
Duke vs. Wake Forest: What to Expect
10/29/2023 9:26:00 AM | General
On Thursday, Nov. 2, Duke will host Wake Forest at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN. To assist guests, we've highlighted key arrival and entry details.
For a complete guide to Duke Football game days, including accessibility, stadium services, and amenities, visit GoDuke.com/FBGameDay. For continuous updates, visit GoDuke.com.
On Nov. 2, for live updates on parking and other operational details, follow @Duke_GAMEDAY on Twitter. For assistance with parking, seating or accessibility on game day, text "DUKE (your issue and location)" to (919) 808-5776. Note: This is a text-only service. Standard messaging and data rates apply.
Stadium Gates and Entry
Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. We strongly recommend ARRIVING EARLY to bypass the rush that typically occurs just before kick-off. Starting at 6 p.m., all concourse amenities, services and the Jr. Blue Devils Skills Challenge will be available. Furthermore, Blue Devil Tower, catering to premium seating guests, will welcome visitors at the same time.
Avoid the Crowds - Opt for Wilson Gate or Powers Gate
Please take note that stadium entry at Tribull Plaza and the Bostock Gate tends to get exceedingly congested on Duke football game days. To avoid the congestion, we advise utilizing the Wilson Gate (located on the east concourse, covering Sections 1-13) or the Powers Gate (situated on the west concourse, encompassing Sections 20-32) for your stadium entry. To ensure ease of navigation, consult the Pedestrian Routes Map, which outlines the recommended pathways to these gates. If you need assistance, our directional staff will be stationed along the sidewalks leading to Tribull Plaza.Game Day Entry Security
It is essential to note that everyone – from game day staff to ticketed guests and Duke students – will undergo security screening before entering Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. The primary method of screening involves walk-through metal detectors. However, for those who cannot use these detectors, handheld metal detectors will be employed, supplemented by physical pat-downs as a final alternative. If you require further information about the entry screening process, please review our Entry Screening Policy.Parking & Traffic Information
For a comprehensive overview of available parking lots, refer to the Pregame Parking & Traffic Map. To stay informed about any additional parking and traffic alerts during the game week and on the actual game day, visit GoDuke.com.
Digital Parking & Ticketing Reminder
Ensure a hassle-free entry by adding your digital parking pass and tickets to your mobile wallet before arriving on campus. This simple step will expedite the scanning process at lot entrances and stadium gates.
Plan Ahead for Game Day Traffic
Anticipate heavy traffic on the surrounding roadways as fans gather for the game. Arriving early and carpooling are both encouraged to minimize delays.
To navigate campus effectively, rely on the guidance of Duke Athletics, Parking and Transportation Services and Duke Police. They recommend following the prescribed routes for both Iron Duke Parking Lots and General Public Lots, both before and after the game. During your time on campus, adhere to directions provided by uniformed officers and staff, as well as information displayed on electronic signage. Keep in mind that traffic control officers may be unable to respond to inquiries in order to prevent traffic congestion.
Please note that due to ongoing construction, access to Chapel Drive from the roundabout on Campus Drive is restricted solely to authorized university vehicles.
When the game concludes, consult the Postgame Traffic Map for exit routes designed to efficiently guide vehicles from lots to major roadways. These routes may not be the most direct path initially, but they are designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow. As you move around campus, follow the direction provided by uniformed officers and traffic control staff.
Rideshare Services
Opt for convenient Rideshare options and enjoy a drop-off right by the Powers Gate. Frank Bassett Drive has been designated a drop-off/pick-up location for Rideshare Services with visible logos. Access to Frank Bassett Drive is available from NC 751/Cameron Blvd., to Science Drive; please note that there is no access from the Grounds Lot. Kindly be aware that any attempts to drop-off or pick-up at alternative locations near the stadium will not be allowed and will be redirected to this specified area. It's important to note that this location is exclusively for 20-minute drop-off and pick-up, and game day parking is not permitted here.
Tailgate Reminders
Plan to arrive early to secure your tailgating space in the designated surface lots. Tailgating is allowed exclusively in these surface lots. Please remember that tailgating is prohibited in parking garages, including the roof, as well as on any greenspaces within Duke Medical Center.
To ensure fair use of space, please note that one vehicle should occupy only one parking space. We kindly request your cooperation with Lot Attendants and Tailgate Teams, who work diligently to maximize parking availability for all attendees. Tailgate setups cannot obstruct pedestrian walkways or vehicle lanes.
