“The Future of Duke Football: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2023 Employee Landscape”

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

The Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration is set to take place on September 9th, with the Blue Devils hosting Lafayette for a 6 p.m. game at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. This event offers Duke faculty and staff the chance to enjoy a Duke football game with their family, friends, and colleagues, complete with pregame family fun, free meals, and more.

Pre-Game Fun

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. on September 9th, allowing fans to make the most of the pregame festivities. As part of the Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration, there will be a free employee tailgate on the Duke Football practice field behind the scoreboard. This family-friendly event will feature interactive games, a Junior Blue Devils Skills Challenge, and kid-friendly activities like an inflatable bounce house.

Employees who enter the tailgate by 5:30 p.m. will receive a pre-bagged meal. The practice field can be accessed from the concourse of Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium using the stairwells behind Sections 5, 24, 28, and 32. There is also an elevator available near Section 32 for those with ADA needs. It’s important to note that the pregame activities will close once the game kicks off.

Receiving Your Pre-Game Meal

The meals for employees and their guests will be distributed at the pregame employee tailgate located on the Duke Football practice field behind the main scoreboard. When you arrive at the tailgate, make sure to have your digital game ticket with you for scanning, as it will also be needed to access the food line. All employees who have entered the tailgate area by 5:30 p.m. will receive a meal. Food distribution will end 15 minutes prior to kickoff.

The meal options will include a choice of chicken, turkey, or roast beef sandwiches, with a vegan and gluten-free option also available. After picking up your meal, head up to your seats and enjoy your food while watching the game.

Parking and Transportation

Employees are encouraged to make use 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 will run from Yearby Avenue to Duke Chapel, which is just a short 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. It’s important to have a state-issued placard or hangtag for each vehicle using accessible parking. Due to congestion around campus and different traffic patterns and parking availability on game days, it is recommended to arrive as early as possible to allow ample time for parking and to attend the pregame festivities.

Bag Policy

The Athletics department maintains a bag policy for the convenience and safety of all attendees. Football fans are allowed to enter the stadium with their belongings using a clear bag. Bags and purses must be made of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and should not exceed 12 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches in size.

Small clutches or wallets smaller than 8 inches by 5 inches by 1 inch, as well as 1-gallon clear plastic storage bags, are also permitted. Duke Stores merchandise bags require a day-of receipt of purchase for entry. Guests with bags that contain medical and/or childcare needs can use the designated Medical/Family Lane at each gate screening area. Clear bags will also be available for purchase at the Duke Bookstore and Duke Team Store.

Entry Information

When entering the stadium, guests can keep their cell phones, keys, and wallets in their pockets or clear bags and walk through the screening area without breaking stride. It’s important to note that there is no re-entry allowed once a ticket has been scanned for entry at the stadium gates. This means that if you leave the stadium, you will not be able to re-enter.

Game Day Photos

Working@Duke will be giving away prizes to staff and faculty who share their game day photos. Participants can follow and tag Working@Duke on Instagram in their photos or send their picture by the end of September 10th. Working@Duke is also active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

For additional information about Duke Football game day, you can visit the Game Day Hub.

Conclusion

The Duke Football Employee Kickoff Celebration offers faculty and staff the chance to come together and enjoy a Duke football game with their loved ones and colleagues. With pregame family fun, free meals, and various activities, it promises to be a memorable experience. It’s important to plan ahead for parking and transportation, familiarize yourself with the bag policy, and make sure to arrive early to make the most of the pregame festivities. So grab your tickets, get ready for some football, and enjoy the celebration!