Raleigh, NC – On Saturday afternoon, thousands of NC State Wolfpack fans gathered at Carter-Finley Stadium for the annual Meet the Pack Day, which intertwined with the seventh annual Victory Day in partnership with GiGi’s Playhouse. The stadium turf became more than a field—it was a stage for connection, celebration, and unforgettable moments of triumph for fans and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities alike.
The gates swung open at 3 p.m., welcoming a sea of red-and-white-clad fans for Meet the Pack Day, a cherished preseason tradition. Families flocked to the Fan Zone, where children giggled through face-painting sessions, tested their aim at a field goal challenge, and clambered up an inflatable slide. Players, split into offensive and defensive squads on opposite sides of the stadium, signed autographs and posed for quick selfies.
As the clock neared 5:30 p.m., the atmosphere shifted to one of profound purpose with the start of Victory Day, a collaboration with GiGi’s Playhouse, a Raleigh-based organization dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome. GiGi’s Playhouse is a resource for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, offering free programs that empower and promote acceptance within the community. Their holistic approach to support is designed to maximize self-confidence and help individuals reach their fullest potential.
For two hours, 55 participants—ranging from young children to adults—became the stars of Carter-Finley. Dressed in Wolfpack jerseys, they charged through the south tunnel to a hero’s welcome, their names booming over the PA system as fans and players roared in support. Guided by NC State coaches and players, campers ran drills, tossed passes, and sprinted for touchdowns, each score celebrated with dances and high-fives.
Head coach Dave Doeren, whose personal connection to the cause stems from his son Jacob’s autism diagnosis, was the driving force behind the event. Doeren’s commitment extends beyond the event, with GiGi’s Playhouse participants regularly attending NC State practices and the team supporting initiatives like One Pack Empowered, a fund for students with disabilities.
On this Saturday, NC State’s Meet the Pack and Victory Day proved that the true measure of a team lies not in wins or losses, but in the lives it touches. For one perfect day, Carter-Finley Stadium was a place where everyone was a champion.