RALEIGH, N.C. — Like many NC State fans, Scotty McCreery has had a gameday routine recently.
“Putting on the same hoodie I've had on since the ACC championship game," McCreery said as he attempted to hold his phone recording video while also putting on an NC State sweatshirt.
The North Carolina native and popular country musician has been a State fan since he was a kid.
“And it's been 30 years of pain and heartache, but finally got a lot to celebrate right now," he shared.
In a Zoom interview with WFMY News 2's Chad Silber while on a West Coast tour, he reflected on the win over Duke in the Elite 8 last weekend.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear. I've always loved the Wolfpack, and you never think something like this is going to happen," McCreery went on to say.
Now he's looking ahead to the Final Four, and you can bet he'll be there.
"It's gonna be so amazing,” McCreery exclaimed. “And I'm sitting with all my buddies I went to school with and my dad."
It's not without its logistical challenges. The Garner native is supposed to play a country festival in San Diego three hours after tip-off. He convinced friend and fellow musician Lee Brice to switch time slots with him to pull it off.
"I told him I'm forever indebted to him because this feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” McCreery said. “I hope not, but it's the first time in my lifetime."
Getting from Phoenix to San Diego in time for the concert will be tricky. His team is coordinating cars, an airplane, and a police escort.
It’s a chance to see history and a moment where much of the nation is pulling for the Pack.
"It definitely feels like we're America's team right now,” McCreery said. “We've always heard about our neighboring schools and there's a lot of basketball in North Carolina but 2024 is NC State's year."