While Coach Courtney Banghart is still squinting at her map wondering if Duluth is a suburb of Ontario or just a mythical tundra, the NC State Wolfpack (20-9, 13-5 ACC) has already pinned the location on their GPS with a double-bye. While the “Confused Tar Heels” are out searching for a Sherpa to guide them through the “Middle of Nowhere,” the Pack is skipping the early-round drama and heading straight to the Quarterfinals at Gas South Arena. Clearly, the only thing “alleged” about this city is Courtney’s ability to find it, but don’t worry—if she sees a red light in Georgia, it’s just a Wolfpack fan who actually knows the way to the hoop.
🐺 Pack Schedule & Strategy
- Quarterfinal Debut: Friday, March 6, at 1:30 PM EST on ACC Network.
- The Opponent: State will face the winner of Game 5 (the #5 seed Notre Dame vs. winner of Game 1).
- Potential Road to Glory:
- Semifinals: Saturday, March 7, at 12:00 PM EST (ESPN2).
- Championship: Sunday, March 8, at 1:00 PM EDT (ESPN).
🏟️ Gas South Arena “Survival” Logistics
- Arrive Early: Fans are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early for security screenings.
- Clear Bag Policy: Strictly enforced. Bags must be clear and no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″. Backpacks are prohibited.
- Cashless Venue: ATMs are available on-site if needed, but most transactions are digital.
- Parking: Pre-paid parking is highly recommended and costs approximately $15 per session. For Arena guests, use Lot A or Deck 2.
🔴 Wolfpack Fan Zones
- ACC Fan Fest: Located on-site at the Gas South Convention Center (Halls C/D). It is free and features mascot appearances, games, and photo ops.
- Friday/Quarterfinal Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Premium Upgrades: The Lit Lounge (above Section 100) offers a $150 add-on for food, beer, and wine, allowing you to stay in the arena between sessions.
🍴 Nearby Dining Guide (Duluth Area)
| Restaurant | Distance | Cuisine | Fan Favorites |
|---|---|---|---|
| SweetSong Kitchen & Bar | 0.2 mi | American | Salmon rice bowls, short ribs, and local craft beer |
| The Hub at Holiday Inn | 0.2 mi | American | Custom omelet station and a quick-service breakfast buffet |
| Luciano’s Ristorante | 0.4 mi | Italian | Focaccia with sun-dried tomato dip and homemade fettuccine |
| Just Brunch | 0.4 mi | Southern | Catfish, shrimp & grits, and famous sticky wings |
| Marlow’s Tavern | 0.4 mi | Gastropub | Truffle fries, honey hot wings, and prime rib French dip |
| Uncle Jack’s Meat House | 0.4 mi | Steakhouse | “Sticky ribs,” bacon appetizers, and craft cocktails |
| Vinny’s New York Pizza | 0.4 mi | Italian | New York-style pizza and a highly-rated gluten-free crust |
| The Great Greek Grill | 0.5 mi | Mediterranean | Generous portions of lamb and chicken gyros (Halal) |
| Frankie’s Steakhouse | 0.6 mi | Upscale | Prime steaks and an extensive wine list for post-win celebrations |
🐺 Wolfpack Game-Day Strategy
- Avoid Session Turnover Traffic: If you are dining at spots like Marlow’s or Just Brunch, it is often easier to park once at the arena deck ($15) and walk the half-mile to the restaurant.
- Quick Bites: For the fastest turnaround, Rising Roll Gourmet Cafe (0.8 mi) offers quick sandwiches and their signature chicken salad.
- Sports Atmosphere: If you want to keep the energy high, Mazzy’s Sports Tavern (2.7 mi) features wall-to-wall TVs and a classic sports bar vibe for tracking other ACC scores.
🏨 Staying Near the Action
Hotel Booking Links
The following hotels are within walking distance or immediate proximity to Gas South Arena. Note that rates and availability fluctuate during tournament week.
| Hotel | Distance | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|
| Westin Atlanta Gwinnett | On-site | Book on Marriott |
| Residence Inn Duluth Sugarloaf | 0.5 miles | Book on Marriott |
| Holiday Inn Gas South Arena | 0.3 miles | Book on IHG |
| Courtyard Atlanta Duluth/Gwinnett | 0.6 miles | Book on Marriott |
- Tickets: Single-session and all-session tickets are available through AXS, Ticketmaster, or StubHub. While AXS is the primary vendor for Gas South Arena, Ticketmaster is the go-to for verified secondary market seats. [1, 2, 4]
- Premium Experience: For $150, you can upgrade to the Lit Lounge (located above Section 100). This includes food, beer, and wine, and provides the key benefit of allowing you to remain inside the arena between sessions—perfect for avoiding the security line twice on Friday. [1, 2, 3]
🐺 “Packlanta” Pro-Tips
- Parking Strategy: If you plan to eat at Marlow’s Tavern or Uncle Jack’s during the break, consider leaving your car in the Arena Deck ($15) and walking the 0.4 miles. Moving your car during the tournament can be a nightmare due to session turnover traffic.
- Digital Prep: Gas South Arena is 100% cashless. Ensure your tickets are saved to your Apple or Google Wallet before arriving, as cellular service can get spotty when the arena is at capacity.
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