North Carolina State University Athletics
Tailgating 2.0
Football Gameday Parking & Tailgating
Everything you need to plan your arrival, park with confidence, tailgate responsibly and enjoy game day at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Start Here for Game Day
Whether you have a parking pass, are joining friends for a tailgate or are coming to Carter-Finley for the first time, these quick links will help you find what you need fast.
Parking Information
Find details for parking lots, passes, public parking and arrival planning.
Plan ParkingTraffic Flow
Know the best routes, entry points and postgame traffic patterns before you arrive.
View TrafficTailgating Rules
Review setup guidelines, safety policies and the do's and don'ts of tailgating.
View RulesFirst-Time Fans
New to Carter-Finley? Start with the basics and make your first visit easy.
Get ReadyPlan Your Arrival
Give yourself plenty of time, check your parking assignment before leaving home and follow posted traffic directions around Carter-Finley Stadium.
Parking Pass Holders
Have your parking pass ready before arriving and enter through the route assigned to your lot. Following the correct traffic pattern helps everyone get parked faster.
- Download your pass before leaving home
- Use the recommended entrance for your lot
- Arrive early to avoid heavy traffic
Single-Game Parking
Fans without a season parking pass should review available single-game or public parking options before game day.
- Check available lots in advance
- Follow event staff direction
- Expect heavier traffic closer to kickoff
Ride Share & Drop-Off
Use designated drop-off and pick-up locations where available. Avoid stopping in travel lanes or blocking stadium traffic.
- Coordinate pick-up plans before the game
- Use approved drop-off areas
- Follow postgame traffic guidance
Maps & Helpful Links
Make this section the visual home base for all parking, traffic and stadium resources.
Carter-Finley Stadium Guide
Find stadium policies, amenities and other helpful game day information.
Open Stadium GuideTailgating at Carter-Finley
Tailgating is one of the best parts of NC State Football game day. Help keep the experience safe, welcoming and fun by reviewing the guidelines before setting up.
Before You Set Up
Park only in your assigned space or lot, keep drive aisles clear and make sure your setup does not block neighboring spaces or traffic lanes.
During Your Tailgate
Grill safely, dispose of trash properly and keep the area around your tailgate clean for fans, staff and emergency access.
Before Kickoff
Pack up responsibly before entering the stadium and make sure all flames are extinguished and trash is placed in appropriate containers.
Tailgating Do's & Don'ts
A quick, fan-friendly guide to help everyone enjoy game day responsibly.
Do
- ✓Keep all tailgate items within your designated space.
- ✓Use grills safely and properly extinguish flames before leaving.
- ✓Dispose of trash and recycling in the proper containers.
- ✓Follow directions from parking attendants, law enforcement and event staff.
- ✓Be respectful of other fans and neighboring tailgates.
Don't
- ×Do not block drive lanes, sidewalks, emergency access areas or neighboring spaces.
- ×Do not park on curbs, grass areas or unapproved locations.
- ×Do not leave grills, coals or open flames unattended.
- ×Do not distribute unauthorized promotional items or materials.
- ×Do not use drones or other prohibited devices around the stadium area.
First Time at Carter-Finley?
Here's the simple version: arrive early, know your lot, enjoy the atmosphere and head into the stadium before the rush.
Arrive Early
Traffic builds as kickoff gets closer. Give yourself extra time to park, tailgate and get settled.
Know Your Lot
Check your parking pass and map before leaving home so you know where to enter.
Enjoy Game Day
Take in the tailgates, traditions and energy around Carter-Finley before heading inside.
Enter Early
Beat the lines, find your seat and be ready when the Pack takes the field.
Game Day Parking & Tailgating FAQ
Use this section for the major policy information from the current page in a cleaner, easier-to-scan format.