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Money-Saving Events, Places for Summer Fun

Duke employee discounts to professional soccer games, amusement parks and more

RailHawks Midfielder Enzo Martinez scores a penalty kick against FC Dallas last week. Photo courtesy of Carolina RailHawks.
RailHawks Midfielder Enzo Martinez scores a penalty kick against FC Dallas last week. Photo courtesy of Carolina RailHawks.

Noel Hammond and her family abide by a motto when visiting amusement parks: the more extreme, the better.

Their idea for extreme at Carowinds, an amusement park in Charlotte, is the Intimidator, a ride that sends guests down a 211-foot first drop and moves so fast, according to Hammond, that she can’t even manage to scream.

“It’s actually really strange walking by it because that’s the only ride you can’t hear screams,” said Hammond, a case manager for Duke’s Patient Resource Management.

Hammond uses PERQs, the Duke employee discount program, when she and her husband and three children visit Carowinds each spring. By saving with the discount, Hammond is able to put the extra money toward Fast Lane wristbands and a pre-paid parking pass to avoid long lines.

“It really means a lot for us,” she said. “We utilize a lot of the discounts especially when it comes to family-orientated discounts. I put in a lot of hours at Duke, so it’s great that they give back to the employees to encourage family time.”

Duke employees pay $39 per Carowinds ticket instead of $46.99 through the employee discount program.

Whether it’s an event or attraction, here are other ways to save this summer using Duke employee discounts.

Carolina RailHawks

Keep the World Cup soccer spirit going with the Triangle’s professional soccer team, the Carolina RailHawks. The RailHawks are the highest-level professional soccer team in the Carolinas and compete in the North American Soccer League. Duke employees can enjoy a home game at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary for 20 percent off an individual adult ticket. (Tickets can be bought online or by phone; the discount cannot be used in person at the box office on game day.)

Kings Dominion

Beat the summer heat at Kings Dominion by diving into its WaterWorks water park. Featuring slides, a 650,000-gallon wave pool and a “zoom” flume, the water park is one of many features employees can experience. Admission to WaterWorks is included free with park admission to Kings Dominion. Employees save $15 discount and pay $39 on each general admission ticket for ages 3 and older for any operating day through Nov. 2. You can also purchase a $13.99 voucher for one meal and regular size fountain drink or bottle of water. For more ticket information, visit the discount page.

Marvel Universe Live

Watch your favorite Marvel Universe super heroes, including Spider-Man, The Avengers, Iron Man and the Hulk, come to life at the PNC Arena in Raleigh for a live show packed with action. “Marvel Universe LIVE!” features pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. Save $10 per ticket on July 18. Shows are also on July 19 and 20.

North Carolina Zoo

Get in touch with your wild side this summer at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. A $2 discount reduces ticket prices to $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children. Tickets must be ordered nine hours in advance of visiting the zoo and used within 30 days of activation.