Duke Softball A-Z Game Day Guide

Below are the accessibility services available at Smith Family Stadium. If you have any special needs or questions prior to game day, please contact the Duke Access and Accomodation Services at (919) 668-1267.

Accessible Entrance: The accessible entrance is located at the right field gate along the sidewalk from Brodie Gym Drive. This entrance provides access to the stadium concourse above the grandstand. Directional signage will be available on game day.
Accessible Parking & Drop-Off Location: Accessible parking and drop-off/pick-up are available in the Bivins Lot, located above Smith Family Stadium on Brodie Gym Drive next to the Bivins Building. ADA parking placards or license plates are required. Only one car per ADA placard or license plate.
Accessible Restrooms: A gender-neutral accessible family restroom is located on the stadium concourse behind the press box. Additional men’s and women’s accessible restrooms are located adjacent to the stadium on the Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium concourse. An additional gender-neutral accessible family restroom is available on the ground level behind the grandstand behind home plate.
Assistive Listening Devices: Assistive listening devices are available upon request. Guests needing an assistive listening device should contact the nearest Event Staff member for assistance.
Emergency Evacuation: In the event of an emergency, Duke Athletics staff will assist guests with disabilities. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with accessible exits upon arrival and follow all PA announcements and staff instructions.
Lactation Room: A lactation room is available upon request. Guests requiring access should contact the match manager or a Duke Athletics staff member for assistance.
Seating for Guests with Disabilities: Accessible seating is available at the top of the grandstand along the first- and third-base lines. Space is provided for wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Companion seating is available adjacent to accessible seating areas.
Wheelchairs & Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs and other assistive devices are permitted throughout Smith Family Stadium. Devices must not obstruct aisles, walkways, or emergency exits.

It is strictly prohibited to bring alcohol into Smith Family Stadium. Individuals found in violation of this policy are subject to ejection from the facility. Alcohol purchased from concession stands within Smith Family Stadium may not leave the stadium perimeter.

Duke Athletics follows a consistent animal policy across all venues, including Smith Family Stadium.

Service Animals: Trained service animals are welcome at Smith Family Stadium. A service animal is a dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Service animals must be under control at all times and leashed or tethered unless doing so interferes with the task the animal is trained to perform. Service animals must not display aggressive behavior, bark, growl or disrupt the environment unless trained to do so for a specific task. Service animals must not solicit food or other items from the general public. Service animals should wear current rabies vaccination tags or provide proof of vaccination upon request. Any violation of these guidelines may result in the service animal being excluded from the facility.
Service Animals in Training: In North Carolina, service animals in training have the same access rights as trained service animals. Service animals in training must wear identifiable gear such as a collar, leash, harness or cape and have current rabies vaccination tags or proof of vaccination available upon request. The handler or trainer is responsible for any damage caused by the animal. Animals must be housebroken and adhere to the same behavioral guidelines as trained service animals. Violations will result in the service animal in training being excluded from the facility.
Emotional Support Animals and Personal Pets: Emotional support animals, therapy animals and companion animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and are not permitted inside Smith Family Stadium. Personal pets are not permitted inside the stadium except during designated Bark in the Park events.

Bark in the Park

On select designated Bark in the Park event dates, dogs are permitted inside Smith Family Stadium. Dogs must enter through the first base entrance and remain on the grass berm areas at all times. Vehicles may not park on grass areas. Fans bringing dogs must complete and sign a waiver prior to entry. Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and wear a current rabies tag on their collar. Dogs that display aggressive behavior or pose a threat to the safety of fans, staff or other dogs will be asked to leave the venue.

There are no ATMs located at the stadium. Guests should plan accordingly prior to arrival.

Purses, small bags, strollers and backpacks are permitted. Duffel bags and large bags greater than 14” x 14” x 8” are not permitted. Reasonable exceptions may be made for medical or childcare needs.

All bags and personal items are subject to search upon entry. Duke University reserves the right to deny any item or individual from entering the venue. There is no area available to check or store prohibited items.

For the safety of all guests, bags or items may not be left unattended outside the venue. Unattended items will be handled in a manner deemed appropriate by venue officials, which may include disposal. Duke University and Duke Athletics are not responsible for lost or unattended items.

Banners and signs are permitted. Duke University reserves the right to prohibit or require the removal of any banner or sign that obstructs the view of other guests, obscures stadium signage, may be considered an advertisement, or is determined to be obscene, vulgar, indecent, inappropriate or derogatory.

