The short version: No. 14 Wake Forest (7-1) hosts FCS Merrimack (4-5) for Homecoming. It’s the first meeting ever between the two schools.

Game info
When	Sat, Nov. 7, 3:30 PM ET
TV	ACC Network
Where	Allegacy Financial Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Part 1: Watching at Home

How to watch

Kickoff is Sat, Nov. 7, 3:30 PM ET on ACC Network.

The storyline

Wake Forest has won its last 20 games against FCS teams. This is a tune-up for the Deacons before the rest of their ACC schedule.

What to watch for

• Wake’s FCS streak. Can they make it 21 in a row?
• Homecoming crowd. It’s a relaxed afternoon in Winston-Salem.

Watch-party menu

• Deacons side: Carolina pulled pork with Lexington-style dip, plus Krispy Kreme doughnuts (Krispy Kreme started in Winston-Salem).
• Timing: a 3:30 ET kickoff fits an afternoon cookout.

Hosting a watch party? A slow cooker keeps the main dish warm all game, and party platters make serving easy. Keep drinks cold in a cooler so nobody misses a play. Hang a Wake Forest Demon Deacons flag or an Merrimack Warriors flag for the house divided, and a soundbar helps you hear the crowd.

Part 2: Traveling to the Game

Gates and entry

Gates generally open 90 minutes before kickoff. Clubs and towers may open earlier.

Bag policy

• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, a one-gallon zip bag, or a small clutch up to 6.5 x 4.5 inches.

Parking and tailgating

• You can only tailgate in a parking space you’ve paid for. Propane grills are OK, but no glass and no generators. Tents need an extra pass.
• Free shuttle parking is at 2400 Reynolda Road.

Where to eat and stay

Downtown Winston-Salem hotels are a short drive from the stadium, which is about a mile from campus on Deacon Blvd.

Weather

Afternoons in the Piedmont in November are often mild, so a light jacket should do. Check the National Weather Service forecast the day before.

Rules can change. Check the official athletics site during game week.

What to pack

Driving in? A phone mount and a car charger keep the directions running, and car games for kids help on a long drive. Flying in? A neck pillow helps on the flight, and a packable rain poncho fits in a pocket.

At the stadium: Pack a clear stadium bag that fits the 12 x 6 x 12 limit. Bring a seat cushion for the bleachers and a portable power bank so your phone ticket doesn’t die.

Tailgating: Set up a 10×10 canopy (most lots cap tents at that size), some folding chairs and a cornhole set. Where the rules allow it, a portable propane grill takes care of lunch. Rep your team with Wake Forest Demon Deacons gear or Merrimack Warriors gear.

Places near the stadium

Where to eat

• Mr. Barbecue: Lexington-style barbecue on Peters Creek Parkway.
• Foothills Brewing: A downtown brewpub on West Fourth Street.

Where to stay

• Graylyn Estate: A historic estate hotel near Wake Forest’s campus.
• Kimpton Cardinal Hotel: Downtown, about 2 miles from the stadium.

We checked that these places exist and have working official websites as of Nov. 2, 2026. Hours change on game weekends, so check before you go. These are not paid or affiliate links.

Game Day Gear

Affiliate disclosure

Sources: Wake kickoff announcement, Wake Know Before You Go, Allegacy Financial Stadium, ESPN game page. Ranks from the AP Top 25 released Nov. 1, 2026. Times ET.

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