RALEIGH — N.C. State's new coach signals a new direction for the program. The excitement at the university is about more than just wins and losses. It is about money.

Chuck Amatois just one piece of the puzzle to bring Wolfpack football to the next level.

"We expect when people come here in September, people will see an example of the investment we're willing to make," said Jim Miller, Assistant Athletic Director at N.C. State.

Fans can expect to see eight luxury suites, a new scoreboard and a new video board at Carter-Finley Stadium in the near future. Upgrades to training facilities are also in the works.

It is easy to understand why the university pumps so much money into the football program. Wolfpack football is a winner at the bank, bringing in $4.5 million in ticket sales.

With N.C. State's new arena, basketball revenues will be about the same. The third biggest money maker at the ticket office is Wolfpack baseball. The women's basketball team, despite its high national rankings, only brings in $25,000 in ticket sales.

Money from television rights and the ACC bring total football revenue up to $8 million.

"That money provides support not just for our football program, but for our other varsity sports as well," said Marye Ann Fox, Chancellor at N.C. State.

Wolfpack fans say the chance to compete with some of the top programs in the ACC makes the money situation a winning move for everyone.

"I think it's good for the area," said Byron Hawkins, a Wolfpack fan. "It's good for the Research Triangle Park. It's good for the university and for North Carolina."

The university does not have a fixed timetable on the upgrades, but they say they will spare no expense, and Thursday's announcement is the first step in making N.C. State football a top-notch program.