- Iron Duke Tailgate Areas – Whitford Lot, Grounds Lot, Blue Zone, Science Drive Visitors Lot and the greenspaces outside Science Drive Garage.
- General Public Tailgate Areas – Jogging Trail Lot, Chemistry Lot, Circuit Drive Lots, Duke University Road Lots, GC & H Lots, Campus & Anderson Lot and GC Overflow Lot. Tailgating is not permitted on Duke Medical Center greenspaces.
Iron Dukes Parking
Due to normal daily campus operations, all Iron Duke lots will open at 5 p.m. Iron Duke checkpoints will be operational starting at 5:30 p.m. It's important for all Iron Duke parking permit holders to have their Iron Duke checkpoint pass or parking permit visibly displayed by hanging it from their rearview mirror. This ensures a smooth process when approaching checkpoints for seamless access to the designated parking areas.General Public Parking
Due to daily campus & medical center operations, all general public parking lots will open at 5 p.m. Carpooling is encouraged to reduce traffic congestion and optimize the use of available parking spaces. To minimize any potential delays, it's advisable to navigate directly to your designated parking lot using the provided links. This approach will help you reach your game day parking location without unnecessary delays.General Public Parking Hours
- Purple Zone Park & Walk Tailgate Lots Opening at 5 p.m. – Chemistry Lot, Circuit Drive Lots
- Purple Zone Parking Garage Opening at 5 p.m. – Research Drive Garage, Hock Garage
- Yellow Zone Tailgate Lots Opening at 5 p.m. – GC Lot, H Lot
The General Public Park & Walk Lots are divided into color-coded zones for easier wayfinding. No parking fees apply. To find the best route from your parking lot to the nearest stadium gate, consult the Pedestrian Routes Map. Directional signs will guide you along recommended pedestrian routes, ensuring a smooth path from all locations.
- Jogging Trail Lot on NC 751/Cameron Blvd.
- Purple Zone – off of Erwin Road at the Chemistry Lot and Circuit Drive Lots on Circuit Drive, Research Drive Garage (RDG) on Research Drive, on Erwin Road at Hock Garage
- Green Zone – (RDG) on Research Drive, and on Erwin Road at Hock Garage
- Yellow Zone – are located off of Erwin Road at the Duke University Medical Center in the GC Lot, H Lot off of Anderson Street and Parking Garage 1 (PG1) off of Trent Drive.
The General Public Courtesy Shuttles from Yellow Zone Lots should be expected to experience high rider volumes. These shuttles operate in continuous loops from parking areas to Duke Chapel and will take around 30 minutes for a roundtrip. Walking from Yellow Zone parking areas to Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Pregame shuttle pick-up points are situated on Yearby Avenue. Shuttle service begins at 5 p.m. Shuttles operate on a 30-minute frequency and offer drop-off/pick-up at Duke Chapel.
RV/OV Parking
RV/OV Parking is located in the DU Road 2 Lot on Duke University Road. To secure your RV/OV Parking spot, it's recommended to make an online purchase in advance of game day through Duke Parking & Transportation Services at my.parking.duke.edu/events. The cost for RV/OV permits is $50, and it's important to note that no cash purchases are accepted, including at the lot entrance on game day.
The DU Road 2 Lot will be available exclusively for RV/OV parking on Wednesday, November 1 from 6-9 p.m., and on Thursday, November 2 from 12 p.m. All RV/OV vehicles must be cleared from the lot by Friday, November 3 at 12 p.m.
Bus Parking
Bus Parking is designated at the DU Road 2 Lot. A limited number of bus parking spaces are available and should be reserved in advance by reaching out to the Duke Ticket Office. Buses conducting drop-offs and pick-ups of guests (i.e. without tailgating activities) will be accommodated free of charge. However, buses hosting group tailgates or similar activities will be categorized as RV/OVs, necessitating parking in the DU Road 2 Lot and obtaining an RV/OV permit (please refer to RV/OV Information above).
The bus drop-off/pick-up point is located at the roundabout on Towerview Road and must be accessed off of Duke University Road. After dropping off guests, buses will be directed to the DU Road 2 Lot by turning left onto Duke University Road. Buses are permitted to pick-up their guests at the roundabout and must be staged at the start of the fourth quarter. All buses will be staged facing Duke University Road for departure.
