The Dukes tip off the 2021-22 men's basketball season next Tuesday, Nov. 9 when they take on Rider at 7:00 p.m. at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse … for the first time WITH FANS! 

To celebrate Grand Opening 2.0, the Athletics Department - in partnership with UPMC - has a number of giveaways, recognitions and promotions planned. Be sure to arrive early and download your mobile tickets in advance so you don't miss any of the pregame festivities.
 
GIVEAWAYS:

• First 1,500 fans will receive a commemorative UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse Grand Opening mini-basketball. A random 21 of which will be signed by Coach Dambrot!
• First 500 students will receive a rally towel

 
RECOGNITIONS:

• Pregame Charles "Chuck" Cooper Tribute: 6:40 p.m.
  • We will pay tribute to the life and legacy of Charles "Chuck" Cooper.
  • Chuck's son, Chuck Cooper, III will be joined by President Ken Gormley, Vice President of Athletics Dave Harper, John Innocenti, President, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside and Conor Richardson, The Chuck Cooper Fellow for the Celtics Organization, for a special presentation.
• Halftime Special Recognitions:

At halftime University President Ken Gormley and Vice President of Athletics Dave Harper will be joined on the court by representatives from UPMC as well as distinguished elected officials and community leaders whose leadership, advocacy and support helped the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse renovation become a reality.

• UPMC: John Innocenti, President, UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside
• Elected Officials and Community Leaders:
  • County Executive Rich Fitzgerald
  • Darrin Kelly, PA AFL-CIO
  • Angie Reese, the wife of the late PA Representative and Duquesne alum Mike Reese
• Additionally, current and past board members who assisted in the renovation process that will join President Gormley and Dave Harper to show their appreciation to UPMC. These individuals include:
  • Board Chair Jack McGinley
  • Vice Chair Diane Hupp
  • Board Member Emeritus Tom Grealish
  • Immediate Past Board Chair Marie Milie Jones
  • And Immediate Past Vice Chair Sam Costanzo

To purchase tickets to the November 9 season opener click here.
 
Be on the lookout on social media for special steals and deals coming Nov. 3-9 as we celebrate the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse Grand Opening 2.0.
 
NEW GAME DAY PROCESSES AND ENHANCEMENTS
Several key changes and enhancements have been added to men's and women's basketball game day to improve the fan experience.
 
Know Before You Go
In an effort to keep all fans updated on special promotions and events, assist with mobile ticketing or communicate advisories such as construction around the arena, fans who have purchased tickets at least 48 hours in advance will receive a "Know Before You Go" email detailing all the important game day information. Be sure to have duquesneathletics@athletics.duq.edu and ticketservices@duq.edu white listed in your inbox so you receive these important updates!
 
Digital Programs
In a transition away from a printed guide, all fans will have access to a complimentary, Digital Game Day Program. The program will include rosters, team information, schedule details and more. A unique QR code will be provided each game upon entry to the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Additionally, prior to each game, the game day guide will be sent via email to all fans who have purchased tickets to the upcoming game.
 
Mobile Ticketing
Duquesne Athletics has transitioned to mobile ticketing for all events beginning this year. In addition to a safe, and contactless environment, mobile tickets allow for more flexibility, better ticket security, and the biggest advantage: as long as you have your phone, you have your tickets! Mobile ticketing provides:

• Quick and easy entry to UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse using your phone or smart device
• Access to all your purchased tickets through MyAccount
• The ability to manage and transfer your tickets at anytime
• Reduce the amount of lost, stolen, counterfeit or forgotten tickets.

For more Mobile Ticketing information, including "how-to-guides" please click here.
 
Concessions
As part of the renovation, two brand new concession locations were built. Throughout the season new menu items, including nachos featuring Moe's Southwest Grill Chips and queso, will be featured improve the concessions experience. You will also find Pepsi products to quench your thirst as well as a wide array of beers from our partners at Bud Light and Helltown.
 
Student Entry & Seat Location
Students are to enter through the A.J. Palumbo Atrium (located at the top of Magee Street, nearest campus) and proceed to the door furthest from the ticket office. A student ID will be required for entry. The Student Sections are 112-113; 212-216 located in the end zone nearest the visitor's bench. Let's make some noise!
 
COVID-19 Protocols
The health and safety of our student-athletes, staff and fans remains our number one priority. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, we will update the following protocols to meet any federal, state or campus guidelines. To start the season the following health and safety protocols will be in place:

• Fans ages 2 and older will be required to wear a face covering inside UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, except when actively eating or drinking
• Hand sanitation stations have been placed throughout the arena with particular focus on high-touch areas like concessions and the main entry doors
• Vaccinations are not required for entry
• Enhanced cleaning and sanitation processes are in place throughout the Fieldhouse

BRT Construction
The Port Authority has begun initial construction on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that will service the Downtown, Uptown, Oakland and East End neighborhoods. Much of Fifth and Forbes Avenues has been reduced to one lane in each direction, and the area around UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse experiences intermittent closures or reduced lanes. Construction is expected to last throughout basketball season with traffic delays likely due to the reduced lanes and uneven surfaces. It is highly encouraged for fans to give themselves extra time on game day to ensure they arrive in time for tip-off.
 
More details on the BRT Line can be found here.

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COVID-19 Warning (also included at purchase and on all ticket backs)
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and any variants exists in any public space where people are present. No precautions can completely eliminate the risk of exposure to COVID-19. By attending the game, you voluntarily assume all risks, hazards and dangers arising from or relating in any way to the exposure of COVID-19 and its variants. Whether that exposure occurs before, during or after the event, and regardless of how it was contracted, you agree to waive any and all claims against Duquesne University and its employees relating to such risks, hazards and dangers, and hereby release and forever discharge Duquesne University and its employees from any and all actions, claims, damages, or losses that you may have arising out of or in any way relating to exposure to COVID-19 before, during or after the event. Additionally, by purchasing this ticket, you agree to follow all Duquesne University policies, including the University's COVID-19 health and safety polices, such as masking while in the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.