In a thrilling development for college basketball enthusiasts, the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons have announced a two-year neutral-site series that promises to captivate fans and reignite a storied rivalry. The series will commence on December 6, 2025, at the Charleston Coliseum in West Virginia, marking the Mountaineers’ return to the venue for the first time since 2016 . The following season, the series will shift to Greensboro, North Carolina, with the exact date to be determined.
This matchup is part of the Holiday Hoopfest, an event organized by the Gazelle Group and supported by the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. The game is anticipated to draw significant attention, coinciding with the WVSSAC state football championship games, thereby amplifying the city’s festive atmosphere .
West Virginia University (WVU) leads the all-time series against Wake Forest 7-3, including a memorable double-overtime victory in the 2005 NCAA Tournament. The upcoming games will be the fourth and fifth neutral-site encounters between the two programs, adding new chapters to their competitive history .
Under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Ross Hodge, the Mountaineers are eager to showcase their prowess against a formidable Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent. Hodge expressed enthusiasm about the series, stating, “We are thrilled to be able to play a really good Wake Forest team in front of our fans in southern West Virginia. It’s been a long time since the men’s basketball team played in Charleston, and when we were presented with this two-game neutral site series against Wake Forest, it certainly made sense for us” .
Wake Forest, coming off a successful 2024-2025 season with a 21-11 record and a strong showing in ACC play, is poised to bring high-level competition to the series. The Demon Deacons’ recent achievements include matching the school record for road ACC victories and setting a new program record for ACC wins over a four-year span .
The Charleston community is equally enthusiastic about hosting the event. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin highlighted the game’s significance, noting, “We are thrilled to welcome WVU and Wake Forest to Charleston for the 2025 edition of Holiday Hoopfest! With such a strong WVU fanbase throughout our city and the region, this game is sure to energize our Capital City” .
Tickets for the Holiday Hoopfest will go on presale on September 2, with public sales beginning on September 5. Fans are encouraged to follow the event on X @holihoopfest for the latest updates on ticketing and game details.
This two-year series not only promises high-caliber basketball but also serves as a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and the enduring spirit of collegiate athletics.
