Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Dail Soccer Field 2495 Cates Avenue Raleigh, NC 27606
Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,000
Home of Wolfpack Soccer
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.
Food & Beverage 4
Dail Soccer Stadium offers a good, not great, concession variety to get you by if you are hungry. Choices include hot dogs, soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, cracker jacks, sunflower seeds, and candy.
Howling Cow ice cream, which is produced at the NC State dairy is also offered.
NC State is a Coke school. Bottled Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Coke Zero, Powerade, and water are available.
Atmosphere 3
The majority of the seating at Dail Soccer Field is in a bricked-in grandstand along the sidelines where you enter the gate. There is a concourse that runs above the seating. The four sections of seats around mid-field are chairback, and the remaining are bench seats. There are also two sections of bleacher seating behind each goal, which is where a lot of students sit.
The pitch is an all-grass surface. When you are sitting in the main grandstand, the team benches are on the opposite sideline. There is a small scoreboard in one corner of the facility opposite of the main grandstand. It provides basic score info but could use an update. Paul Derr Track, which is utilized by the track and field programs at NC State surrounds the soccer field, so it pushes the seating back a bit from the field.
Neighborhood 3
Since Dail Soccer Field is located on campus, there are no eateries within walking distance of the ballpark. However, there are a couple of places within a mile of Dail Soccer Field. 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 burger (or chicken sandwich), 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.
Being located in Raleigh, there is no shortage of other activities to participate in when visiting the city. A good activity before or after a game would be to take the short drive to downtown Raleigh and take a stroll around the state Capitol. The North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Science are both located within a block of the state Capitol.
The closest hotel to campus is Aloft Raleigh on Hillsborough Street directly across the street from the NC State Bell Tower.
Fans 3
NC State averages 1,000-2,000 for most home games. With the stadium being on campus, you get a large student turnout which obviously adds to the atmosphere. The students seated behind the goals make the most noise and blow canisters of red smoke after a goal is scored.
Access 5
Aside from rush hour traffic, Dail Soccer Field is easily accessible from both I-40 and I-440.
If coming to a game on a work night, it is wise to add a few minutes to work your way through Raleigh traffic. Raleigh-Durham International serves the Triangle and is about a 20-minute drive from NC State. Parking for soccer games is free in the Coliseum Deck on Cates Drive, just off of Western Boulevard, near Reynolds Coliseum. Dail Soccer Field is directly across the street from the Coliseum.
The entrance to Dail Soccer Field is located along Cates Avenue between the soccer field and softball stadium. Tickets are not required, but security does check bags. There is no clear bag policy here! Concessions and restrooms are located near the entrance, and wheelchair seating areas are also available on the concourse.
Return on Investment 5
Soccer games at Dail Soccer Stadium are non-ticketed events that are free of charge. Depending on where you park, there may be a small charge for parking on campus. However, most lots are free after hours and on weekends. Concessions are a tad pricy, but free admission still gives a score of 5/5.
Extras 1
Dail Soccer Field gets an extra point for the single-match promotions for each game. These include several giveaways and contests.
Final Thoughts
Dail Soccer Field is a great place to catch some high-quality ACC soccer competition. Free attendance makes it an affordable family outing for anyone looking for a cost-efficient night out enjoying some great quality soccer.