Krzyzewskiville

Krzyzewskiville is a temporary tent city on the grounds of Duke University in North Carolina, where students camp for weeks outside the basketball arena to secure tickets for major home games. The shelters stand in long rows on a lawn near Cameron Indoor Stadium, forming a makeshift village of colorful tarps, folding chairs, and handwritten signs.

The first group of students pitched tents in 1986 to claim spots for a basketball game against the University of North Carolina, prompting officials to formally recognize the area. Over the following years it evolved into an annual ritual with fixed rules and growing participation.

The name honors Mike Krzyzewski, the university's longtime basketball coach, whose success turned the encampment into a permanent part of campus identity. Students organize themselves into groups and share daily life outdoors, with each shelter becoming a small living space filled with blankets, chairs, and makeshift kitchens.

Anyone planning to join should bring warm clothing and weatherproof gear, as temperatures can drop sharply in the early morning hours. The lawn sits within view of the arena and is easily reached on foot from the center of campus.

When the temperature falls below 25 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 4 Celsius) or during heavy precipitation, students may temporarily leave their shelters without losing their place in line. This exception applies only to extreme weather and is formally announced by elected representatives of the tent community.