Duke Tennis A-Z Match Day Guide
Below are the accessibility services available at Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. If you have special needs or questions, please contact our Disabilities Coordinators at (919) 668-1267 prior to match day to arrange accommodations and ensure a seamless experience. For details about Service Animals and Service Animals in Training, please refer to the “Animals and Service Animals Policies” section.
Ambler Tennis Stadium Accessibility
- Accessible Parking and Drop-Off Location: Parking for guests with disabilities is available in the Card Lot on Towerview Road (GPS: 320 Towerview Road). A state-issued ADA parking placard or license plate is required (one vehicle per placard). A parking attendant will provide access and direct guests to designated spaces adjacent to the stadium. Accessible drop-off and pick-up points are located in the Card Lot, immediately outside Ambler Tennis Stadium.
- Accessible Seating: Accessible seating is located under the trees alongside Court #5. An accessible ramp from the sidewalk provides access to this seating area.
- Accessible Restrooms: Restrooms with accessibility accommodations are located under the raised seating area of Ambler Tennis Stadium.
Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center Accessibility
- Accessible Parking and Drop-Off Location: Parking for guests with disabilities is available in the Card Lot on Towerview Road (GPS: 320 Towerview Road). A state-issued ADA parking placard or license plate is required (one vehicle per placard). A parking attendant will provide access and direct guests to designated spaces adjacent to the tennis center. Accessible drop-off and pick-up points are located in the Card Lot near the Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center.
- Accessible Entry: The primary accessible entrance to Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center is the north entrance, located behind the outdoor tennis courts. Guests can access this entrance via an accessible sidewalk from the Card Lot. The entrance leads directly to the bottom floor, where an elevator is available to take guests to the elevated seating area. Doors open one (1) hour prior to the match.
- Accessible Seating: Accessible seating is located in the elevated seating area in the space between the bleachers.
- Accessible Restrooms: Guests with accessibility needs can use the elevator from the seating area to the bottom floor, where accessible restrooms are available.
It is strictly prohibited to bring alcohol into either Ambler Tennis Stadium or Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. Individuals found violating this policy will be subject to ejection from the facility.
Duke Athletics welcomes trained Service Animals to both Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. A Service Animal is a dog individually trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Service Animals must remain under control at all times, leashed or tethered unless doing so interferes with their tasks. They must not show aggression, bark, growl, or whine unless trained to do so as a warning signal. Service Animals must not solicit food or disrupt the environment. Current rabies vaccination tags or proof of vaccination must be provided upon request. Service Animals in Training have the same access rights in North Carolina and must wear identifiable gear such as a collar, leash, harness, or cape. Trainers are liable for any damage caused by the animal. Personal pets, therapy dogs, emotional support dogs, and companion dogs are not considered Service Animals under ADA guidelines and are not permitted in either venue.
There are no ATMs located inside Ambler Tennis Stadium or Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. However, a Duke Federal Credit Union ATM is available on Tribull Plaza next to the Johnson Family Team Store and Duke Ticket Office. This ATM dispenses cash in $20 increments but does not accept deposits.
Bags of all sizes are permitted inside both Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center on match day. All personal items are subject to inspection by the Match Manager prior to entry.
Banners and signs are permitted inside both Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. However, Duke Athletics reserves the right to prohibit or require the removal of any banner or sign that obstructs the view of other fans, obscures venue signage, resembles an advertisement, or is deemed obscene, vulgar, indecent, inappropriate, or derogatory.
Hand-held still cameras are permitted for personal use only inside both Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. Cameras with lenses longer than four (4) inches are not allowed. Video cameras may be used during pre-match warm-ups but are strictly prohibited from filming the match.
Duke Athletics prioritizes the safety and well-being of all guests. During any emergency at Ambler Tennis Stadium or Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center, please follow these guidelines:
General Emergency Procedures:
- Follow the directions of the PA announcer, Duke Athletics staff, and emergency responders.
- Always designate a pre-determined location inside and outside the venue to meet friends and family in case of separation or an emergency.
- Upon arriving at your seat, locate the nearest exit and an alternate exit in case of emergency.
First Aid & Emergency Medical Assistance:
- In case of emergency, contact any Duke Athletics staff member or call Duke Police at (919) 684-2444.
Reporting Suspicious Activity:
- If you observe any unusual or suspicious activity, report it to the nearest Duke Athletics staff member or tweet @Duke_GAMEDAY.
