DURHAM, N.C. — Duke students, who have been camping out for a chance to see the Maryland game Thursday night, are finally getting the payoff for their persistence.

Students received special wristbands Thursday morning, which will allow them to get into the game.

"We came out here New Year's Day. We set up the tent and weathered the snow and everything. We've been here for two weeks, so we're ready to rock and roll," said Duke freshman Ian Burnside.

Those first in line say the long wait in the cold weather will be worth it when they get to sit in the front row at center court.

"Everyone is going to be so excited and so pumped," said one student.

Game time at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium will be 9 p.m.

The Terrapins held double-digit leads in all four meetings against the Blue Devils last season, only to come away with a 1-3 record. The only victory was when Maryland ruined Duke's Senior Day by winning for the second straight year at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Duke rallied at College Park to win in the regular season, beat Terps in the semifinals of the ACC tournament and again in the national semifinals.

The Blue Devils are 16-4 in their last 20 games against Top 10 teams.

If Duke wins the basketball game, expect a big bonfire. University officials have granted a permit for the blaze in the West Campus quad.

The celebration is expected to begin after 11 p.m. and officials expect the fire to be extinguished between 2 and 2:30 a.m.