Volleyball, field hockey, swimming and diving and other teams are open to staff and faculty for an unforgettable game day experience
A few years ago, Chantal Watkins’ daughter began to show a real interest in playing volleyball at the collegiate level. Though still a teenager, Mary Frances had a solid serve that suggested it was a possibility.
Watkins, a Clinical Nurse in Duke Children’s Specialty Triage Services, realized she had an inspirational example of achievement right in her own workplace backyard – the Duke’s Women’s Volleyball team.
And even better, admission to Duke Volleyball home games at Cameron Indoor Stadium is free.
Watkins and her daughter visited the hallowed arena with a couple of Mary Frances’ volleyball friends, posing for photos outside Cameron before taking in the spikes and digs in the gym.
It was a rare chance to sit courtside in the setting known best for its raucous basketball fans.
“It was intimate and small, and it was encouraging for her to see older women playing and see what she could do,” Watkins said. “It was wonderful – and free and available for us to attend.”
Duke Volleyball is one of 16 Duke Athletics teams who do not charge an attendance fee for home events. This fall, Duke staff and faculty can capitalize on opportunities to attend free Duke Field Hockey, Swimming & Diving and Volleyball events in Durham, and see others throughout the academic year.
Below are some notable games or meets to attend in the coming months.
Sept. 19, 5 p.m.: Duke hosts Stanford at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium on East Campus.
Oct. 10, 6 p.m.: Duke will celebrate its Pride Night in the game against Louisville at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium.
The full Duke Field Hockey schedule is here.
Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m.: Duke hosts N.C. State for its “Club Cameron” game complete with “beats, lights and nonstop action” at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and includes LED devil horns as a giveaway.
Oct. 4, 2 p.m.: Duke hosts North Carolina in the “Battle of the Blues” when it takes on its in-state rival. Giveaway item for this match is a Duke T-shirt.
Nov. 2, 1 p.m.: Family Day is celebrated when Duke plays SMU. In-game volleyball bingo and a balloon-volleyball mingle session with the team after the match are part of the festivities.
A full schedule of Duke Volleyball promotions is here.
Swimming & diving, volleyball and field hockey are among the events that can be attended in Durham at no cost this fall. Photos courtesy of Duke Athletics
Sept. 26, 4 p.m. (Diving) and 5 p.m. (Swimming): Marymount (men’s swimming only), East Carolina (women’s diving only) and Boston College all will be at Duke’s Taishoff Aquatic Center for a meet.
Oct. 10, 4 p.m. (Diving) and 5 p.m. (Swimming): In-state rival Davidson travels to Taishoff Aquatic Center.
Oct. 17, 4 p.m. (Diving) and 5 p.m. (Swimming): It’s another “Battle of the Blues” when North Carolina visits Duke’s Taishoff Aquatic Center.
The full men’s and women’s Duke Swimming & Diving schedule is here.
Other Duke Athletics events that are free to attend include: Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Fencing, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Track & Field, Women’s Rowing and Wrestling.
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Duke Today is produced jointly by University Communications and Marketing and the Office of Communication Services (OCS). Articles are produced by staff and faculty across the university and health system to comprise a one-stop-shop for news from around Duke. Melissa Kaye of University Communications and Marketing is the editor of the ‘News’ edition. Leanora Minai of OCS is the editor of the ‘Working@Duke’ edition. We welcome your comments and suggestions!