Wake Forest Sets Halloween Game Protocol with Virginia

The 3:45 p.m. kickoff time for Saturday’s football game against Virginia marks the precise moment Wake Forest’s Halloween festivities reach their peak. Head coach Jake Dickert stated in the summer that an understanding exists between the two programs to celebrate the holiday in a spirited manner. The matchup will air on ESPN2, with the game scheduled to begin shortly after the standard 3:30 p.m. slot to accommodate the pregame festivities.

The day begins early for attendees, with parking lots opening at 10:45 a.m. The student tailgate and ticket office both launch at 12:45 p.m., alongside the Lowe’s Foods DEACTOWN Fan Zone. By 1:30 p.m., the Deacon Walk takes place, and the Touchdown Club and Flow Lexus Club open their doors. Pollard Club members gain access at 2:15 p.m., the same time all stadium gates unlock.

Team warmups commence at 2:45 p.m., followed by the pregame show at 3:15 p.m. A specific gate opening occurs at 3:42 p.m., just three minutes before the scheduled start of play. The Deacon Shop, managed by Follett, will operate at the stadium to sell select student-athlete jerseys. Online orders for additional items can be placed through WakeForestShop.com.

Media operations will transform Manchester Plaza into a broadcast hub for the weekend. The ACC Network will host ACC PM on Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday’s flagship program, ACC Huddle, will air live from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The set will feature hosts Taylor Tannebaum, Eric Mac Lain, Eddie Royal, and Jimbo Fisher. Coach Dickert is scheduled to join the live broadcast at 10:30 a.m.

Parking logistics require attention due to the media presence. Lots B, C, D, and P are reserved for the day, as are portions of Lot Q and the stretch of Wake Forest Road in front of Wait Chapel. Drivers are advised to use Parking Lot W1 or the Lower Davis field. If W1 reaches capacity, overflow parking is available at 2400 Reynolda Road.

Shuttle service will run continuously from 7:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. for those using the Reynolda Road lot. The pickup point is located on the right side upon entry. Shuttles will drop passengers at a central hub near Kitchin and Poteat Halls. Traffic on campus is expected to increase, particularly around the time of the ACC PM broadcast.

The campus will also host a second live broadcast featuring college football analyst Josh Pate. The show, titled Bussin’ and Pate on Campus, will include former NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan. The live stream on ESPN is scheduled for 2 to 3 p.m. at Manchester Plaza. Coach Dickert will appear on this set at 2:30 p.m.

The schedule places both major broadcast segments in the same physical location, front of Bostwick and Johnson Residence Halls. This concentration of media activity necessitates the specific parking restrictions and shuttle routes outlined by university officials. The 3:45 p.m. start time ensures that the pregame shows conclude before the teams take the field.

The game serves as the culmination of a coordinated weekend of events. From the early morning opening of the lots to the final whistle, the schedule is tightly managed to accommodate both the fan experience and the multiple live television productions. The agreement between the schools focuses on the visual and temporal aspects of the holiday celebration.