Duke Homecoming 2022: Here’s what to know ahead of Blue Devils’ big game
It might surprise you to realize that Homecoming Weekend is mere weeks away. The weekend of Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 will connect current Duke students with alumni on campus, as they all celebrate the heritage of the university and cheer on the Blue Devils football team.
If you’re an alumnus planning to return to Durham for the first time in awhile, you probably have some questions about what campus life is like. We’re here to give you a guide to make the most out of your visit and make Homecoming 2022 a weekend you’ll never forget.
Who is Duke playing in the Homecoming game?
The Blue Devils football team will take on Virginia on Saturday, Oct. 1 to open up ACC play for the season. Duke is coming off a difficult season in which the team finished 3-9 overall, but a dreadful 0-8 against its ACC rivals. They have a chance to turn a corner this year during Homecoming weekend against the Cavaliers, who finished 6-6 (4-4 conference play) in 2021.
Get our latest Duke University coverage here.
How do I get tickets to Duke vs. Virginia?
Tickets to the Homecoming game can be purchased through goduke.com. Prices range from $21 to $87 for the game against Virginia, but group rates are also available for orders larger than 15 tickets. If you are interested learning more about group rates, call the university by phone at 919-668-9235.
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Where should I stay during Homecoming weekend?
The Duke Alumni Association put together a list of hotels in for a 2020 event that is a great place to start. The Discover Durham website also features a helpful search tool where you can filter different options such as bed & breakfast and even camp sites, if you’re planning on doing a full-on tailgate weekend. If you’re looking to go the Airbnb route, here is a list of vacation rentals within the Durham area.
What should I eat while I’m in Durham?
There are plenty of good food options to explore both in Durham and by venturing out into The Triangle. For breakfast, you’ll definitely want to try Early Bird Donuts, which was recently voted the best doughnut shop in the region (in a runaway poll).
If you haven’t been back in awhile, you’ll definitely want to get your barbecue fix before you skip town. The News & Observer recently put together a list of 12 bucket-list joints for old-fashioned BBQ that is definitely worth your attention. The list of course includes Durham’s own Picnic, which “serves up one of the Triangle’s best chicken sandwiches, has boozy frozen drinks and even sliced brisket,” writes Drew Jackson.
You can even get a taste for North Carolina’s latest James Beard award winner at Ricky Moore’s Saltbox Seafood Joint. “Moore shines a light on North Carolina seafood beyond the shrimp, oysters and flounder, serving drum and mackerel and bluefish, fried and seasoned, topped with slaw and piled on rolls or plates,” Drew Jackson wrote.
Want more? Dive into our complete food guide to The Triangle. And there are plenty more food options to be found in our travel guide.
Drinking in Durham? Here’s what to know
“North Carolina sticks out from the rest of the country with some of its rules about selling, purchasing and consuming alcohol,” writes Kimberly Catuadella. Make sure to familiarize yourself with her list of 8 alcohol-related laws before you head to Durham (don’t expect happy hours or bottomless mimosas during Homecoming weekend).
Looking for a cold beer? Here’s a 12-pack of The Triangle’s best breweries, which includes multiple options in Durham.
For brunch fans, however, The Triangle does offer a solid selection of boozy options. Check out this list of bars and restaurants with great Bloody Marys — including Geer Street Garden in Durham.
Here’s our complete travel guide for The Triangle.
