Dail Soccer Field - North Carolina State Wolfpack
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Dail Soccer Field 2495 Cates Avenue Raleigh, NC 27606
Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,000
Leader of the Soccer Pack
Dail Soccer Field has a capacity of 3,000 and is the home of the NC State men’s and women’s soccer teams. The stadium was built in 2008 in the heart of NC State’s campus.
In 2011, Dail Soccer Field received several upgrades including seat back chairs in certain sections and bleachers behind the goals. A new brick façade was also added, as well as a press box, a new fan entrance, and a free-standing locker room and team meeting building in the southeast corner of the stadium.
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Food & Beverage 3
There is one concession stand at Dail Stadium, located by the entrance to the right of the bleachers. The menu here is decent, but not great. Hot dogs ($5.99) and nachos ($6.79) are really the only things sold here that could pass for meals. Hot pretzels are $7.29 and you can add a cheese cup for $2.50. Popcorn will cost $6.49, peanuts $4.99, and candy $4.29. Howling Cow ice cream, made on campus by the NC State dairy farm, costs $4.35 and is a popular option, while frozen lemonade costs $6.79. Bottled water, soda (Coca-Cola products) and Powerade are available from between $4.99 and $5.99.
Atmosphere 4
The atmosphere at Dail Soccer Field is outstanding except for one aspect - the large running track surrounding the field that puts fans a good distance away from the action. Most seating is along one sideline and a mix of chairbacks and bleachers. There is some seating at field level behind the goals typically used by the student section known as the Red Terrors - more on them later. A howling wolf sound heralds the kickoff and gets fans pumped up and ready to go. As is typical of professional soccer, but rare for college soccer, much of the energy and atmosphere here comes from the fans, especially the students. More on that in the fans section in a bit.
Neighborhood 4
Since Dail Soccer Field is located on campus, there is not much to do within walking distance of the stadium However, there are a couple of places within a short drive. If you are looking for something quick before or after the game, Cook-Out is the place for you. It is located down the street from campus on Western Boulevard and is famous for its “trays” which feature a main item (burgers, chicken, or barbecue), two sides, and a drink for less than $8.
Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant is also located on Western Boulevard across the street from campus and was started by a former Wolfpack football player. There is a large variety of NC State memorabilia located throughout the restaurant, and their Italian food is some of the best in the area.
Fans 5
NC State draws several thousand fans to a typical home game, nearly filling Dail Soccer Field. All of the fans bring the energy, beginning before the match even starts when they shout "Red" in "The rockets' red glare" during the national anthem.
The loudest supporters are the student section known as the Red Terrors. They stand in the bleachers behind whichever goal the Wolfpack are shooting at and make as much noise as possible behind the opposing goalkeeper, similar to a Supporters' Section at the professional level. They shoot off smoke before the match and after every Wolfpack goal. At the beginning of the game and at halftime, they will march along the track to the goal NC State is shooting at, in order to have the maximum impact on the other team.
Access 4
Dail Soccer Field and the NC State campus are easily accessible from both I-40 and I-440, though it may take longer for weekday evening games at rush hour. Parking is available in the Coliseum Garage right across the street from the stadium. Other than the rare weekday afternoon game, there is no cost to park here.
Restrooms are available at the top of the concourse. They can get crowded at halftime but are mostly sufficient for the crowds. The narrow concourse at the top of the seating area can get cramped at halftime and after the game, but is small enough that it still shouldn't take more than a minute or two to get where you need to go.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to NC State soccer games is free, parking is usually free, and concessions are affordable. Considering this is already one of the top college soccer experiences in the country, that is an outstanding value.
Extras 3
Check out the distinguished numbers display on the concourse, NC State's equivalent of retired numbers, honoring some Wolfpack soccer greats.
There is a team store tent just inside the entrance selling NC State merchandise.
A third and final star here for the Red Terrors student section, one of the best in the country.
Final Thoughts
Dail Soccer Field is a top-notch college soccer venue. With great fans, great on-field play, and free admission, fans in the Raleigh-Durham area will definitely want to head here to check out a game.
