DUKE BLUE DEVILS TO HONOR LEGENDARY BROADCASTER BOB HARRIS WITH BRONZE SCULPTURE OUTSIDE WALLACE WADE STADIUM ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2025
the Duke Blue Devils have officially announced that a bronze sculpture of legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Harris will be unveiled outside Wallace Wade Stadium on September 6, 2025. The sculpture is set to honor the voice that defined Duke athletics for over four decades and will forever stand as a beacon to the countless memories Harris helped bring to life through the airwaves.
The university made the announcement early Saturday morning, stating that the unveiling ceremony will be part of a larger celebration ahead of Duke’s highly anticipated home football opener against a major ACC rival. The sculpture, which has been years in the making, is a token of immense gratitude toward Harris, who became a household name among Duke fans thanks to his heartfelt commentary, passionate play calls, and unwavering dedication to Blue Devil sports.
A Life Behind the Microphone
The sculpture will depict Bob Harris seated behind a broadcasting table, headset on, microphone in hand, calling a play with that signature poise and passion that made him an icon. His classic phrase, “How sweet it is!”, a hallmark of Duke victories, will be etched into the bronze base of the statue — a fitting tribute to the voice that made moments unforgettable.
“This is an extraordinary way to honor someone who has meant so much to our university and its athletic tradition,” said Duke University President Vincent E. Price. “Bob Harris didn’t just broadcast games — he brought them to life for generations of Duke fans. His voice is synonymous with Blue Devil excellence.”
Bob Harris served as the Voice of the Blue Devils from 1976 until his retirement in 2017, providing play-by-play coverage for both football and basketball. During his illustrious tenure, he called over 1,200 games and was behind the mic for all five of Duke’s NCAA men’s basketball championships. His intimate knowledge of the game, emotional delivery, and unique ability to connect with listeners made him an essential part of Duke’s fabric.
Reactions from the Duke Community
The announcement has already drawn a wave of excitement and emotional reactions from the Duke community, including former players, coaches, and fans.
“Bob was the ultimate professional and an even better human being,” said legendary Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski. “He cared deeply about our athletes and our university. To see him honored in this way — permanently and rightfully — is something that warms my heart.”
Coach David Cutcliffe, former head coach of the Duke football team, echoed those sentiments: “He made you feel like you were part of something bigger, whether you were on the field or listening from miles away. His voice carried more than sound; it carried meaning.”
Current athletes and students, many of whom grew up listening to Harris’ calls with their families, expressed their joy over the news as well. “It’s amazing to know that every time we walk into Wallace Wade, Bob Harris will be right there with us,” said senior linebacker Marcus Gray. “He’s part of Duke history.”
A Celebration of Legacy
The September 6 unveiling is expected to be a grand event, drawing alumni, media figures, and fans from all over the country. Duke Athletics Director Nina King stated that the day will feature a special tribute program, where friends, colleagues, and former players will share stories and memories of Harris’ impact.
King noted, “We wanted to create something permanent to symbolize the weight of Bob’s legacy. A sculpture seemed only fitting. It’s more than a statue — it’s a reminder of the standard he set and the joy he brought to this campus.”
The bronze sculpture was designed by acclaimed sculptor Brian Hanlon, whose previous works include statues of other sports icons across the NCAA. Hanlon reportedly spent over a year crafting the statue to ensure it captured not just Harris’ likeness, but also his spirit and energy.
“When you sculpt someone like Bob Harris, you’re not just sculpting a person — you’re sculpting a presence,” Hanlon said. “Every Duke fan knows the excitement and intensity he brought to every game. I hope this sculpture captures that essence.”
A Career Etched in History
In 2005, Harris was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2016, he received the prestigious Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame.
Over the years, Harris was a mentor to many young broadcasters, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Many of today’s top sports media professionals credit him for shaping their careers.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Bob Harris,” said ESPN broadcaster Rece Davis, a longtime friend and admirer. “He gave me my first real insight into what it meant to tell a story that people felt. There’s no replacing him.”
An Enduring Symbol
As Duke University prepares to immortalize one of its most cherished voices, the bronze sculpture will serve not only as a tribute to Harris’ career but also as a symbol of dedication, passion, and school pride.
Fans attending the September 6 game will have an opportunity to witness history and pay their respects to a man whose voice shaped a generation of Blue Devil supporters.
“This is a dream come true,” said Harris in a statement. “To be honored in such a meaningful and permanent way is truly humbling. I’ve always said Duke gave me more than I could ever repay — and this moment just proves it once again.”
As the sun rises over Wallace Wade Stadium that September morning, and the gates open to welcome another season of Duke football, Bob Harris will once again be there — not just in spirit, but cast in bronze, headset in hand, forever calling the game.
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