Winston-Salem is a tobacco town built on old money and brick, and right in the middle of it sits a football stadium that feels more like a cozy backyard barbecue than a high-stakes ACC battleground. It’s small. Let’s just be honest about that right away. While schools like Clemson or Florida State are packing 80,000 screaming fans into concrete craters, Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium—the home of Wake Forest University football—tops out at around 31,500. But that’s the secret. It’s actually one of the most underrated viewing experiences in the country because there isn't a bad seat in the entire place.
You’ve probably seen it on TV and wondered why there are people sitting on a grassy hill behind the end zone. That’s Spry Stadium's neighborly vibe leaking over, but specifically, it’s the hill at the south end of the field. It’s iconic. It’s where kids roll down the grass while their parents watch some of the most efficient offensive schemes in modern college football. Formerly known as BB&T Field and Groves Stadium before that, the venue has undergone a massive identity shift over the last decade, mirroring the rise of the Demon Deacons under head coach Dave Clawson.
The Evolution from Groves Stadium to Allegacy
The history here is kinda messy but interesting. The original Groves Stadium wasn't even on this site; it was back on the old campus in Wake Forest, North Carolina. When the school moved to Winston-Salem in 1956, they didn't have a stadium ready. For a while, they played at Bowman Gray Stadium, which is a whole different beast—a NASCAR track that happens to have a football field in the middle. Imagine trying to run a post route while smelling burnt rubber and gasoline. It was legendary, sure, but the Deacs needed a real home.
In 1968, they finally opened the current stadium. It was simple. Functional. It was named after Henry Groves, and for decades, it was just a place where Wake Forest fans went to hope for a winning season. That changed. The 2006 ACC Championship run under Jim Grobe forced the university to actually invest in the infrastructure. They added the McCreary Tower, which totally changed the skyline of the stadium. It brought in luxury suites and a massive press box that finally made the place feel like it belonged in a Power Five conference.
Then came the naming rights. It was BB&T Field for a long time. Then Truist Field after the bank merger. Now, as of 2023, it’s Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Fans still just call it "The Ralph" occasionally, or simply "Groves," but the new investment from Allegacy is fueling the kind of facility upgrades that keep a small private school competitive against the giants of the mid-Atlantic.
What it’s Actually Like on Game Day
If you’re going to a game, you have to understand the layout. The stadium is technically off-campus. You can’t just walk from your dorm at Wait Chapel and be at the gate in five minutes. You’re heading over to the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum area. This creates a weird, sprawling tailgate scene in the surrounding parking lots. It’s surprisingly civil. You’ll see plenty of gold and black, slow-cooked North Carolina BBQ, and people who actually know their football.
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The seating is divided into two main stands. The West Side is where the McCreary Tower towers over everything. If you want shade, this is your best bet in the early afternoon, though shade is a rare commodity in September in North Carolina. The East Side is the "sunny side." It’s also where the student section, the "Screamin’ Demons," brings the noise.
The hill. We have to talk about the hill.
The Deacon Hill is located in the south end zone. It’s the soul of the stadium. While other schools use that space for massive scoreboard structures or additional bleachers, Wake kept the berm. It keeps the stadium from feeling claustrophobic. It also allows the university to sell "General Admission" tickets that are actually affordable for families. You bring a blanket, you grab a hot dog, and you watch an ACC game from the grass. Honestly, it’s the best deal in the conference.
Small School, Big Tech: The McCreary Impact
Don’t let the small capacity fool you into thinking the facilities are outdated. They aren't. Bob McCreary, a former player and massive donor, has essentially bankrolled a transformation. The McCreary Football Complex, which connects to the stadium area, is a $38 million masterpiece. We’re talking about 60,000 square feet of elite training space.
Inside the stadium itself, the video board is massive for the scale of the field. The sound system is crisp. The university realized that because they can’t win the "numbers game" by having 100,000 fans, they have to win the "experience game." This means shorter lines for concessions, better sightlines, and a premium feel in the club levels.