Emergency Vehicles:
- Emergency vehicles may be present around the venue. Do not obstruct their paths or operations. Vehicles or objects blocking emergency lanes, exits, or pathways will be removed and may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Weather Precautions:
- Monitor the weather before the match. Take necessary precautions for severe heat or inclement weather. If severe weather arises, be prepared to evacuate to a safe location, such as Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center or your vehicle.
- In the event of tornadic activity, please be prepared to evacuate the stadium and follow the direction of Duke Athletics staff.
Ambler Tennis Stadium Emergency Exits:
- Seating Area Stairwells: Located behind each court at the top of the grandstand (stairs required).
Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center Emergency Exits:
- South Entrance (Upper Level): Main entry door above Court 6 (accessible).
- North Entrance (Court Level): Entry door behind Court 5 (stairs required from seating area).
- Court-Level Emergency Exits: Marked exits located behind Courts 2 and 6 (stairs required from seating area).
All gates and doors to Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center open one (1) hour prior to the start of the match. Fans are permitted to leave and re-enter both venues at any time during the match. All purses, bags, and strollers are allowed but are subject to search by the Match Manager.
Ambler Tennis Stadium Main Entry Points:
- Stairwells to the grandstand are located on the backside of the stadium.
- Accessible seating near Court 5 is available via an accessible ramp from the Card Lot.
Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center Main Entry Points:
- South Entrance: Located above Court 6, accessible from the Blue Zone parking lot.
- North Entrance: Adjacent to the outdoor practice courts, behind Court 5.
No concessions are available for purchase on match days at either Ambler Tennis Stadium or Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. However, fans are permitted to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages into both venues. Please dispose of all trash and recyclables in the appropriate receptacles.
Duke Athletics is committed to fostering a fun, safe, and family-friendly environment for all guests. To ensure a positive experience at both Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center, fans are expected to conduct themselves appropriately before, during, and after the competition. All fans, players, coaches, and officials should be treated with respect and courtesy.
Prohibited Behaviors:
- Interfering with other guests’ ability to enjoy the match
- Using or displaying foul or abusive language or gestures
- Appearing intoxicated or in a diminished capacity
- Entering the competition area or restricted access zones
- Throwing objects onto the competition area or within the venue
- Engaging in disorderly conduct
In tennis, spectator behavior can directly impact the match, as inappropriate actions in the stands may result in point penalties for players. Cheer enthusiastically for the Blue Devils, but actions intended to abuse or distract opponents are not acceptable.
Violators may be subject to ejection and possible arrest. If you observe inappropriate behavior, please contact the Match Manager, located in the seating area behind Court 1.
For assistance or information at both Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center, please approach Duke Athletics staff. The Match Manager will also be available to assist with any questions or concerns throughout the event.
If you lose or find an item at either Ambler Tennis Stadium or Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center, please report it to any Duke Athletics staff member. Items not claimed by the end of the match will be available for pick-up the next business day by calling (919) 668-5658 or emailing duaa-gameops@duke.edu. Unclaimed items will be retained for 30 days following the event, after which they will be discarded.
The Johnson Family Team Store is located in the Scott Family Athletics Performance Center on Tribull Plaza, across from Cameron Indoor Stadium. For store hours, please visit the Duke Stores website.
Parking for matches opens two (2) hours prior to the start of the match at both venues. Match parking is available only in the designated university parking lots listed below. Vehicles parked in unmarked spaces or on landscaped areas are subject to being ticketed and towed. Guests are asked to always follow the directions of parking attendants.
- Parking Alerts: When tennis matches coincide with other events or game days, parking may be in different lots, and there may be a charge to park. Match-specific parking and traffic alerts will be posted on GoDuke.com/GameDayParking prior to the match.
- Parking Disclaimer: Duke University assumes no responsibility for loss through fire, theft, collision, or otherwise to the car or its contents. Vehicles are parked at the owner's risk. Please lock your vehicle.
- Parking Emergency Information: In case of emergency, dial 919-684-2444 for Duke Police Emergency Dispatch or 911 for Durham County. Duke Police will be the primary responder on campus for emergency calls, while Durham Police will respond to off-campus emergencies. Please designate someone in your party to help direct emergency personnel to the emergency location.
Ambler Tennis Stadium
General Public Parking
- Blue Zone Parking Lots: Free parking is available for matches in the Blue Zone parking lots located on Wannamaker Drive (GPS Address: 2300 Duke University Road). Access to the Blue Zone is via Duke University Road.
