Blue Devils Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Mike Elko

Team Mascot: Blue Devil

Year Opened: 1929

Capacity: 40000

City / State: Durham / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Victory Bell

Rival Team: UNC Tar Heels

The Duke-North Carolina rivalry is one of the fiercest rivalries in college sports. While the rivalry on the basketball court may get the most publicity, there is still a healthy rivalry between these two schools on the gridiron. The two schools first played each other in 1888 when the Blue Devils shutout the Tar Heels 16-0. The rivalry had grown since then and saw the addition of a rivalry trophy in 1948 when the two schools began playing for the Victory Bell. Carolina holds the all-time series lead 43-22-1, but the Blue Devils will look to narrow the gap when the two teams meet this season.

Duke vs Wake Forest

Rival Team: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

In addition to being in-state rivals and a fellow Tobacco Road member, Wake Forest is also Duke’s ACC crossover rival. Duke leads the all-time series 55-37-2 and will look to extend their lead when the Blue Devils and Demon Deacons meet this year.

Duke vs NC State

Rival Team: NC State Wolfpack

The Blue Devils have a narrow 40-36-5 edge over the instate rival Wolfpack. Duke will hope to extend their lead over these Tobacco Road foes when the teams meet next.

Blue Devils Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

A  Duke tailgate  has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere as the fans here observe Southern hospitality. Tailgates here also feature plenty of Carolina style barbecue as well as other southern favorites. Bring some ribs and join in on the fun as you get ready to cheer on the Blue Devils to victory.

The University also puts on two tailgate areas  Blue Devil Alley and Club Blue Devil.. Blue Devil Alley features a wealth of tailgating activities including being home to the Blue Devil team walk before the game. There is also Club Blue Devil, which is a premier tailgate spot that features flat-screen TVs and a full buffet. If you’re looking for something to do before the game be sure to check out either one of these options.

Traditions

Duke Football Team Walk

The Blue Devil’s team walk takes place two and a half hours before kickoff and is your chance to get up close to all your favorite Blue Devil players and coaches.

play Watch video

Duke Pep Rally

Join the marching band for their pep rally one hour before the game as you prepare to cheer on the Blue Devils to victory.

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Duke Athletics Hall of Fame

Duke has an incredible Athletic Hall of Fame that showcases all of the greatest players and moments in Duke sports history. The hall of fame opens at 9 am or 5 hours before kickoff and closes 25 mins before kickoff, so make sure to get to the game early if you want to check out the hall.

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Where to tailgate

Blue Devils Stadium Guide

In Game

Duke fans haven’t had a lot to cheer about over the last couple of decades, but that doesn’t mean they don’t support their team. The fans are very knowledgeable about their team and are proud to show off their blue and white colors. The stands at Wallace Wade Stadium are very close to the field making it feel like the fans are part of the action.

Duke has one of the most famous student sections in college sports and while basketball may be their first love that doesn’t mean they don’t have plenty of passion for the football team. The Duke fans are rabid and ready to get behind their team win or lose, so be prepared for some heckling if you come to Wallace Wade Stadium wearing opposition colors.

Things to check out

The Blue Devil

The famous mascot comes from the nickname of a French military unit from World War I. Today the mascot can be seen performing on the sidelines as he entertains the crowd at halftime and between downs. Look out for the Blue Devil as he is sure to provide plenty of entertainment.

Concession Stands

Duke concessions offer a plethora of the southern style comfort food that will satisfy even the most ferocious appetite. Here you’ll find everything from hush puppies and North Carolina BBQ to Greek food.

Key Waving

Duke students jingle their keys every time the ball is kicked off. Wave your keys before the kick off to show your support for the Blue Devils and encourage their kicker and special teams.

Fight Songs

  1. Dear Old Duke

    Duke’s alma mater

    Dear old Duke, thy name we’ll sing,

    To thee our voices raise, we’ll raise.

    To thee our anthems ring

    In everlasting praise.  

