A First Look: Experiencing Duke Football at the Devils Deck

A First Look: Experiencing Duke Football from the Devils Deck

On the Friday night of Labor Day weekend, I had the chance to check out the Duke vs. Elon game from a unique vantage point – not from the field, and not from the press box, but from the all-new Devils Deck.  With family coming down from Virginia to join me, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try something different and immerse ourselves in the excitement of game day.

If you're wondering what the Devils Deck experience is like, keep reading for a firsthand account.

What Does It Cost?
Tickets to the Devils Deck cost $45 if purchased ahead of game day or $55 if you grab them the day of.  Knowing I’d have family with me, I secured our tickets early, and I’ve been asked the same question repeatedly since: Is it worth it?   The answer is simple – absolutely!

All-You-Can-Eat Experience
The unlimited food and drink  (non alcoholic)  alone make the ticket price worth it.  By the end of the night, I had indulged in two cheeseburgers, one hot dog, popcorn, three sodas, and a few waters.  Had I bought all of that at a standard concession stand, it easily would have cost close to or over the $45 ticket price.  Plus, they sweeten the deal with a cool Bull City Blue Devil koozie – a nice keepsake that adds to the overall value.

Best Seat in the House
For the best experience, my advice is to arrive when the deck opens and grab one of the chairback seats on the upper level.  The Devils Deck offers a range of seating and standing options across both levels, and we spent most of the game enjoying a solid view from the top.  From there, you can see both the action on the field and the lively tailgating scene below, complete with fans playing cornhole.

A Social, Tailgate-Style Atmosphere
It’s important to note that the Devils Deck offers more than just a spot to watch the game – it’s a full social experience with a tailgating vibe.  You’re surrounded by fans enjoying food, drinks, and conversation.  At one point, I had to remind myself that it’s not the best place for a pure football-watching experience, as a group behind me carried on a completely non-game-related conversation for almost an entire quarter.

Pro Tip: If you’re there mainly for the game, consider moving between your seat and the deck as needed, rather than staying in the Deck the entire time.

Plan Ahead for Popular Games
If you’re thinking of buying tickets to the Devils Deck, be strategic about which game you choose.  While there was plenty of room for the Elon game, expect more demand for bigger matchups like the UNC game in late September or the Florida State game in mid-October.  It might be easier to snag tickets for games like this weekend’s UConn matchup.

A Memorable Experience
Overall, the Devils Deck offered a memorable experience for my family, blending the excitement of Duke football with a laid-back, tailgating atmosphere.  With endless food, a unique viewing experience, and great company, it’s something we’ll be talking about for a while.

​For anyone wanting to check it out, the next opportunity comes this Saturday when Duke takes on UConn at 6:00 PM in their second home game of the season.  If you’re looking for something new and exciting, the Devils Deck is definitely worth it.