- Guests are asked to park only in designated spaces. Vehicles in unmarked spaces, landscaped areas or the marked “IM Permits Only” parking area are subject to being ticketed and towed.
Accessible Parking
- Card Lot: Located on Towerview Road (GPS Address: 320 Towerview Road). State-issued ADA parking placards or license plates are required for accessible parking. One (1) car per placard.
- An accessible drop-off and pick-up point for persons with disabilities is also available in the Card Lot. Please speak to the parking attendant for access.
Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center
General Public Parking
- Blue Zone Parking Lots: Free parking is available for matches in the Blue Zone parking lots located on Wannamaker Drive (GPS Address: 2300 Duke University Road). Access to the Blue Zone is via Duke University Road.
- Due to daily parking operations, there is limited parking available in the B-1 Lot immediately outside Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. Guests are encouraged to park in the B-9 Lot.
Accessible Parking
- Card Lot: Located on Towerview Road (GPS Address: 320 Towerview Road). State-issued ADA parking placards or license plates are required for accessible parking. One (1) car per placard.
- A parking attendant will be present to provide access and direct fans to the designated parking spaces adjacent to Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. An accessible drop-off and pick-up point for guests with disabilities is available in the Card Lot adjacent to Sheffield Tennis Center.
Digital programs for all Duke Athletics events are available online at GoDuke.com/Publications.
For the safety and game day experience of all fans, the following items are prohibited from entering Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Artificial noisemakers
- Balloons
- Balls and frisbees
- Cameras with lenses over four (4) inches
- Coolers and containers (ice chests, thermoses, cups, bottles or other similar containers)
- Drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) – https://drones.duke.edu/policies
- Hazardous materials
- Items obstructing sightlines of other fans
- Laser pointers
- Outside chairs (lounge chairs, folding chairs, etc.)
- Pets (exception: Service Animals and Service Animals in Training)
- Selfie sticks
- Shoes with wheels (wheelies)
- Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives)
Duke University reserves the right to deny anyone or anything from entering the venues. Any such items should be returned to your vehicle and/or discarded. All fans are subject to search before entering the venues.
For the safety of all in attendance, bags or items are not permitted to be left unattended outside Ambler Tennis Stadium or Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. Unattended items found outside the venues will be disposed of or dealt with in a manner deemed appropriate by stadium officials. Duke University and Duke Athletics are not responsible for the loss of any unattended items.
Accessible restrooms are available at both Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center.
Ambler Tennis Stadium
- Men’s and women’s restrooms are located under the raised seating area. If temperatures are not consistently above freezing early in the outdoor season, the restrooms at Ambler Tennis Stadium may be unavailable.
- In such cases, men’s and women’s restrooms will be available in Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center, with signage posted to direct match day guests.
Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center
- Men’s and women’s restrooms are located behind Courts 1 and 2 on the lower level, beneath the seating area.
- These restrooms can be accessed via the stairs on the north side of the seating area or by using the elevator located behind Courts 1 and 2.
All Duke regular season home tennis events at Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center are free to the public. No tickets are necessary. Please note that NCAA Tournament matches hosted at Duke may require tickets and may not be free to the public. For ticket information and updates, visit GoDuke.com.
Ambler Tennis Stadium
- Spectator seating is located in the elevated seating area above all courts. All seating is first-come, first-serve.
- Accessible seating is available under the trees alongside Court 5, with an accessible ramp providing entry from the Card Lot.
Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center
- Spectator seating is located on the upper level above all courts. All bleacher seating is first-come, first-serve.
- Accessible seating is available alongside the bleachers above each court, accessible via the elevator or accessible entry points.
Duke University is a Tobacco-Free Campus, including match days at Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. This policy prohibits the use of all tobacco-based products, including but not limited to:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars and cigarillos
- Chewing tobacco and snuff
- Electronic smoking devices, including e-cigarettes, vaping products, and IQOS
For more information on Duke University’s Tobacco-Free Campus policy, visit https://healthy.duke.edu/tobaccofree/.
Umbrellas are permitted at Ambler Tennis Stadium and Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center. For the courtesy and safety of all fans, please use caution when raising umbrellas and ensure they do not obstruct the view of other fans or staff.
Sheffield Indoor Tennis Center has Wi-Fi signal throughout the venue and is accessible for all visitors by connecting to the “GoDuke” network.
