigh
Official Raleigh visitor guide, hotels, and local events.
ACC Official Site
Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast information.
ESPN College Football
Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage.
Book your NC State University NC State Wolfpack game day bar crawl and experience Raleigh nightlife like never before!
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