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One thing most people don't realize is how loud it gets. Because the stands are close to the sidelines, the sound bounces off the tower and stays trapped on the field. It’s a "sneaky loud" environment. Ask any opposing quarterback who has had to deal with a third-and-long at the goal line in Winston-Salem; it’s not an easy place to play.
The Legend of the Open End Zone
There is a recurring debate among the fanbase about whether Wake Forest should "bowl in" the stadium. Every few years, a rumor starts that they’re going to close off the end zones to increase capacity to 40,000.
Most experts and long-time boosters think that would be a mistake.
The open-end design is part of the charm. It provides a view of the surrounding trees, which turn brilliant shades of orange and red during October and November games. It also prevents the stadium from feeling like a half-empty cavern during mid-week games or smaller non-conference matchups. By keeping the capacity around 31,000, Wake Forest ensures that the "sell-out" remains an attainable goal, creating a scarcity of tickets that drives up demand.
Logistics: Getting In and Getting Out
Let’s get practical. If you're planning a visit to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, there are things you’ll wish someone told you.
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Parking is the big one. The lots immediately surrounding the stadium are mostly reserved for Deacon Club members (donors). If you aren't a high-level donor, you’re looking at parking at the LJVM Coliseum or in the satellite lots off Shorefair Drive. It’s a bit of a hike, but the shuttle system is actually pretty efficient.
- Gate Entry: The security lines are usually fastest at the North Gate.
- Concessions: Look for the local vendors. The standard stadium fare is fine, but there are usually North Carolina-specific options like Bojangles or local BBQ that are worth the extra three-minute walk.
- The Walk: There is a bridge that connects the parking areas to the stadium. It’s a great spot for photos, but it gets bottlenecked about 20 minutes before kickoff. Get there early.
Why This Stadium Matters in the New ACC
College football is changing. Realignment is everywhere. In a world of super-conferences, a 31,500-seat stadium might seem like a relic. But it’s actually a blueprint. As TV revenue becomes the primary driver of the sport, the "in-person" experience has to offer something different than just sitting on a couch.
Wake Forest offers intimacy. You can see the sweat on the jersey. You can hear the hits. You’re not 400 feet up in the air in a nosebleed section. The stadium is a physical manifestation of the university’s broader philosophy: "Pro Humanitate." It’s human-scaled. It’s built for the community.
Whether it’s the ride of the Demon Deacon on his motorcycle leading the team onto the field or the "Go Deacs" chant echoing between the tower and the East stands, the atmosphere is authentic. It isn't manufactured by a marketing department; it’s grown out of decades of being the underdog.
Essential Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Sun: If you’re on the East Side for a noon kickoff, bring polarized sunglasses and heavy-duty sunscreen. You will be staring directly into the Carolina sun for three hours.
- The Bridger Field House: This sits at the North end zone. It houses the locker rooms and a massive hospitality area. If you can snag a pass for the balcony here, take it. It’s arguably the best view in the ACC.
- The Deacon Hill: If you have kids, this is the only way to watch a game. Let them run around on the grass while you actually enjoy the game. Just get there at least 45 minutes before kickoff to claim your patch of turf.
- Stay Post-Game: Winston-Salem’s downtown is only a few minutes away. Hit up Fourth Street for food after the game. The traffic leaving the stadium can be a nightmare for about 30 minutes, so you might as well let it clear out while you hang by the tailgate.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning to attend a game at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, start by checking the official Wake Forest Athletics website for the "Digital Parking Map." Don't just wing it; the one-way streets around the fairgrounds can be incredibly confusing on game day. Once you have your parking pass, download your tickets to your Apple or Google Wallet before you get to the gate—cell service near the stadium gets notoriously spotty once 30,000 people start trying to post to Instagram at the same time. Finally, if you're looking for the best value, aim for the upper rows of the 100-level on the West Side; you get the benefit of the tower's shadow and a perfect perspective of the "Slow Mesh" offense.