Durham, NC - Duke football fans proved they see promise in the 2009 season over the weekend, when one of the largest crowds in recent years showed up to Wallace Wade Stadium to see the Blue Devils play Saturday.

Wallace Wade hosted 33,311 fans Sept. 5 for the home opener against University of Richmond. It was the largest number of fans at a Duke home game since the Blue Devils had 35,206 fans on Nov. 3, 2001, against North Carolina State University.

The crowd surpassed last season's kick-off against James Madison University, which was attended by 32,571 in Head Coach David Cutcliffe's debut.

"The Duke Football program was ecstatic about the support provided by all the Duke employees," Cutcliffe said. "The atmosphere of all the employees and their families brought to the stadium was excellent. We were disappointed in the outcome of the game, but not with the energy the Duke community provided to our team."

As part of Duke's Employee Kick-Off Celebration, employees and their families reserved more than 22,000 free tickets to the game and were treated to family activities like face painting, inflatable rides and a buffet prior to the game.

Despite the large turnout, Duke fell to Richmond 24-16. Even still, Cutcliffe said he was pleased with the fan turnout, especially the large numbers of employees who attended.

Tickets for the next home game against North Carolina Central University on Sept. 26 are now available. Faculty and staff can also purchase the Employee Athletic Pass, which provides tickets for the remaining five home football games for less than $10 per person.

A family plan option costs $199 for four tickets.

For more information on discounted employee season tickets call the Duke Athletics Ticket Office at 681-BLUE.