Cheer on Duke Athletics Teams at No Charge

Volleyball, field hockey, swimming and diving and other teams are open to staff and faculty for an unforgettable game day experience

a Duke swimmer, field hockey player and volleyball team members are shown in a photo collage
Duke swimming & diving, field hockey and volleyball are all events that can be attended in Durham this fall for no cost. Photos courtesy of Duke Athletics

A few years ago, Chantal Watkins’ daughter began to show a real interest in playing volleyball at the collegiate level. Though still a teenager, Mary Frances had a solid serve that suggested it was a possibility.

Watkins, a Clinical Nurse in Duke Children’s Specialty Triage Services, realized she had an inspirational example of achievement right in her own workplace backyard – the Duke’s Women’s Volleyball team.

And even better, admission to Duke Volleyball home games at Cameron Indoor Stadium is free.

Watkins and her daughter visited the hallowed arena with a couple of Mary Frances’ volleyball friends, posing for photos outside Cameron before taking in the spikes and digs in the gym.

Three young women stand in front of Cameron Indoor Stadium's doors with their arms raised
Chantal Watkins' daughter, Mary Frances, center, brought two friends with her to see a Duke volleyball game at no charge. Photo courtesy of Chantal Watkins

It was a rare chance to sit courtside in the setting known best for its raucous basketball fans.

“It was intimate and small, and it was encouraging for her to see older women playing and see what she could do,” Watkins said. “It was wonderful – and free and available for us to attend.”

Duke Volleyball is one of 16 Duke Athletics teams who do not charge an attendance fee for home events. This fall, Duke staff and faculty can capitalize on opportunities to attend free Duke Field Hockey, Swimming & Diving and Volleyball events in Durham, and see others throughout the academic year.

Below are some notable games or meets to attend in the coming months.

Duke Field Hockey

Sept. 19, 5 p.m.: Duke hosts Stanford at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium on East Campus.

Oct. 10, 6 p.m.: Duke will celebrate its Pride Night in the game against Louisville at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.

The full Duke Field Hockey schedule is here.

Duke Volleyball

Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m.: Duke hosts N.C. State for its “Club Cameron” game complete with “beats, lights and nonstop action” at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and includes LED devil horns as a giveaway.

Oct. 4, 2 p.m.: Duke hosts North Carolina in the “Battle of the Blues” when it takes on its in-state rival. Giveaway item for this match is a Duke T-shirt.

Nov. 2, 1 p.m.: Family Day is celebrated when Duke plays SMU. In-game volleyball bingo and a balloon-volleyball mingle session with the team after the match are part of the festivities.

A full schedule of Duke Volleyball promotions is here.

A Duke diver is tucked in a pike position after bouncing off the springboard
Duke women's volleyball players gather in a huddle
Duke field hockey player Alaina McVeigh runs down the field

Swimming & diving, volleyball and field hockey are among the events that can be attended in Durham at no cost this fall. Photos courtesy of Duke Athletics

Duke Swimming & Diving

Sept. 26, 4 p.m. (Diving) and 5 p.m. (Swimming): Marymount (men’s swimming only), East Carolina (women’s diving only) and Boston College all will be at Duke’s Taishoff Aquatic Center for a meet.

Oct. 10, 4 p.m. (Diving) and 5 p.m. (Swimming): In-state rival Davidson travels to Taishoff Aquatic Center.

Oct. 17, 4 p.m. (Diving) and 5 p.m. (Swimming): It’s another “Battle of the Blues” when North Carolina visits Duke’s Taishoff Aquatic Center.

The full men’s and women’s Duke Swimming & Diving schedule is here.

Other Free Athletics Events

Other Duke Athletics events that are free to attend include: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Fencing, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Track & Field, Women’s Rowing and Wrestling.

All the listed regular season home events are free for all members of the public to attend, and no ticket is required.

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