NC State-Wake Forest Moved to Noon, Streaming-Only Amid Winter Weather

The NC State and Wake Forest men's basketball matchup in Winston-Salem has been moved up to a noon tipoff Saturday to avoid incoming winter weather. The Atlantic Coast Conference shifted the game from its original 3:45 p.m. start, cutting the start time by three hours and 45 minutes to limit travel during an anticipated storm.

TheACC and a subsequent update from R. Cory Smith say the game will be streamed on ACC Network Extra at noon and will not be televised due to the time change. Pack and Deacon supporters looking for viewing options were told, “Wolfpack fans can watch the game here.” Team pages and local outlets posted the schedule and streaming guidance as officials finalized broadcast details.

The schedule change matters to Wake County residents who planned travel to Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum and to those relying on television to watch the matchup. WRAL reported NC State entered the game 15–6 overall and 6–2 in ACC play, seeking its fourth consecutive ACC win, while Wake Forest came in 11–10 and 2–6 in the league and had lost three straight. PackPower247 added historical context: “The Wolfpack holds a 99-75 all-time record against the Demon Deacons, but is 28-45 on the road in Winston-Salem.” PackPower247 also noted recent form, writing that NC State had “scored 80 points in each of the last three contests while riding a three-game winning streak.”

Local weather timing has drawn scrutiny. PackPower247 observed, “This would make more sense if the snow was anticipated to start in the afternoon on Saturday, but the snowfall is actually expected to start late Friday night.” The same outlet warned, “With an expected high of 23 degrees on Saturday, roads could be dangerous to drive on by noon for fans, but the ACC didn't move it to another date.” Those assessments frame the tradeoffs officials faced in balancing schedule continuity with public safety.

For fans planning to attend, expect earlier arrival windows and potential traffic or parking congestion as game operations shift to accommodate a noon start. For those watching remotely, authenticated access to ACC Network Extra will be required. Athletic departments and local traffic agencies may issue further guidance as conditions evolve.

The schedule change was first posted late Friday and updated with streaming confirmation on Saturday afternoon; the move underscores how winter weather can reshape college athletics logistics and community movement. Residents should monitor official team channels and local road advisories for last-minute updates and plan travel with caution given the forecasted cold and snowfall.