Parents and Families Weekend is a special event that happens every fall at NC State University. During this weekend, parents, families, siblings and all those who champion NC State students are invited to visit the campus and participate in various activities and events. It’s a great opportunity for families to spend quality time with their student and create lasting memories.

Advanced registration is not required for parents and families to be on campus for Parents and Families Weekend. However, sponsored events and activities are limited, requiring advance ticket purchase or pre-registration for planning purposes.

A complete list of weekend activities will be posted online via the Schedule of Events website. Details are now being finalized. Click here to view the 2025 schedule.

Tickets for Parents and Families Weekend go on sale on Wednesday, August 27.

Please note that we do not share the exact time that registration will open in advance. This helps ensure a smooth registration experience for everyone. Thank you for understanding.

Due to space restrictions, many signature events, including the NC State football game, will reach capacity, with some reaching it more quickly than others. All events are sold à la carte.

Unfortunately, we are unable to process registrations over the phone. All registrations for Parents and Families Weekend are processed online only.

All Parents and Families Weekend tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

No worries! You are still encouraged to come to campus for a memorable weekend with your student.

Looking for things to do while you are in town? Click here.

Purchasing your ticket in advance of, or separately from, our registration is completely up to you. Tickets for Parents and Families Weekend will sell out; however, Parents and Families Services works closely with Athletics to reserve a significant allotment of tickets for Wolfpack Families.

Unfortunately, due to capacity limits, we are unable to accommodate all Wolfpack families at Carter-Finley Stadium and cannot guarantee ticket availability.

We are not permitted to sell football game tickets only. Game tickets are purchased as part of our annual Pack Family Tailgate package.

Parents and Families Services collaborates closely with Athletics to secure a limited number of tickets for Parents and Families Weekend. Through the unique event ticket website, families can reserve up to two complimentary NC State student tickets with their reservation*, ensuring that your family can be seated together on game day.

*Student ID (SID) numbers are required to validate student tickets when you register. Student tickets must be purchased with at least one non-NC State-affiliated (guest) ticket.

Football tickets are sent electronically to the registrant’s email directly from the NC State Athletics Ticket Office approximately 10-14days before gameday.

All NC State-controlled lots will open five hours before kick-off.

Yes! NC State’s Red Terror is an excellent option for game day. This loop bus service starts 3 hrs before kickoff, leaving from a single location on campus, and runs until 90 minutes after the game. To learn more, visit Red Terror Bus Service.

Game day parking is available in lots surrounding Carter-Finley Stadium. Most lots are cash only and vary in price. Game day traffic is very heavy.

Plan accordingly and remember that if you arrive early, there is plenty to do and see on game day.

Carter-Finley Stadium offers a wide variety of fun activities on game day. Be sure to set aside some time before kick-off to visit the Wolfpack Fan Zone. Located on the front lawn between the PNC Arena and Carter-Finley Stadium, the Fan Zone offers activities for every age group.

The 2025 Pack Family Tailgate will offer a Southern BBQ menu fully dressed with a smoker on site! Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided; alcohol will not be served and is prohibited. Please see below for menu details.

• Delicious Southern BBQ Favorites and (non-alcoholic) beverages
  • Smoked Pulled Chicken (GF, DF, NF)
  • Smoked Pulled Pork (GF, DF, NF)
  • BBQ Tempeh (V, VG, GF, DF, N)
  • Mac & Cheese (VG, NF)
  • Sweet Baked Beans (DF, V, VG)
  • Hand-Cut Coleslaw (GF, DF, VG)
  • Green Beans (Haricots Verts) (GF, DF, V, VG)
  • Cornbread with Honey Butter (GF, VG)
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies (VG), Chocolate Chunk Brownies (VG), Snickerdoodle Cookies (GF, VG, NF)

Large outside items such as chairs, coolers, pop-up tables, etc. are not recommended inside our event. These items are also not permitted in the stadium. Seating will be available in our picnic area.

For game day ADA assistance or exchanges, please visit the Ammons Family Ticket Center or the customer service stations at gates 4, 9 and 14. (Exchanges are subject to availability and are not guaranteed). Tickets must be purchased in advance for ADA exchange. Please have all necessary ticket information with you at all times. In addition, service animals are permitted inside Carter-Finley Stadium for our guests with disabilities.

For special accommodations and disability requests for general events and activities hosted by Parents and Families Services, please contact the Parents’ Helpline by email at ncstateparents@ncsu.edu or phone at 919.515.2441.