Hand-held still cameras are permitted for personal use only. Cameras with lenses longer than four inches are not permitted. Video cameras may be used during pregame only and are prohibited from filming live game action.

During any emergency inside Smith Family Stadium, follow the directions of the public address announcer, Event Staff and emergency responders.

Guests are encouraged to designate a predetermined meeting location both inside and outside the stadium in case of separation. Upon arrival, identify the nearest exit and an alternate exit.

Emergency Exits

Right Field Concourse Gate – Located off the sidewalk from Brodie Gym Drive. This is the only accessible entrance and exit from the concourse level.
Home Plate Concourse Stairwell – Located behind the press box and family restroom.
Third Base Concourse Stairwell – Located on the third-base side of the concourse.
Third Base Field-Level Gate – Located behind the third-base dugout and equipment sheds. This is the only accessible entrance and exit from the field level.

See Something, Say Something – Report any unusual or suspicious activity to the nearest police officer or Event Staff member.

Emergency vehicles may be present around the stadium. Do not block fire lanes, stadium exits or emergency access routes. Vehicles obstructing these areas are subject to towing at the owner’s expense.

Guests should monitor weather conditions prior to arrival and take precautions for severe heat or severe weather before, during and after the game.

In case of emergency, call Duke Police at (919) 684-2444 or dial 911 for Durham Police.

All gates to Smith Family Stadium will open one (1) hour prior to the scheduled start of the game. All guests entering the stadium are subject to security screening, including bag searches.

General public entrances are located at the right field gate off Brodie Gym Drive, as well as stairwell entrances located behind home plate and along the third-base line. The right field gate is the primary accessible entrance to the stadium.

Guests may leave and re-enter Smith Family Stadium at any time with a valid ticket or credential, subject to game day policies and security procedures.

Outside food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, are not permitted inside Smith Family Stadium. Exceptions may be made for medical or dietary needs. Guests are encouraged to dispose of trash and recycling in designated receptacles.

Concession stands are available during regular season games and are located on the third-base side of the stadium concourse.

All concession purchases are cashless.

Beer and seltzers are available for purchase. Alcohol sales conclude at the end of the fourth inning. Alcohol may not leave the stadium perimeter.

Duke Athletics expects all guests to conduct themselves appropriately before, during and after the game. Guests should treat fellow fans, student-athletes, coaches, officials and staff with courtesy and respect.

Guests are expected to refrain from:

Interfering with another guest’s ability to enjoy the event
Using or displaying foul or abusive language or gestures
Appearing intoxicated or in a diminished capacity
Entering the playing field or restricted areas
Throwing objects onto the field or within the venue
Engaging in disorderly behavior

Guests who observe inappropriate behavior should contact the nearest Event Staff member. Violators are subject to removal and possible arrest.

Game day concerns may also be reported on X at @Duke_GAMEDAY.

Duke Game Operations monitors weather conditions continuously.

Evacuation will occur if severe weather is projected within an eight-mile radius of Smith Family Stadium. Announcements will be made via the public address system.

The safest location during severe weather is inside a hard-topped vehicle with windows closed. Guests without access to a vehicle should follow instructions from Event Staff.

The stadium will remain closed until the weather threat has cleared the eight-mile radius. Play will resume only after conditions are deemed safe by game officials and Duke Game Operations.

If an item is lost or found during an event at Smith Family Stadium, please report it to the nearest Duke Athletics staff member or the game manager.

Items turned in during the event will be handled by Duke Athletics Game Operations. Items not claimed by the end of the game will be available for pickup the next business day.

To inquire about lost items, contact Duke Athletic Facilities & Game Operations at (919) 668-5658 or email duaa-gameops@duke.edu.

Unclaimed items will be retained for 30 days following the event. After this period, any remaining items will be discarded.

Access to the press box, media areas and scorer’s table at Smith Family Stadium is restricted to approved personnel only.

Media members, photographers and videographers must contact Duke Athletics Communications at least two days prior to the event to request credentials or reserve workspace.

Media credentials must be visible at all times while inside restricted areas. Unauthorized access to media-only spaces is prohibited.

Merchandise sales at Smith Family Stadium are limited to select events. When available, merchandise stands are located on the third-base side of the stadium concourse and open when gates open.

