NC State Homecoming 2022: Here’s what to know about visiting Raleigh for Wolfpack’s big game

It might surprise you to realize that Homecoming Weekend is just a few short weeks away. Red and White Week (Oct. 30 to Nov. 5) will connect current NC State students with alumni on campus, as they all celebrate the heritage of the university and cheer on the Wolfpack football team.

If you’re an alumnus planning to return to Raleigh for the first time in a while, you probably have some questions about what campus life is like now. We’re here to give you a guide to make the most out of your visit and make Homecoming 2022 a time that you will never forget.

Who is NC State playing in the Homecoming game?

The Wolfpack football team will take on Wake Forest on Saturday, Nov. 5. NC State is coming off a successful season in which the team finished 9-3 overall, and 6-2 in conference play. The Wolfpack will be looking for revenge this year after they lost to the Demon Deacons in a 45-42 shootout in 2021.

Despite the winning record last year, NC State’s season ended in disappointment when the Holiday Bowl was canceled hours before kickoff after opponent UCLA announced it would be unable to play due to COVID issues.

Get our latest NC State coverage here.

How do I get tickets to NC State vs. Wake Forest?

Tickets to the Homecoming game at Carter-Finley Stadium can be purchased through gopack.com. Ticket availability through the university website appears to be low, and those tickets range from $56 to $64. A maximum of four tickets can be purchased together through the ticket portal.

But gopack.com also offers group ticket packages for groups of 15 or more people. For more information and availability, call 919-865-1510 or fill out this group ticket interest form.

Resale tickets are also available on websites such as Stubhub and SeatGeek.

Where should I stay during Homecoming weekend?

NC State has a list of nearby Raleigh hotels available to peruse on its website, but The StateView Hotel is the only hotel option on campus. The Visit Raleigh website also has a variety of options to filter by, including Bed & Breakfasts, LGBTQ-Welcoming hotels, and campsites.

If you are looking to go the Airbnb route, here is a list of vacation rentals near the NC State campus.

What should I eat while I’m in Raleigh?

There are plenty of good food options to explore both in Raleigh and by venturing out into The Triangle.

You can’t miss out on the barbecue scene while you’re in town. The News & Observer recently compiled a list of 12 bucket-list joints for old-fashioned BBQ that is sure to get you salivating. The list includes Sam Jones BBQ in downtown Raleigh, where “the oldest methods of barbecue are served in a modern space.” If you’re up for a short drive, the closest historic pit to Raleigh is Stephenson’s Bar-B-Q in Willow Spring, “where pork shoulders are chopped, seasoned and dressed with vinegar sauce so exacting you likely won’t be reaching for the bottle.”

For a no-frills, blue collar lunch while you’re in town, don’t skip Steve’s Place, which recently came out on top in The News & Observer’s poll for The Triangle’s best hot dog. Here, the dogs are made just how you want them, with “11 toppings and any preparation diners prefer,” writes Drew Jackson. You can also hop over to Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant and order a pizza that Triangle readers can’t get enough of.

For a pre- or postgame meal, Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant is steeped in Wolfpack sports history. Read how the institution and “frequent dining spot for generations of NC State fans, athletes and notables,” has adapted to the new NIL environment with college athletes.

Want more? Dive into our complete food guide to The Triangle. And there are plenty more food options to be found in our travel guide.

Drinking in Raleigh? What to know

“North Carolina sticks out from the rest of the country with some of its rules about selling, purchasing and consuming alcohol,” writes Kimberly Catuadella. Make sure to familiarize yourself with her list of list of 8 alcohol-related laws before you head to Raleigh (don’t expect happy hours or bottomless mimosas during Red and White Week).

Looking for a cold beer? Here’s a 12-pack of The Triangle’s best breweries, which includes multiple options in Raleigh where you can find hoppy IPAs, fruited sours, wheat beers and more.

How about brunch with a little booze? We’ve got a list of restaurants and bars with some of the best Bloody Mary’s around — including St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar, which has the delightfully named “Mary Smokes When She Drinks” cocktail that uses smoked tomato juice.

Here’s our complete travel guide for The Triangle.