     

    And though on life’s broad sea,

    Our fates may far us bear,

    We’ll ever turn to thee,

    Our Alma Mater dear.

  2. Blue and White

    Duke, we thy anthems raise

    For all thy praises untold

    We sing for the Blue and White

    Whose colors we uphold

    Firm stand our line of blue

    For we are loyal through and through

    All for the love of old D.U.

    Fight! We’ll Fight!

    With all our strength and might

    Win we can

    So here we give a hand

    Hey!

    Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah!

    D-U-K-E, Rah!

  3. Fight! Blue Devils, Fight!

    Duke’s primary fight song.

    Fight! Fight, Blue Devils

    Fight for Duke and the Blue and White

    March on through

    For the touchdown’s there for you,

    Go get ’em!

    Duke is out to win today,

    Carolina goodnight!

    So, turn on the steam, team,

    Fight! Blue Devils, fight!

  4. Go to Hell, Carolina Chant

    If you can’t go to school, go to State.
    If you can’t go to State, go to jail.
    If you can’t go to jail, go to hell.
    Go to hell Carolina, go to hell.

Blue Devils Bars & Restaurants

  1. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

    Dames Chicken and Waffles

    Great for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. These entrées are sure to please your palate.

    530 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant

    Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Beer

    Intimate haunt featuring Guinness, Celtic pub chow & 2 patios, plus trivia & open-mike nights.

    912 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-683-3022

    Bar website

    european - $

  3. Federal

    Egans

    It's not just any neighborhood bar, one that served simple but fantastic food, that would exceed expectations.

    914 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-680-8611

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. Shooter’s Salon

    Tequila

    Hottest nite club in the area! Home to the Duke Blue Devils.

    827 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-369-8380

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Dain’s Place

    Dains Place

    Serves lunch and dinner at all hours with take-out available. Has full bar as well as 80+ American microbrews.

    754 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

    919-416-8800

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  6. Devine’s

    Devines Durham

    Open since 1978, this staple offers bar food, beer & drinks plus TVs to watch the game & live music

    904 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-682-0228

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  7. The Original Q Shack

    QShack Original

    Western Carolina- & Texas-style BBQ smoked in-house & served in bare-bones digs with outdoor tables.

    2510 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707, USA

    919-402-4227

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  8. Pompieri Pizza

    Pompieripizza

    Cool, airy joint with a patio serving clever salads & wood-fired pies, plus craft beer & cocktails.

    102 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-973-1589

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  9. Only Burger

    Only Burger

    Burgers and fries. It’s a decidedly simple concept on the surface. But try an OnlyBurger and you are struck by the taste of burger perfection.

    3710 Shannon Rd #118, Durham, NC 27707, USA

    919-237-2431

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Backyard BBQ Pit

    SweetRibs

    Southern Cooking Done Right!

    5122 NC-55, Durham, NC 27713, USA

    919-544-9911

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  11. Dos Perros

    Chefs At Home

    Honors the rich culinary heritage of Mexican cuisine by serving classic dishes alongside a thoughtful beverage program featuring hand-crafted cocktails and an extensive beer list.

    200 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-956-2750

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  12. Metro 8

    Metro Steakhouse

    Metro 8 is a family run steakhouse. We offer a range of steaks and salads. We also have a fully serviceable bar.

    1116 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

    919-416-1700

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  13. Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

    Tobacco Road Sports Cafe

    Fresh, locally-sourced food meets casual.

    280 S Mangum St #100, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-937-9909

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  14. Bull City Burger and Brewery

    Bull City Burger and Brewery

    Family-friendly microbrewery serving locally raised beef burgers & house beers in a casual setting

    107 E Parrish St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    919-680-2333

    Bar website

    american - $$

  15. Elmo’s Diner

    Elmos Diner

    Breakfast anytime & other American square meals in homey digs with booths & a family-friendly vibe.

    776 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

    919-416-3823

    Bar website

    american - $$