Durham Bulls Overview

Fast facts

League: International League

Head Coach: Michael Johns

Team Mascot: Wool E. Bull

Year Opened: 1995

Capacity: 10000

City / State: Durham / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Durham Bulls vs Charlotte Knights

Rival Team: Charlotte Knights

There is no better time to attend a Durham Bulls game than when they take on in-state rivals Charlotte. Bragging rights are always on the line when the Bulls and Knights meet, so make sure to be in attendance when these two North Carolina-based teams square off.

Durham Bulls Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

If you’re looking for pregame entertainment in the neighborhood surrounding the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, then you’re in luck as there is a lot to see and do outside the ballpark. The DBAP is located just south of the Loop, which is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. The Loop is home to a variety of restaurants including Bull City Burgers, Revolution, and Old Havana Sandwich Shop among others.

Another great spot to eat before the game is the American Tobacco Campus. Here you’ll find lots of bars, and restaurants only steps away from the stadium making it a great place for the less adventurous.

Finally, before entering the park, make sure to check out the entrance plaza. There is a lot to see on the plaza including retired numbers, fountains, and a whole lot more. The numbers honor some of the greatest real-life and fictional ballplayers to play for the club including Joe Morgan and Crash Davis, so stop by and take them all in before entering the stadium.

You’ll find lots to see and do before a Durham Bulls game so arrive early and take in all the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

Traditions

Entrance Plaza

There is a lot for you to see at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park entrance plaza. The entrance plaza is home to retired numbers, fountains, the Ballpark Corner Store, and much, so stop by and take it all in before entering the DBAP.

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Where to tailgate

Durham Bulls Stadium Guide

In Game

The Durham Bulls slogan is “known for baseball famous for fun, ” and you’ll have a lot of fun when taking in a Durham Bulls game. A Bulls game not only gives you the opportunity to see future major leaguers take the field it also provides you with a whole heap of entertainment.

You’ll be treated to lots of in-game entertainment including the Bull Durham Racers and the Diamond Cutters. The Bull Durham Racers feature all your favorite characters from the film Bull Durham including Crash, Nuke, and Annie and are a must-see for any fan of the movie. Not to outdone the Diamond Cutters will dazzle you with their dance routine during the seventh and are a memorable part of any game.

Durham Bulls games also are home to lots of children’s entertainment as well. Wool E. Bull is a favorite among young fans, and he even has his own play area that is filled with inflatables and other activities. If that’s not enough for you, then make sure to check out Ted’s Twisted Balloons when attending a Friday or Saturday game.

Finally, Durham Bulls Athletic Park is one of the best parks in the minor leagues and offers you plenty to see. The famous Hit Bull, Win Steak sign is located in left field and is a can’t miss for anyone who’s a fan of the film Bull Durham. The DBAP is also home to the Blue Monster in left field and a commemorative walk that celebrates the team’s history as well.

There is a ton to see at a Durham Bulls game as it’s home to some of the best in-game entertainment around, so head on down to Durham for a fun game of minor league ball.

Things to check out

Hit Bull, Win Steak Sign

Get a picture of the famous Hit Bull, Win Steak sign during your visit to the DBAP. The famous sign comes from the film Bull Durham, and the bull’s eyes light up, and he blows smoke out his nose after every Bulls home run making it a must-see for anyone attending a Bulls game.

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Blue Monster

It may not be nearly as famous as the Green Monster at Fenway Park, but the Blue Monster is still quite the sight to behold. The Blue Monster in left field is home to the largest video board in the park as well as the Blue Monster Pavilion, so you can’t miss during your trip to Durham.

Commemorative Walk

Make sure to check out the Durham Bulls commemorative walk. The walk celebrates the Bulls history, accomplishments, best players, and more making it a must-see for baseball fans.

Wool E. World

If you’re bringing your kids to the game, then make sure to take them to Wool E. World. Located in the right field corner, Wool E. World is home to inflatables and other activities making it the perfect place to take restless kids during the game.

Ballpark Corner Store

Pick up a souvenir from your trip to the DBAP at the Ballpark Corner Store. The expansive store sells just about any Bulls merchandise you could want, making it an excellent place to pick up a souvenir.

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Wool E. Bull

The Bulls’ mascot Wool E. Bull is beloved by Durham fans and is a can’t miss part of any Bulls game. High five or give Wool E. Bull a hug when you see him walking the concourse.

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Bull Durham Racers

Don’t miss the Bull Durham Racers during your visit to the DBAP. The Bull Durham Racers feature the three main characters from the film Bull Durham Crash, Nuke, and Annie, and are one of the best parts of any Durham Bulls game.

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Diamond Cutters

The Durham Bulls grounds crew are known as the Diamond Cutters and are famous for their dance routine during the top of the seventh. Don’t leave your seat after the end of the sixth inning as you won’t want to miss the Diamond Cutters.

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Ted’s Twisted Balloons

Those of you taking in a Friday or Saturday game at the DBAP won’t want to miss the opportunity to see Ted’s Twisted Balloons. Children of all ages will love Ted’s balloon animals, magic, and antics making him an excellent part of any Bulls game.

Durham Bulls Bars & Restaurants

  1. Blue Note Grill

    Blue Note Grill

    The Blue Note Grill is one of the Triangle’s premier live-music venues, complete with a full-service restaurant and bar.

    709 Washington St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  2. Skewers Bar & Grill

    Skewers Bar Grill Ts Lounge

    Good vibes, great people, and a fantastic list of drinks.

    1013 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. West End Billiards

    pool hall West End Billiards

    The area's largest wine by the glass selection, great beers, and well crafted mixed drinks.

    601 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  4. Alley Twenty Six

    Alley Twenty Six

    A local cocktail bar and restaurant located in Durham, N.C. featuring upscale food and cocktail pairings in a relaxed setting.

    320 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Pinhook

    Pinhook

    The Pinhook is a pretty nice venue for live music, dance parties, basic chilling, and collaborative/ creative events.

    117 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub

    Bull McCabes Irish Pub beer

    Great atmosphere, awesome food and drinks, and a fun staff.

    427 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. Counting House

    Counting House

    A showcase for high-quality seasonal ingredients, Counting House celebrates North Carolina’s rich heritage of fresh seafood with menus that feature rotisserie and roasting techniques.

    Hill Building, 111 Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  8. Bar Virgile

    Bar Virgile

    A unique bar with artfully crafted food and beverages in downtown Durham.

    105 S Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Toast

    Toast

    Toast is a paninoteca, or authentic Italian sandwich shop, much like those found in the towns and cities throughout Italy.

    345 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Pizzeria Toro

    Pizzeria Toro

    An Italian inspired, wood-fired pizzeria.

    105 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  11. The Parlour

    The Parlour

    We make incredible ice cream by hand.

    117 Market St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  12. Taberna Tapas

    Taberna Tapas

    Amazingly flavorful food and good service.

    325 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  13. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Serving Stone Baked Pizza, Calzones, Hoagies, Salads, Vegan & Gluten-Free options with a wide selection of beer since 1974.

    410 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  14. 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 - $$

  15. 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 - $$