Wake Forest University – Where ACC Legends Are Made 
It’s more than a game when the Wake Forest Demon Deacons take the field — it’s a tradition. Whether it’s a fall football showdown under the lights at Truist Field or a high-octane basketball brawl at the Joel Coliseum, Wake brings big-time energy to every matchup. The Deacs are ACC contenders, and you’ll see future NFL and NBA stars before they make the highlight reels. 

Pro tip: Sit in the student section if you want the real Deacon game day vibe — it's rowdy in the best way.

Winston-Salem State University – Home of Ram Pride 
At WSSU, it’s not just a game — it’s a movement. From explosive CIAA basketball matchups to high-energy football Saturdays at Bowman Gray Stadium, the Rams know how to put on a show. And let’s talk about Homecoming — a weeklong celebration that turns the whole city red and white. Whether you’re in the stands or dancing in the aisles with the “Red Sea of Sound” marching band, WSSU athletics is an experience you won’t forget. 

Pro Tip: Don’t miss halftime. Seriously. It’s a full production. For a full breakdown on tailgating in Winston-Salem, head to our insider tailgate guide!

Welcome to Truist Stadium, where summer nights are made of popcorn, walk-off wins, and fireworks that light up the Winston-Salem skyline. The Winston-Salem Dash are a High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and every game is packed with future big-leaguers and family-friendly flair. 

From themed nights and giveaways to dizzy bat races and between-inning dance-offs, a Dash game is way more than baseball — it’s memory-making in motion. Their newest Sunday Funday offer is the perfect weekend outing for the whole family: start with a 2 p.m. game time that makes it easy to work around your family’s schedule, plus 4 tickets + 4 hot dog meals (with chips and drinks) for only $60! 

Keep an eye on their schedule for other rotating themed nights, including Thirsty Thursday, exciting team rebrands, dog-friendly activities, and a whole lot of ticket specials! Grab a craft beer from the outfield bar, snag a selfie with Bolt the mascot, and settle in for nine innings of pure joy. We pulled together a breakdown of this season’s schedule, specials, and local tips for your next game here in our WS Dash Baseball Guide.

Ask any Winston local: there’s no adrenaline rush quite like Saturday night at Bowman Gray Stadium. This NASCAR-sanctioned track has been thrilling fans for 75+ years with heart-pounding short-track racing — think high drama, tight corners, and a whole lot of bumper-to-bumper battles. 

Nicknamed “The Madhouse” for a reason, Bowman Gray isn’t just racing — it’s part demolition derby, part hometown hero story, and part Southern tradition. Expect elbows out, engines roaring, and fans losing their minds in the best way. 

The main season begins every year in the spring and continues throughout the summer, with this year’s schedule boasting weekly Saturday evening races from April through August. Check out our guide to The Madhouse here for even more information on race day in Winston-Salem.

Get ready to witness world-class tennis action at the Winston-Salem Open, one of the premier stops on the ATP Tour leading up to the US Open! Held each August at the state-of-the-art Wake Forest Tennis Complex, this electrifying tournament brings top-ranked international players to battle it out on hard courts in front of passionate fans. 

The Winston-Salem Open is where an intimate stadium atmosphere meets high-caliber competition, offering sports enthusiasts an unforgettable up-close experience with the fast-paced intensity of professional tennis. Players often can be found mingling with fans between matches, and there are multiple chances to see a match, from practice rounds to the final serve. 

There are a variety of tickets and seating options available, from the cost-effective general seating areas to the coveted on-court VIP seats that come complete with meal and drink service (including bottomless cocktails!) for a more elevated experience.

Whether you're a die-hard tennis fan or just love the thrill of live sports, this is a can't-miss event on Winston-Salem’s sports calendar.

When the temperatures drop, the energy at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex heats up—thanks to the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds. This professional hockey team is part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and delivers fast-paced, hard-hitting action that keeps fans on the edge of their seats all season long. 

Enjoy $5 beer nights and theme nights, enjoy the mascot antics, or strap on your own pair of skates for post-game skates. No matter what, a Thunderbirds game is more than hockey—it’s a full-on experience. 

Whether you're high-fiving Tommy the Thunderbird or joining the crowd in a chant for the win, it's a winter tradition that brings the community together, one slapshot at a time. If you're looking for a cool night out, single-game tickets start at just $12, making it easy to rally the crew and cheer on the home team without breaking the bank.

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Every season brings something new to cheer about in Winston-Salem. Whether you want to tailgate with locals, catch a rising star in college hoops, or let the kids run wild at a Dash game, you’ll find the perfect mix of thrill and chill right here. 

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or brand-new to the game, there’s a place for you in the stands. So — what are you waiting for? Let’s play. Let’s cheer. Let’s go, Winston-Salem. 

Download our official Visitor Guide and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay ahead of the game and start planning your winning trip to Winston-Salem today!