WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina State University

Wolfpack fans swamp stores to support team

Mar 21, 2012

Raleigh, N.C. — Fans of North Carolina State University have shown their support for the men's basketball team this week by spending liberally on T-shirts, hats and other attire. Rising expectations for success mean the cash registers are ringing at the Go Pack store in Raleigh.

Jan Mitchell, an N.C. State graduate and fan was buying her Sweet 16 T-shirt Wednesday, just hours before the team left for St. Louis and their next challenge. The team faces No. 2 seed Kansas Friday in the Sweet 16. 

"I can't even describe it. I mean, it's just a dream come true," Mitchell said.

Signs of support are sprinkled all around Raleigh. Red banners line Hillsborough Street and even Sir Walter Raleigh was wearing a Wolfpack jersey Wednesday.

N.C. State's recent run of success â€“ they've won six of seven games and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 as a No. 11 seed â€“ has spurred school spirit, said Mario Ciardella, a buyer for Go Pack.

"More people want to show their pride," he said. "Especially now we're one of two ACC teams left."

Mitchell said she planned to expand her wardrobe with every Wolfpack win. "I'm going to have to come back and get one for Elite 8 and then one Final Four and national championship," she said.

NC State's game will air on TBS Friday night at about 10:15 p.m. It immediately follows the matchup of No. 1 seed University of North Carolina and No. 13 Ohio University. That game tips at 7:47 p.m. on TBS.

• Reporter: Renee Chou
• Photographer: Edward Wilson
• Web Editor: Jodi Leese Glusco