What You Need to Know for the 2023 Duke Football Employee ...

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 9. Prior to the 6 p.m. kickoff, as part of the Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration, fans can enjoy a free employee tailgate on the Duke Football practice field behind the scoreboard.

The family event will feature interactive games, a Junior Blue Devils Skills Challenge, and kid-friendly activities such as an inflatable bounce house.

The pre-bagged meals will be distributed to all employees who enter the tailgate by 5:30 p.m.

The practice field can be accessed from the Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium concourse 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.

The meals for employees and their guests will be distributed at the pre-game employee tailgate located on the Duke 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 5:30 p.m. will receive a meal. Food distribution will end 15 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.

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.

With congestion likely around campus, and traffic patterns and parking availability which is different from non-game days –  it’s important to arrive as early as possible to allow plenty of time to park and make it to the pre-game festivities.

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.

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.    

SHARE YOUR GAME DAY PHOTOS

Working@Duke will give away some prizes to staff and faculty who share their game day photos with us. Follow and tag Working@Duke on Instagram in your photos or send us your picture by end of day on Sept. 10.

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