Get Your Free Tickets to the 2025 Duke Football Employee Appreciation Game
What Duke staff and faculty need to know for the Nov. 15 game against visiting Virginia
Assistant Professor of Dermatology Amber Fresco, who also attended Duke as an undergraduate, took her family to last year’s Duke Football Employee Appreciation game. She said her three children, ages 7, 4 and 2, loved the activities and energetic atmosphere.
“It’s really special to be able to work at Duke and have these opportunities to share that with my kids,” said Fresco, who plans on attending this year’s game. “I love that my kids love Duke. They know all of the chants and my 2-year old can even spell Duke. It’s special to our family and we appreciate the opportunity to go.”
During the game, Duke staff and faculty will be honored for their efforts and contributions throughout the past year.
“I think the magic of Duke is in the people who make up this community,” said Duke Football Coach Manny Diaz. “Any day where we have a chance to celebrate everyone that makes Duke so special is automatically a great occasion. We're honored we can use a football game to help honor everyone who pours into what makes Duke a place unlike anywhere else.”
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Benefits-eligible Duke staff and faculty can reserve their tickets in advance by ordering them online. All tickets are digital to enhance safety and security.
Faculty and staff will not receive their digital tickets immediately upon registering. All tickets will be sent by email no later than Nov. 14.
Employee ticket orders will end at 5 p.m. Nov. 7 or once the allotment has been claimed. After that time, staff and faculty can buy tickets at full price through the Duke Athletics Ticket Office.
PRE-GAME FUN
Gates will open 90 minutes before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.
As part of Employee Appreciation Day, fans 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.
Pre-bagged meals will be distributed to employees who enter the tailgate until 30 minutes before kickoff.
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 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 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.
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.
Share your game day photos with us by tagging @WorkingAtDuke on social media, dropping them in our submission form or sending them via email to working@duke.edu.
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