CALS Tailgate group fills Dorton Arena to celebrate 20th annual pre-game party

Great food, special attractions, family activities, live music: On Sept. 17, Dorton Arena had it all!

No, it wasn’t the State Fair come early. It was the 20th annual College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Alumni and Friends Society Tailgate.

Among the biggest and best of the university’s pre-game parties, the CALS tailgate featured an all-you-can-eat catered BBQ meal, accompanied by live music, plus an arena full of College department exhibits and a special visit from the NCSU pep band, along with Mr. and Ms. Wuf.

Tailgaters of all ages enjoyed encounters with exotic reptiles and insects, played games, sat for Wolfpack-themed face-paint and learned about CALS academic, research and Extension programs from CALS faculty and students.

Guests also browsed among tables packed with silent auction wares, with proceeds benefitting the CALS Alumni and Friends scholarship endowment.

“We raised $6,500 in the silent auction,” said Scott Troutman, executive director of the CALS Alumni and Friends Society, who added that “attendance was right around 1,200, making it the largest N.C. State alumni event.”

Afterward, the guests headed across the road to Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Wolfpack treated the faithful to a 35-13 victory over South Alabama.