Accessibility Accommodations
For additional information on stadium accessibility accommodations and services, please refer to the complete Duke Football A-Z Game Day Guide or or get in touch with our disabilities coordinators at (919) 668-1267.
General Public Parking for Guests with Disabilities
STATE-ISSUED PLACARD OR PLATE REQUIREDGeneral public parking for guests with disabilities is located in the Blue Zone B-7, B-4 Lots on Wannamaker Drive. Due to game day traffic restrictions, the Blue Zone must be accessed from Duke University Road. There is no charge to park. In the event of overflow, accessible parking will be directed to Science Drive Garage off of NC 751/Cameron Blvd.
Accessible Lift-Equipped Van Assistance
Accessible lift-equipped van assistance will be available from all general public parking lots as needed for guests needing wheelchair lift assistance. Please note that vans run on-call and can take 15 minutes or more to arrive depending on call volume and game day traffic.Designated accessible van pick-up points are located in the general public accessible parking lots in the Blue Zone and outside the stadium gates. Look for signage in the Blue Zone (B-4, B-6 Lots), outside the Wilson Gate (east concourse, visitor will call), at the Whitford Drive circle (Bostock Gate, will call, north concourse) and at the Grounds Lot bus stop (Powers Gate, Blue Devil Tower, west concourse). Each pick-up point will provide seating and informational signage with the location for DUACCESS text requests – text "DUACCESS" to 919-808-5576 with request, location, and number of guests (Example: "DUACCESS Van, B-4 Lot, 4 Guests"). Standard messaging and data rates may apply.
To request an accessible van for assistance from another game day parking lot, text "DUACCESS" to (919) 808-5576 with request, location, and number of guests. (Example: "DUACCESS Van, Circuit Lot, 4 Guests"). Guests can also speak to the parking lot attendant for assistance.
Accessible Seating Areas
All accessible seating locations are designated and ticketed seating areas that can be purchased or exchanged through the Duke Ticket Office, either in advance or on game day. To learn more about accessible seating, please consult the Accessible Seating Policy and Accessible Seating Map.
Stadium Lighting Effects
Expect the use of stadium lighting effects on game day. If you suffer from epilepsy or are sensitive to other visual light stimulation effects, we advise you to see our stadium medical staff at the concourse First Aid stations positioned behind Section 3, 19 and 28, as well as on each floor of the Blue Devil Tower, for assistance.
Ticket Information
General Will Call
If you need to pick up tickets from General Will Call on game day, please visit the Duke Ticket Office at the Scott Family Athletics Performance Center, situated outside the Bostock Gate and across from Cameron Indoor Stadium. We recommend arriving early – the Duke Ticket Office will be open to assist guests from 5 p.m., onwards.
Game Day Ticket Assistance
For ticket assistance, head to the Wilson Gate Ticket Booth, Bostock Gate Ticket Booth and Powers Gate Ticket Booths before entering the stadium, starting at 6 p.m. Once you're inside Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, you can find ticket assistance at the Bostock Gate Guest Services Desk, located behind Section 18.
More Ticket Information
If you have more questions about game day tickets or need additional information, please contact the Duke Ticket Office at (919) 681-BLUE (2583).
Halloween Costume Guidelines
Please join us in creating a fun, safe, family atmosphere for Second Chance Halloween at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. No costumes deemed vulgar, violent or obscene by Event Staff will be permitted to be worn inside the stadium. Masks and head gear are permitted but must be removed for entry screening. Costumes that obstruct the view of other guests will not be permitted to be worn in the seating bowl. No weapons or anything that can be mistaken for a weapon will be permitted into the stadium (i.e. fake guns, fake swords, light sabers, baseball bats, etc.) The Stadium Clear Bag Policy applies for all trick-or-treat bags & containers entering the stadium.

Clear Bag Policy
Please be aware that Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium has a Clear Bag Policy. All bags and purses must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and no larger than 12" x 12" x 6". This includes bags for medical and/or childcare needs. Small clutches/wallets (with or without a strap) that fit in the palm of the hand (no larger than 8" x 5" x 1") and one (1)-gallon clear plastic storage bags are also permitted. Duke Stores merchandise bags with receipt for game day purchase are permitted (all other prohibited items restrictions apply). Reasonable accommodations may be made for medical & childcare needs.
