NC State Wolfpack Club

Some of us are born loving NC State, others start running with the Pack later in life. Regardless of when we become fans, members of Wolfpack Nation go above and beyond when it comes to our fandom. 

This summer, while we can’t gather with all of #WPN, we’re taking a look at how some enthusiastic fans have dedicated rooms, fan caves, and entire wings of their homes to show off their pride and loyalty for NC State. We’ll check out some of the amazing pieces in their collections as well as get to know the people behind the collections.

Green Bay, Wis. - You don’t find many NC State fans in Green Bay, the middle of Big Ten country and the land of the Packers. Despite living over 1,000 miles away from Raleigh, NC State graduate Kelly Fitzgerald has found an opportunity to showcase his love for the Wolfpack in a big way.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Kelly knew he wanted to go somewhere away from home for college. When his sister moved to North Carolina and enrolled at NC State, plus the magical 1983 Men’s Basketball Championship, Kelly started running with the Pack. He made it to NC State and graduated in 1989 with two degrees. Kelly’s years in Raleigh were transformational, and he sees his fandom as a symbol of what NC State was able to give him.

Step into Kelly’s basement, the only room in the house his wife let him decorate, and you will find a fan cave covered with Packers and Brewers memorabilia, some Wisconsin Badgers gear and a whole lot of NC State artifacts and collectables. The basement was originally built as a playroom, and as Kelly’s children have grown up, the room has evolved to rival a curated sports museum.

Creating the room was a slow build. Kelly’s fan cave started with a limited collection from his college days. He also hand painted Tuffy from NC State and Bucky from Wisconsin, where his wife went to school. There’s never been much NC State gear at stores in Wisconsin, but the invention of eBay has fueled the growth of Kelly’s collection. 

Kelly’s fan cave was created through home projects, items that have personal connections, and finding Wolfpack artifacts online. He has a personalized note from Jimmy V that is the highlight of all his Wolfpack memorabilia. Old posters, pictures, magazine covers and signed items from NC State greats cover the walls, while an NC State football helmet collection lines the shelves.

Today, another member of the Fitzgerald family reps the red and white, as Kelly’s oldest daughter is a junior at NC State. The fan cave is going as strong as ever. He hopes to replace the carpet with wood floors and paint basketball lines on the floor. There’s also plans down the road for a bar, and he’s always looking out for the next special piece of NC State history. 

Join the conversation on social media. Show off your favorite NC State gear and decorations using the hashtag #WolfpackAtHome.

Interested in having your NC State room featured for this series? Fill out the form below to enter.