The Johnson Family Team Store is located on West Campus in the Scott Family Athletics Performance Center, adjacent to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

For store hours and additional information, visit dukestores.duke.edu.

Game day parking is available only in designated university parking lots. Do not park at Whole Foods, the Shops at Erwin Mill or in surrounding residential neighborhoods. Vehicles are subject to ticketing and towing at the owner’s expense.

General Public Parking

Weekday public parking prior to 5 p.m., is available at the Mill Lot, 723 9th Street. After 5 p.m. and on weekends, free public parking is available at the 705 Broad Street Lot and the R1 Lot, 2180 Hillsborough Road. The R1 Lot is approximately an eight-minute walk to the stadium.

Accessible Parking and Drop-Off

Accessible parking and drop-off are available in the Bivins Lot on Brodie Gym Drive next to the Bivins Building. ADA placards or license plates are required. Only one vehicle per placard.

Tailgating

Tailgating is permitted in designated grass areas around Smith Family Stadium and in the R1 Lot. Vehicles may not park on grass. Tailgating is not permitted in the Bivins Lot or the 705 Broad Street Lot.

Parking Disclaimer

Duke University assumes no responsibility for loss through fire, theft, collision or other damage. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.

Parking Emergency Information

For on-campus emergencies, call Duke Police at (919) 684-2444. Dial 911 for off-campus emergencies.

The following items are prohibited:

Outside alcoholic beverages
Outside food and drink except for medical or dietary needs
Artificial noisemakers
Balloons, balls and Frisbees
Large bags greater than 14 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches
Cameras with lenses longer than four inches
Drones or unmanned aircraft systems
Hazardous materials
Laser pointers
Selfie sticks
Shoes with wheels
Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
Pets, except service animals

Duke University reserves the right to deny any person or item entry into the stadium. All guests and personal items are subject to search. There is no storage area for prohibited items.

Restrooms at Smith Family Stadium are located on the stadium concourse behind the press box. Additional men’s and women’s restrooms are available adjacent to the stadium on the Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium concourse.

A gender-neutral accessible family restroom is located on the stadium concourse behind the press box. An additional gender-neutral accessible family restroom is available on the ground level behind the grandstand behind home plate.

Restrooms are accessible for guests with disabilities. Guests requiring assistance should contact the nearest Duke Athletics staff member.

Guests attending events at Smith Family Stadium assume all risks associated with watching a live sporting event, including the possibility of being struck by bats, balls or other objects entering the seating or standing areas.

Protective netting is installed behind home plate and extends down the first- and third-base lines. Guests seated in areas without protective netting should remain alert at all times to on-field activity.

Duke University and Duke Athletics are not responsible for injuries or damages resulting from objects leaving the field of play. Guests are encouraged to use caution and remain attentive throughout the event.

Seating at Smith Family Stadium includes both grandstand and grass seating areas. Guests are encouraged to remain in their ticketed seating areas and follow instructions from Duke Athletics staff.

Grandstand Seating

Grandstand seating is located behind home plate and along the first- and third-base lines. Chair-back seats are available in select sections. Accessible seating is located at the top of the grandstand.

Grass Seating Areas

General admission grass seating is available in designated areas along the right field line and beyond the outfield fence. Guests seated in grass areas should remain aware of live play at all times.

Duke Athletics reserves the right to relocate guests as necessary for safety, operational or weather-related reasons.

Fans are encouraged to check GoDuke.com for the most up-to-date broadcast information prior to each game. Streaming or transmitting any game action from a mobile device to any social media platform is strictly prohibited.

Strollers are permitted at Smith Family Stadium. Strollers must be collapsible and may not obstruct aisles, walkways, entry points or emergency exits.

Duke Athletics staff may request that strollers be parked in designated areas or relocated if they interfere with stadium operations or guest safety.

All Duke Softball home games at Smith Family Stadium are ticketed events. All tickets will be scanned upon entry at the stadium gates.

Fans are encouraged to visit GoDuke.com/Tickets for the most current ticket information prior to arrival. Additional assistance is available through the Duke Ticket Office.

Duke University is a tobacco-free campus. The use of all tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, is prohibited at Smith Family Stadium and throughout campus.

Umbrellas are permitted at Smith Family Stadium. Guests using umbrellas should be considerate of other guests and avoid obstructing sightlines.