Carter-Finley Stadium is an exciting place to watch college football. I’ve been to many games there over the years. The stadium is home to NC State’s Wolfpack football team. It opened in 1966 and has seen lots of changes since then.
In 2002, the field was named Wayne Day Family Field. This honored Wayne T. Day, who gave a big gift to help improve the stadium. The stadium now seats over 56,000 fans and has great facilities for players and spectators alike.
I love the energy at Carter-Finley on game days. The crowd gets so loud when the Wolfpack scores. It’s more than just a football stadium – it’s a special place for NC State and the whole Raleigh community.
Key Takeaways
- Carter-Finley Stadium is home to NC State Wolfpack football and seats over 56,000 fans
- The playing field was named Wayne Day Family Field in 2002 to honor a major donor
- The stadium has undergone many upgrades since opening in 1966 to improve the fan experience
History and Development
Carter-Finley Stadium has a rich history spanning over five decades. It’s gone through many changes since it first opened, growing alongside NC State’s football program.
Opening and Naming
I remember when Carter Stadium first opened in 1966. It replaced the old Riddick Stadium, which had become too small. The Stadium Development Committee worked hard to make it happen. L.E. Wooten and Charles H. Kahn were the structural engineers, while Milton Small and Associates designed it.
They broke ground in 1964 and finished two years later. It was exciting to see! The stadium got its name from Harry C. Carter and Wilbert J. “Nick” Finley, two big supporters of NC State.
In 2002, the field itself got a new name. It became Wayne T. Day Family Field to honor a big donation from Wayne Day, a 1965 graduate.
Stadium Expansions and Renovations
Over the years, I’ve seen Carter-Finley grow a lot. It started with about 40,000 seats, but now it can hold over 56,000 fans! That’s a big jump.
In the 1970s, they added seats on the east side. Then in the 1980s, more seats came on the north and south ends. The 2000s brought big changes too. They built new scoreboards, a football center, and even luxury boxes.
The most recent big change was in 2015. They put in a new video board that’s huge – 4,722 square feet! It makes watching replays so much better.
Significant Games and Events
I’ve seen some amazing moments at Carter-Finley. In 1967, NC State beat second-ranked Houston. What an upset! And who can forget Philip Rivers leading the team to big wins in the early 2000s?
Russell Wilson had some great games here too. More recently, Bradley Chubb became a star on this field.
It’s not just football, though. In 1973, Billy Graham held a big crusade here. And every fall, the North Carolina State Fair brings lots of activity to the area around the stadium.
Some coaches really stand out in my mind. Chuck Amato had a good run in the early 2000s. And of course, there are players like Dick Christy and Bill Yoest who left their mark on NC State football history.
Stadium Features and Facilities
Carter-Finley Stadium has some cool features that make it a great place to watch football. I’ve checked out the different areas and amenities, and I’m excited to share what I found.
The Murphy Center and Vaughn Towers
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The Murphy Center is a huge part of the stadium experience. It’s where the players get ready for games. I love seeing the team walk through before kickoff – it always gets me pumped up!
Vaughn Towers is another awesome spot. It’s on the west side of the stadium and has some of the best views. From up there, I can see the whole field and the crowd. It’s pretty impressive.
These towers have luxury suites and club seats. I’ve been lucky enough to visit once, and let me tell you, it’s fancy! The suites have comfy seats, TVs, and even private bathrooms.
Seating Capacity and Comfort
Carter-Finley Stadium can hold a lot of fans. It has 56,919 seats, which is pretty big for a college stadium. I’ve sat in different areas, and most seats have a good view of the field.
The North End Zone Grandstand is a fun place to sit. It’s where a lot of students hang out, and the energy is always high. I love the atmosphere there during big games.
One thing I really like is the pre-stressed concrete support beams. They might not sound exciting, but they make the stadium strong and safe. Plus, they give it a cool look.
Concessions and Amenities
Food is a big part of the game day experience, and Carter-Finley doesn’t disappoint. There are plenty of concession stands around the stadium. I always grab a hot dog and some nachos.
The North End Zone Plaza is a great spot to hang out before the game. It’s got food, drinks, and usually some pre-game activities. I like to get there early and soak up the atmosphere.
The stadium also has a modern press box. While I don’t get to go in there, it’s cool to see all the media folks working during the game.
Bathrooms are plentiful and clean, which is always a plus. And there are plenty of TVs around so I don’t miss any action if I need to step away from my seat.
Impact on NC State and Raleigh
Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium has shaped NC State and Raleigh in big ways. It’s more than just a football field – it’s become a key part of the city and university.
Economic and Cultural Influence
The stadium brings lots of money to Raleigh on game days. Fans flood Hillsborough Street and nearby areas, spending cash at restaurants and shops.
I’ve seen how the whole city gets excited for football season. Red and white flags pop up everywhere. Even people who don’t usually care about sports get into the Wolfpack spirit.
The stadium also hosts other events like concerts. This brings in even more visitors and money to Raleigh. It’s helped put our city on the map as an entertainment destination.
Community and University Engagement
Carter-Finley has brought NC State and Raleigh closer together. I love how it gives students and locals a place to bond over Wolfpack pride.
The Wolfpack Club uses the stadium for charity events too. This helps the wider community.
Game days are a huge deal. Tailgating at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds next door is a beloved tradition. It’s not just about football – it’s a social event that brings people together.
The stadium has also boosted NC State’s profile. It’s helped attract students and made alumni feel more connected to their school.
Architectural Design and Engineering
I’m excited to tell you about the design of Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium. It’s a cool place with some neat engineering behind it.
The stadium was built back in 1966. An NC State graduate named L.E. Wooten was the main engineer. He owned a big engineering company in Raleigh.
