Buying Duke basketball tickets can be a challenging but rewarding experience for any college basketball fan. As one of the most storied programs in the sport, Duke games at Cameron Indoor Stadium are some of the hottest tickets around. With the right preparation and timing, Blue Devils fans can get their hands on these coveted seats. This guide will walk through the key steps and considerations for purchasing Duke basketball tickets.
Types of Duke Basketball Tickets
There are a few main options for attending a Duke basketball game:
- Season tickets – Season ticket holders get access to every home game and are assigned the same seats all season. However, there is an extensive waiting list with priority given to big donors.
- Single game tickets – Individual game tickets can be purchased through the Duke ticket office, but these also sell out extremely quickly, especially for marquee matchups.
- Secondary market – Sites like StubHub allow fans to buy and sell tickets, often at inflated prices for big games.
- Student tickets – A limited number of discounted tickets are available for Duke students on a first-come, first-served basis.
Season tickets are out of reach for most fans, so single game and secondary market tickets are the main options.
When to Buy
Timing is critical for securing Duke basketball tickets. Here is an overview of key dates:
- Season ticket holders – Season ticket renewals and seat improvements happen in the spring and summer.
- Students – Student lottery for ticket access occurs in the fall. Any leftover student tickets go on sale 2 hours before each game.
- Single game tickets – Individual game tickets go on sale in the late summer/early fall and typically sell out completely within minutes.
- Secondary market – Prices fluctuate leading up to each game based on demand.
In general, the earlier you start looking the better, as prices tend to rise as the season goes on. Having alerts and notifications set up for new ticket releases can help fans jump on opportunities quickly. Last minute tickets will require paying inflated secondary market prices.
Buying Tickets Directly from Duke
For fans who want to try for the limited number of tickets directly from Duke Athletics, here are some tips:
Create an Account
All ticket sales run through the Duke Athletics ticketing site. Fans will need to create an account ahead of time and have payment information saved. This speeds up the checkout process during the rush for single game tickets.
Mark Your Calendar
Duke announces on-sale dates for single game tickets in August or September. Mark your calendar and set reminders so you are ready right when sales begin. Sign up for email and text alerts through your Duke Athletics account as well.
Log In Early
On ticket sale day, log into your account at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Refresh repeatedly leading up to the sale. There will be an online waiting room before you access the ticket selection page.
Have Backups Ready
Rank the games you want in order of priority. That way if your top choice sells out quickly you can move down your list. View the seating chart ahead of time and have a few preferred sections in mind.
Act Fast
Once tickets go on sale, make your selections as rapidly as possible. The best seats typically sell out in seconds. Donâ€TMt hesitate at checkout. Enter your payment details quickly and finalize the purchase. Celebrate getting tickets if you do get lucky!
Buying Single Game Tickets from Other Fans
Because Duke Athletics single game tickets are so limited, the secondary ticket market is often the best option for fans. Here are some tips for finding deals:
Timing
In general, earlier in the season will have lower prices than high-profile conference and tournament games later in the year. Prices typically rise in the last few weeks leading up to a game. Buy early if possible.
Weeknight vs. Weekend
Weeknight games (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to be lower demand and cheaper than weekend matchups. A Tuesday night non-conference game will be much more affordable than the home finale on a Saturday.
Opponent Quality
Big name opponents like UNC, Kentucky, Syracuse, and Kansas will command higher prices. Less marquee games offer more potential deals.
Start on Duke Fan Sites
Check fan ticket exchange boards to look for season ticket holders selling extra seats. There may be better prices than the major secondary sites.
Shop Multiple Sites
Check StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, 247Sports, and other secondary markets. Compare prices across sites and look for the lowest amount for your target section. Some sites run promotions for first time buyers too.
Check Daily
Ticket prices fluctuate based on demand as game day approaches. Check sites regularly for price drops up until the last minute.
Buy 2 or 4 Seats
If buying multiple seats, go for pairs or groups of 4 if possible. The price per ticket often decreases slightly this way compared to buying individually.
Student Ticket Lottery Process
One of the cheapest ways to get into Cameron Indoor Stadium is through the student ticket lottery. Here is how it works if you are a Duke student:
Enter the Lottery
A few weeks before the season, students can enter the ticket lottery through DukeHub. This assigns everyone a random lottery number. The lower the number, the earlier you get to choose tickets.
Check Your Lottery Number
Lottery numbers get posted about a week later. This determines when you get to select your tickets. Start planning out which games you want to attend.
Choose Your Games
On selection day, login at your assigned time based on your lottery number. Earlier slots can pick up to 3 games, later slots just 1 or 2. Pick your games strategically.
Get Printed Tickets
Once selected, print your tickets from DukeHub and confirm the QR code works. Have your Duke ID ready to scan for entry on game day.
Arrive Early!
Student ticket holders should plan to arrive at least 2 hours before tipoff to get in line. Tickets are first come, first served so you want to be early to secure your seat.
Last Minute Tickets
If you miss out on the lottery, a limited number of student tickets are sold at the box office 2 hours before each game. These lines get long fast, so arrive when the box office opens to increase your chances.
Tips for Buying Duke Basketball Tickets
Use these extra pointers when purchasing your Duke tickets:
- Join fan forums and Facebook groups to find ticket deals from other fans.
- Consider pre-paying for a parking pass if driving to simplify game day.
- Check seat views online before buying tickets to make sure sightlines are good.
- Read up on Cameronâ€TMs clear bag and entrance policies to speed up entry.
- Buying earlier in the week saves money versus buying right before the game.
- Have a budget in mind and stick to it. Donâ€TMt overpay due to hype.
- Prioritize games against rivals like UNC and during tournaments.
Best Sections for Duke Basketball Tickets
Here are some of the most desirable seat locations at Cameron Indoor Stadium:
| Section | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Level Sideline | Close to the action | Very expensive |
| Corners | Good sightlines | Limited concession access |
| Upper Level Midcourt | Full view of the court | Steep steps |
| Behind the Baskets | Behind the band/crowd energy | Limited view for some seats |
| Upper Baseline | Most affordable option | Nosebleed seats |
Fans are eager to sit as close as possible, but upper levels allow you to get in the door at a cheaper price. Avoid obstructed view seats behind pillars or corners.
Conclusion
While not always easy, buying Duke basketball tickets is a worthwhile endeavor for devoted fans. With preparation, persistence, and smart shopping, you can land seats to see Coach K and the Blue Devils take on the ACCâ€TMs best. Use this guide to maximize your chances of success getting into Cameron Indoor Stadium. With the right tickets, youâ€TMll enjoy an electric atmosphere cheering on Duke basketball.
