What You Need to Know for the 2024 Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration

From parking details, to meals and pre-game fun, here’s helpful info for Saturday’s game

Duke football fans
Fans fill the bleachers at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium earlier this season. Photo by Reagan Lunn.

The Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration takes place Saturday, October 26 with Duke playing host to new Atlantic Coast Conference member Southern Methodist at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. The game will begin at 8 p.m. with gates opening at 6:30 p.m.

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

For Duke faculty and staff, the event features pregame family fun, free meals and the opportunity to enjoy a Duke football game with family, friends and colleagues. If you reserved your tickets and are headed to the game, here are a few things to know.

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PRE-GAME FUN

Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. 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.

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.

Duke players celebrate with the Victory Bell after defeating North Carolina 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 players celebrate a tackle in this season's victory against North Carolina. 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.

SHARE YOUR GAME DAY PICTURES

On game day, Duke staff and faculty are invited to share fun pics during the game on social media. Be sure to tag @WorkingatDuke on social media and use the hashtag #DukeEmployeeKickoff to be eligible win a chance at a football signed by Head Coach Manny Diaz.

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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