Wake Forest to Host Navy in 2026 NIT Men’s Basketball Opener
Wake Forest will serve as the host when Navy visits for a first-round matchup in the 2026 NIT. The Demon Deacons open at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, with national television coverage on ESPNU.
Seed and regional assignment
The program earned the No. 1 seed in the Winston-Salem Regional of the 32-team field. The game will be played at LJVM Coliseum as Wake Forest seeks a postseason run.
Postseason context
This marks the third postseason appearance under head coach Steve Forbes. Wake Forest previously reached the NIT in 2022 and 2024.
In 2022, the team recorded wins over Towson and VCU en route to a 25-10 finish. The Deacons also defeated Appalachian State during the 2024 NIT.
Ticketing and student access
Tickets go on sale at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16. They may be purchased online at Filmogaz.com/Tickets or by calling 336-758-3322.
Reserved lower-level seats are $25. Youth tickets for fans under 18 cost $15.
Season ticket holders and Deacon Club ILC members receive pre-sale instructions by email. Students can claim a complimentary ticket through the Screamin’ Demon rewards app.
Complimentary student tickets are limited. Once those are claimed, student tickets will be available for $15 each.
Parking and gameday changes
Gameday parking is $10 per vehicle in the Allegacy, Pepsi, and Starry lots. Parking passes can be added to advance ticket orders or bought on arrival.
Construction on The Grounds began in late 2024. Changes around Deacon Boulevard have prompted new traffic and parking patterns for 2025-26.
Fans should review updated parking maps and lot assignments at Filmogaz.com/bballparking. The site includes interactive maps, FAQs, and arrival tips.
For parking or ticket questions, contact the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-3322 or email [email protected].
The LJVM advantage
Wake Forest has built a strong home record at LJVM Coliseum. The Deacons have logged 73 home victories since the 2021-22 season.
That total ranks tied for 11th nationally and second within the ACC over the same span.
| Rank | ACC Program | Home Wins Since 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Duke | 78 |
| 2 | Wake Forest | 73 |
| 3 | North Carolina | 71 |
| 4 | Virginia | 67 |
| 5 | Clemson | 66 |
Season snapshot and player highlights
The Demon Deacons have won 17 games this season. Twelve of those victories came at LJVM Coliseum.
Sophomore guard Juke Harris enjoyed a breakout year. He earned ACC Most Improved Player and second-team All-ACC honors.
Harris scored in double figures in 33 consecutive games, a program single-season record. He finished the year with more than 700 points, becoming the third player in program history to do so. Dickie Hemric and Len Chappell are the other two who surpassed that mark.
Senior center Nate Calmese returned from two injuries to compete in the ACC Tournament. He registered 20 points in Wake Forest’s second-round game against Clemson.
In a first-round overtime game, seven Wake Forest players reached double figures. That performance made them the second team in ACC Tournament history to have seven players score at least 10 points in a single contest.
Fans can expect a lively atmosphere when Wake Forest hosts Navy in the 2026 NIT opener. The program will look to leverage its home-court strength and recent postseason experience.
