Reserve Free Tickets for the 2024 Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration

Staff and faculty can get two free tickets for Oct. 26 meeting with visiting Southern Methodist

Duke cheerleaders carry flags onto the field.
Duke cheerleaders carry flags onto Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Photo by Reagan Lunn.

The Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration returns Saturday, October 26 as the Blue Devils face Southern Methodist University at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium.

The game time has yet to be announced.

Benefits eligible staff and faculty members of Duke University and Duke University Health System can get up to two free tickets to the game.

The tickets include vouchers for a free meal available at the pre-game employee tailgate event on the football practice field behind the main scoreboard.

Support Hurricane Relief

In an effort to bring relief to those impacted by recent flooding and hardships as a result of Hurricane Helene, Duke Athletics will collect items that will be sent to flood victims. For every five items donated, receive a deep discount on a select ticket package.

Learn More

Employees can purchase up to two additional tickets with meal vouchers for $5 each (plus a processing fee for paid tickets).

You can reserve your free tickets and meal vouchers and purchase additional ones online here.

Duke won eight games last season, including a victory in the Birmingham Bowl. This year, the Blue Devils are off to a strong start under first-year football coach Manny Diaz.

The deadline for employees to reserve their free tickets is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 18, or once the employee ticket allotment is gone. Game tickets are required for any fan age 3 or over.

During the game, Duke faculty and staff will be honored for their efforts and contributions throughout the past year.

Here's how to access the pre-game activities on the Duke Football practice field. Image courtesy of Duke Athletics.

PRE-GAME FUN

Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the game, as part of the Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration, fans can enjoy a free employee tailgate on the Duke Football practice field which will feature interactive games, a Junior Blue Devils Skills Challenge, and kid-friendly activities such as an inflatable bounce house.

The free, pre-bagged meals will be distributed to all employees who enter the tailgate until 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

The practice field can be accessed from Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium using the stairwells behind Sections 5, 24, 28 and 32. An elevator is also available by Section 32 to help those with ADA needs to reach field level. The activities will close at kickoff.

HOW TO GET TICKETS

Benefits-eligible Duke staff and faculty can reserve their tickets in advance by ordering them online here. All tickets will be digital. The touchless option using mobile devices enhances safety and security.

Faculty and staff will not receive their digital tickets immediately upon registering. All tickets will be emailed no later than Friday, October 25.

Employee ticket orders will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 18 or once the allotment has been claimed. After that time, staff and faculty will have to buy tickets at full price through the Duke Athletics Ticket Office.

Duke players celebrate a big play in a victory against Connecticut earlier this season. Photo by Reagan Lunn.

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR PRE-GAME MEAL

The free meals for employees and their guests will be distributed at the pre-game employee tailgate located on the football practice field behind the main scoreboard. Once you arrive at the tailgate, make sure you have your digital game ticket with you so it can be scanned for a second time for access to the food line. All employees that have entered the tailgate area by the stairwells behind sections 5, 24, 28 and 32 will receive a meal. Food distribution will end 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

The meals will feature a choice of chicken, turkey or roast beef sandwiches. A vegan and gluten-free option will also be available.

After picking up your food, head up to your seats and enjoy your meal.

WHERE TO PARK

Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the Yellow Zone Courtesy Shuttle Lots on game day. Tailgate parking is available in the H Lot and GC Lot off Anderson Street and Yearby Avenue. Shuttle buses run from Yearby Avenue to Duke Chapel for a less-than 5-minute walk to the stadium gates. Parking in these lots is free of charge.

Accessible parking is available in the Blue Zone Lots off Duke University Road. A state-issued placard or hangtag is required for each vehicle using accessible parking.

Duke fans cheer on the Blue Devils against Connecticut earlier this season. Photo by Reagan Lunn.

FAN-FRIENDLY BAG POLICY

Athletics continues its bag policy to allow football fans to enter the stadium with their belongings using a clear bag.

All bags and purses must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and no larger than 12-inches by 12-inches by 6-inches. Small clutches/wallets smaller than 8-inches by 5-inches x 1-inch and 1-gallon clear plastic storage bags are also permitted.

Duke Stores merchandise bags require day-of receipt of purchase for entry. Guests with permitted bags containing medical and/or childcare needs may elect to use the designated Medical/Family Lane at each gate screening area.

Clear bags will also be available to purchase at the Duke Bookstore and Duke Team Store.

ENTRY INFORMATION

Guests can keep cell phone, keys, and wallet in pockets and/or clear bag and walk through without breaking stride.

Remember, 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, you will not be able to re-enter.

For additional Duke Football game day information, see the Game Day Hub.    

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