Kentner Stadium - Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Kentner Stadium 211 Manchester Athletic Center Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Year Opened: 1990
Capacity: 4,000
Black and Gold at Kentner
For over a century after its founding in 1834, Wake Forest University was located in its namesake suburb north of Raleigh. In 1946, after receiving financial support from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, the school decided to move a hundred miles west to a new campus in Winston-Salem. Today, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and has won three national championships, in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
The Wake Forest field hockey team has called Kentner Stadium home since 1990. Originally known as Campus Stadium, the venue was renamed after athletic donor Jeff Kentner in 1997 and extensively renovated in 2004 to bring it up to elite standards.
Food & Beverage 2
Kentner Stadium features a small concession cart located behind the press box. The stand features Italian Ice as well as assorted snacks such as candy, chips, bottled water, and soft drinks. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than a few dollars, but we recommend you eat before or after the game.
Atmosphere 4
Kentner Stadium is located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by brick buildings with the steeple of Wait Chapel rising high in the air off to the right. The only downside is the running track surrounding the field, putting fans quite a distance from the action, hurting what is otherwise an outstanding atmosphere.
Before the game starts, a pregame hype video plays on the large video board as "I'm a Survivor" plays over the PA system. A second hype video plays just before the start of the second half, featuring the mascot pumping up the crowd as the team takes the field.
The PA announcer will lead the crowd in "Wake ... Forest" call-and-response chants at big moments such as penalty corners.
Overall, the atmosphere at Kentner Stadium is very good and well above what you would expect for college field hockey.
Neighborhood 3
As Kentner Stadium is located in the middle of the Wake Forest campus, there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity. However, downtown Winston-Salem is a ten minute drive away and features many more options. Foothills Brewing features many varieties of beer as well as a full-service restaurant. The Camel City BBQ Factory serves up exactly what you'd expect - good, old-fashioned, Carolina Barbecue. You can also find just about any other kind of food ranging from burgers, to Italian, to Thai.
Fans 4
Wake Forest draws several hundred fans to a typical field hockey game, which is above average for the sport. The crowd features not just friends and family of the players, but many other Demon Deacons fans as well. They will join in with the PA announcer in the "Wake ... Forest" chant and are generally passionate and knowledgeable about their team. Although the bleachers are larger than they need to be for the crowds the team draws, you can still feel the energy here.
Access 3
Free parking is available in a large lot across the street from Kentner Stadium. Once you get to the stadium, you will go through a security checkpoint, rare for the sport, before heading to your seat. Restrooms are located down a stairway at field level, which can take a few minutes to get to. There are also no signs for them, although if you ask, staff will direct you.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to Wake Forest field hockey games is free, parking is also free, and concessions are reasonably priced, if limited. Overall, a game at Kentner Stadium is an outstanding value.
Extras 3
Look for the signage throughout the stadium honoring Wake Forest's three straight national championships from 2002 through 2004 as well as its four ACC titles.
There are flags at the bottom of the bleachers of all the countries Wake Forest players hail from. Field hockey is an international sport and the roster reflects it.
Look for the promotional table at the top of the bleachers with roster cards, posters, and other giveaways.
Final Thoughts
Kentner Stadium is an outstanding place to watch a college field hockey game. The setting around the stadium is gorgeous, the crowds are passionate, and you can watch a program with a storied history completely free of charge. If you are a fan of field hockey, you will want to make the trip down to Winston-Salem to check out a Wake Forest game.
