What You Need to Know for the 2026 Duke Football Employee Celebration
Check out helpful information about parking, meals and pre-game fun for Saturday's game
Show Your Duke Spirit
Share your photos from the Duke Football Employee Celebration by tagging @Working@Duke on social media or sending your pics to us.
While the allotment of free and discounted tickets for the game is gone, tickets are available at regular price through the Duke Athletics Ticket Office.
Pre-Game Fun
Gates open 90 minutes before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
Employees and guests can enjoy a free tailgate on the Duke Football practice field with interactive games, a Junior Blue Devils Skills Challenge, and kid-friendly activities like an inflatable bounce house.
Access the practice field via stairwells behind Sections 5, 24, 28, and 32, or use the elevator by Section 32 for ADA needs. The tailgate activities close at kickoff.
How to Receive Your Pre-Game Meal
Free bagged meals for employees and guests will be available at the pre-game tailgate on the football practice field behind the main scoreboard. Bring your digital game ticket to be scanned again for access to the food line. Employees entering through stairwells behind sections 5, 24, 28, and 32 will receive a meal. Food distribution ends 30 minutes before kickoff.
The meals feature a choice of chicken breast sandwich, sliced turkey or roast beef sandwiches. A vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free option will also be available.
After picking up 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.
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 University 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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