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Reserve Your Free Tickets to Duke Football’s Kickoff

Staff and faculty receive up to four free tickets to the Employee Kickoff Celebration on Sept. 2

Employee Kickoff Celebration
Faculty, staff, and family members are invited to come out for the first home game for Duke Football on Sept. 2.

Tickets are now available for Duke staff and faculty who want to cheer on the Blue Devils when they host North Carolina Central University in the season opener at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. 

As part of the Employee Kickoff Celebration on Sept. 2, employees can order up to four free tickets at no charge. After that, up to four additional tickets may be purchased for $5 each. A game ticket is required for stadium entry for any fan age 3 and older. 

“The Employee Kickoff Celebration has become part of our football tradition,” said Head Football Coach David Cutcliffe. “We love seeing faculty, staff, and their family members come out to support us, and our team relies on their energy and enthusiasm throughout the season.” 

In a change from previous years, the pregame event for Duke employees will take place inside the stadium. Gates will open for employees and their guests at 3 p.m. There will be face-painting, interactive kid-friendly activities and live music.

From ticket ordering to concession vouchers, here’s what you need to know for this season’s Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration. 

How to Get Tickets

The process for getting tickets is different this year. 

This year benefit-eligible Duke staff and faculty can print out their tickets in advance after ordering them online. Each ticket will come with a voucher for a meal at Blue Devil Concessions stands that can also be printed in advance. This option is recommended to avoid waiting in lines for tickets. 

Those without online access or a printer can call the ticket office at 919-681-2583 to reserve their tickets. Tickets and vouchers can be picked up at Duke Athletics ticket window at the Scott Family Athletics Performance Center from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Monday through Friday. Employees must present their DukeID to pick up tickets.

Employee ticket orders end at noon Thursday, Aug. 31. After that time, employees will have to buy tickets at full price through the Duke Athletic Ticket Office. [Update August 25: General admission seats are all reserved. However, Duke staff and faculty can still secure seats in reserved seating areas. Please note: The available seats are currently only for singles or in pairs.]

How Concession Vouchers Work

Faculty and staff will receive one voucher per ticket (maximum of 8) for a meal redeemable at Blue Devil Concessions stands #2, #3, #4, and #5 (West Concourse) and #7 and #11 (East Concourse) inside the stadium. 

Each voucher is redeemable for popcorn, a fountain drink and one of the following items:

  • Hot dog 
  • Veggie wrap, or
  • Barbecue sandwich

Concession vouchers will be included with online ticket orders, or they can be picked up the Scott Family Athletics Performance Center with reserved tickets. 

Concession vouchers are only valid between 3-5:30 p.m. as part of the pregame event on Sept. 2 and cannot be used during the game. Vouchers must be redeemed at one time, and no substituting of meal options is allowed. 

Where to Park

Parking is free on game day in general public parking lots:

Valid permit holders can also park for free in general public lots if their permitted facility is unavailable (e.g. Whitford, Blue Zone, Card, etc.).

Bag Policy and Safety Protocol

Honorary CaptainIn order to keep with security protocol, bags or purses of any kind (including but not limited to backpacks, duffel bags, tote bags, fanny packs, clear bags, drawstring/cinch bags, messenger bags, plastic grocery bags, camera bags, binocular bags, etc.) are not permitted to enter Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium on football game days.  

Use this guide to avoid a return trip to your vehicle on game day.

Also, there is no stadium re-entry once a ticket has been scanned for entry at the stadium gates. This means if you leave the stadium during the employee celebration, you will not be able to re-enter the stadium.

For additional Duke Football game day information, see the A-Z Game Day Guide. The Duke Athletics ticket office may be reached at 919-681-2583.