Getting to the Event

How do I get to Duke?

If you are unfamiliar with the Duke University campus, we recommend you review our Directions + Venues page in order to plan your visit. There, you will find information on our venues, driving directions from major nearby cities and highways, campus driving maps, and campus walking maps.

What is the difference between “West Campus” and “East Campus”?

Duke University has two distinct areas of campus, West and East, and the University Box Office tickets events in both areas. West Campus is known for the iconic Duke Chapel and Gothic stone architecture, which East Campus features Roman architecture, wide green lawns, and a proximity to downtown Durham. West Campus venues include: R. J. Reynolds Industries Theater, Griffith Film Theater, Sheafer Lab Theater, Duke Chapel, Page Auditorium, Von Canon Rooms, and many others. East Campus venues include: Nelson Music Room, Biddle Music Library, and Baldwin Auditorium.

Where can I park?

Most events on West Campus utilize Special Event Parking at Parking Garage IV (adjacent to the Bryan University Center on West Campus). Event parking begins 2-3 hours prior to the start time of the event. If there are several events on the same night, the parking deck often fills before all patrons have entered. In this case, you will be re-directed to an alternate lot by the parking attendants on duty. Accessible parking is available outside the Bryan University Center and also inside Parking Garage IV.

For events off West Campus, please review the venue's web page to see parking options and maps:

                • Baldwin Auditorium
                • Sarah P. Duke Gardens
                • Nasher Museum of Art
                • Nelson Music Room

How much does it cost to park for my event?

During Special Event Parking, the cost for parking is $5 per vehicle, cash only. Vehicles with a Duke parking permit may park for free*. If Event Parking is not set up, the cost is typically $2/hr. Please obey all posted or requested rules or regulations of the Office of Parking and Transportation.

*Excludes Red Zone, Blue Zone, and Central Student parking permits.

How early should I plan to arrive on campus?

We strongly recommend all patrons arrive early to allow time for parking, ticket retrieval, and seating before the event begins. Please be aware that there are often other events on campus that cause increased traffic and parking delays. It is always a good idea to check the Duke Athletics schedule to determine if your show conflicts with any athletic events before departing. If you are unfamiliar with the Duke University campus, we recommend you review our Directions + Venues page in order to plan your visit. There, you will find both campus driving and walking maps.

Can I bring food or drink into the event venues?

Food and drink (except closed top bottled water) are prohibited in Page Auditorium, R.J. Reynolds Industries Theater, and Sheafer Lab Theater. Patrons will be asked to leave any food or drink in the lobby until after the event has ended. The only venue that allows food and drink is Griffith Film Theater.

What happens if I arrive late to an event? Can I still get in to my seats?

For most performances, seating is at the discretion of the House Manager in accordance with the wishes of the artist or speaker. Latecomers may experience a delay in their admittance to the theater until such time that they can be seated safely and in a manner that causes minimal disruption to the rest of the audience. In some cases, patrons may be seated in designated late seating areas until intermission if their ticketed seats are difficult or unsafe to access. We strongly recommend all patrons arrive early to allow time for parking, ticket retrieval, and seating.

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