RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Atlantic Coast Conference on Sunday announced an anticipated fine against North Carolina State University after fans rushed the football field following the upset of then-No. 8 Georgia Tech on Saturday night.
Just as time expired in the 48-36 Wolfpack win, the Carter-Finley Stadium field was swarmed by NC State fans, which is against ACC regulations.
The ACC announcement said NC State was fined for violations of the “event security policy.”
The rule was broken when “fans entered the field of play after the conclusion of the contests prior to the visiting team personnel and officials exiting the competition area,” an ACC news release said.
After the stunning win by NC State Saturday night, Georgia Tech tumbled eight spots in the AP Top 25 to now rank No. 16.
Southern Methodist University was also fined for similar behavior in a game against Miami.
“In accordance with ACC policy, NC State and SMU will each incur a fine of $50,000 for a first offense,” the news release said.
ACC officials explained the concept of the regulations.
“The conference’s event security policy is designed to protect the safety and well-being of all student-athletes, coaches, officials and fans,” the ACC said.
The funds from the fines are earmarked for the Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford Postgraduate Scholarship Fund, which benefits ACC student-athletes pursuing graduate education, according to the news release.