Wooten hired Charles H. Kahn, a design professor at NC State, to be the main designer. Milton Small and Associates did the construction work.
The field and stadium have gotten some updates over the years. In 2002, they named the playing surface Wayne T. Day Family Field. This was to honor a 1965 engineering grad who gave a big gift.
I think it’s neat how NC State alumni were involved in creating the stadium. It shows how the university’s engineering program produces talented graduates.
The stadium can now hold 56,919 people. That’s a lot of Wolfpack fans! I’d love to see it full on game day.
While I don’t know all the technical details, I’m impressed by how the stadium has grown and improved over time. It’s a great home for NC State football.
Notable Events Beyond Football
Carter-Finley Stadium isn’t just for football. It’s hosted some amazing concerts and other sporting events too. I’ve seen some incredible shows and matches there over the years.
Concerts and Shows
I was blown away by the Rolling Stones concert in 2015. It was their 50th anniversary tour and tickets weren’t cheap, but so worth it. The Avett Brothers opened, and the energy was electric.
U2 and Paul McCartney have also rocked the stadium. I’ll never forget seeing Pink Floyd’s massive light show there. It was mind-blowing.
Some other big names I’ve seen perform at Carter-Finley:
- Grateful Dead
- Beyoncé
- The Who
- George Strait
- Jimmy Buffett
The stadium’s size makes it perfect for these huge shows. The sound quality is surprisingly good for an outdoor venue too.
Other Sporting Events
While football is the main event, I’ve enjoyed watching other sports at Carter-Finley too. The Carolina Hurricanes played an outdoor NHL game there, which was pretty cool.
I’ve also seen some great college soccer matches. The atmosphere for those games is different from football, but still fun.
Some high school championships have been held there as well. It’s neat seeing young athletes play on such a big stage.
Legacy and Honors
Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium has seen many great players and coaches over the years. It’s also home to special tributes that honor important people in NC State football history.
Memorable Wolfpack Players and Coaches
I’ve seen some amazing talents play on this field. Roman Gabriel was a star quarterback here before his NFL career. Ted Brown still holds the ACC rushing record. And who can forget Torry Holt’s incredible catches?
Coaches have left their mark too. Earle Edwards led the team to five ACC titles. Lou Holtz had a short but exciting stint here before Notre Dame.
Some of my favorite memories are of Mario Williams dominating on defense. Jim Ritcher and Dennis Byrd were also standouts on the line.
Tributes and Memorials
The stadium honors key figures in Wolfpack history. Wayne T. Day and his family are recognized for their huge donation to improve the stadium. The field was named after them in 2002.
I love seeing the tributes around the stadium. There are statues and plaques honoring past greats. The stadium itself is partly named after Clifford Peele Finley, a big supporter.
The Mary Rider Ferguson Nutrition Center helps current players stay in top shape. It’s neat to see how the stadium connects past and present Wolfpack stars.
Funding and Support
I’m excited to tell you about the amazing support behind Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium! The NC State Wolfpack’s home field got its name thanks to a super generous gift.
Wayne T. Day and his family pledged $5 million to improve the stadium. Wow! Their donation was part of a bigger $50 million campaign called the Goal Line Drive.
The field was officially named after the Day family in 2002. I think it’s so cool how alumni give back to their schools!
But it wasn’t just the Day family who helped out. Lots of other private donations came in too. I’m not sure about public bonds, but I wouldn’t be surprised if those played a part.
Some other cool facts I learned:
- The stadium opened way back in 1966
- It can seat over 56,000 fans now
- Parking lots around the stadium probably bring in some money too
I love how college football brings people together to support their team and school. Go Wolfpack!
Frequently Asked Questions
Carter-Finley Stadium has a rich history and many interesting features. I’ve gathered answers to some common questions about this iconic venue.
What are the latest reviews of Carter-Finley Stadium on platforms like Reddit?
Recent Reddit reviews praise Carter-Finley Stadium’s electric atmosphere. Fans love the loud crowd and exciting gameday experience. Some users mention the improved concessions and renovated bathrooms as highlights.
Can you tell me about the history of Carter-Finley Stadium?
Carter-Finley Stadium opened in 1966 as the home of NC State Wolfpack football. It replaced the old Riddick Stadium on campus. The stadium is named after Harry C. Carter and Wilbert J. “Nick” Finley, two key donors.
In 2002, the field was named Wayne T. Day Family Field to honor another major supporter.
Has there been any recent expansion of Carter-Finley Stadium?
The most recent major expansion was completed in 2006. This project added luxury suites and club seats on the north and south sides. New video boards and a sound system were also installed.
In recent years, smaller upgrades have focused on improving fan amenities and technology.
What is the seating capacity and arrangement at Carter-Finley Stadium?
Carter-Finley Stadium can hold 56,919 fans. The seating bowl surrounds the field on all four sides. There are two levels of seating, with luxury suites and club seats between the levels on the north and south sides.
The student section is located in the east end zone. It’s known for being especially loud and rowdy during games.
Are visitors allowed to take photos inside Carter-Finley Stadium during games?
Yes, visitors can take photos inside Carter-Finley Stadium during games. Personal cameras and cell phones are allowed. Professional camera equipment or video cameras may require special permission.
I recommend checking NC State’s official athletics website for the most up-to-date policies on photography and recording.
What are the food and beverage options available at Carter-Finley Stadium?
Carter-Finley Stadium offers a variety of food and drink options. Traditional stadium fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn are available. Local favorites include NC barbecue sandwiches and Howling Cow ice cream from NC State’s dairy.
Beer and wine are sold at select concession stands. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink provider.
