For generations of N.C. State fans, fall Saturdays in Raleigh have meant one thing: Wolfpack football.
From the campus that turns into a sea of red and white to the parking lots surrounding Carter-Finley Stadium, N.C. State fans have built a game-day experience that is equal parts tradition, tailgate and Wolfpack pride.
But there’s more to a Wolfpack Saturday than what happens between the lines at Carter-Finley.
There’s the Belltower glowing red after a big victory, the Wolfpack Walk outside the Murphy Center and the unmistakable sight of Mr. and Ms. Wuf working the crowd. And then there’s the simple ritual of throwing up the Wolf sign when you spot another fan in red.
For first-time visitors, there’s a lot to take in. Where else can you spend a fall Saturday tailgating and then watch the Belltower light up red after a big ACC win?
5 things you need to experience
Tailgate outside Carter-Finley Stadium
Tailgating is a big part of the N.C. State experience. The parking lots around Carter-Finley Stadium begin filling with fans hours before kickoff, creating a sea of red tents, grills, flags and Wolfpack gear. The university calls tailgating one of the “best parts” of game day.
Join the Walk of Champions
If you want to feel like part of the team, find your way to the Wendell Murphy Football Center for the Walk of Champions. About three hours before kickoff, supporters line the pathway to cheer on the players and coaches as they step off the buses and enter the stadium.
Make the Wolf Fingers
You don’t need to know every word to the fight song to feel like you’re part of the Pack. Just make the Wolf Fingers. Touch your middle and ring fingers to your thumb, raise your index finger and pinkie and you’ve got the hand signal that is ingrained in N.C. State culture.
@ncstateuniversity This is NC State. Home of the Wolfpack. 🐺🐾🤘
♬ original sound – NC State University
Meet Mr. Wuf and Ms. Wuf
No N.C. State football Saturday is complete without meeting Mr. Wuf and Ms. Wuf. Mr. Wuf dates to the early days of the Wolfpack’s wolf mascot tradition, while Ms. Wuf was introduced in 1975. The two were “married” in 1981 during a halftime ceremony at Reynolds Coliseum.
See the Belltower turn red
Few sights matter more to N.C. State fans after a big win than the Memorial Belltower glowing red. The Belltower has stood on campus since 1937 and serves as one of the university’s most recognizable symbols. After football victories, it is illuminated in red as a celebration of the Pack.
@movingtoraleigh 🔔 Fun Fact Alert! Did you know the NC State Bell Tower shines red in celebration? 🚀🔴🐺 That’s right, when our Wolfpack teams crush it on the field, the Bell Tower proudly glows crimson! It’s like a gigantic victory light show right here on campus! 🎉🏆 Why red, you ask? Well, it’s not just about the color of passion and fire that runs through our veins (although that’s pretty cool too!). Red represents our unbeatable Wolfpack spirit, our unity, and the fierce determination that sets us apart. 🐺💪🏾 So, if you spot the magical red glow, it means the Pack has triumphed! Get ready to high-five, fist bump, and zoom over to celebrate with your fellow fans. 🙌🏾🎉 🎥 @jon7p13 #NCStateBellTower #VictoryGlow #RedOutRave #beautiful #explore #funfacts #raleighnc #raleighdurham #explorepage #ncstate #ncstatefanforlife #college #collegesports #july4thweekend #july4th #tiktok ♬ Moonwatchers – Jay Amari
READ MORE: From fight songs to mascots: Every ACC school’s most iconic football traditions
Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.