Dean E. Smith Center – North Carolina Tar Heels

Photos by Joseph Oakes and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57

Dean E. Smith Center 300 Skipper Bowles Dr Chapel Hill, NC 27599

Year Opened: 1986

Capacity: 21,750

The Dean Dome

The Dean E. Smith Center is the home of the UNC-Chapel Hill Men’s basketball team. It opened on January 18, 1986, replacing Carmichael Arena as UNC-CH knocked off rival Duke 95-92.

At a capacity of 21,750, it is one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the country. However, due to its seating design with many high-level donors sitting in the lower-level seats, it is not known as a loud or raucous venue and often gets the reputation as a “wine and cheese” crowd. Nevertheless, the Heels have a great winning percentage at the Smith Center and UNC-CH fans are as passionate as they come.

Food & Beverage 4

The Smith Center offers a good selection of concessions for a college basketball arena. There are plenty of items to take advantage of if you are hungry. These include Pap Johns Pizza, hot dogs, smoked sausage, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, peanuts (a local brand from nearby Pittsboro, NC), chips, and candy. Souvenir sodas, bottled water, beers, and other alcoholic beverages are available.

The concourses in the Smith Center are small so there is not much room for the concession lines. However, items are already prepared and self-serve, which makes the lines move quickly. All payments are cashless, and sales tax is added to the prices listed.

Atmosphere 4

The Smith Center is a good place to see a game and has great sightlines. 21,750 Carolina blue seats are all angled to the court. The seating is split into a large upper and lower level. There are no premium seats or suites at the Smith Center, which has been one of its major drawbacks in recent years.

There are four large 19’ x 100’ video boards in each corner of the arena that were added in 2018 which provide replays, scores, and stats. There is no center-hung scoreboard. Closed captioning is available on the ribbon boards on the overhang of the upper level.

The Tar Heel mascot Ramses, the pep band, and the cheerleaders are all extremely involved in the game atmosphere.

One thing that you cannot miss at the Dean Dome is the seven national championship banners and retired jerseys. The court at the Smith Center was named “Roy Williams Court” after the retired hall of fame coach in 2018.

Neighborhood 2

The Dean Smith is located in the midst of the UNC campus near dormitories and several of the other athletic campus buildings. Therefore, there are no food and lodging options within walking distance. If you are looking for places to eat head a couple miles to Franklin Street in downtown Chapel Hill for many options.

Fans 5

UNC-Chapel Hill fans are among some of the most passionate fans in the country, and they truly have a ‘national’ fanbase. While most fans rely on alumni for their top fans and donors, many of the Tar Heel fans have no connection to the school whatsoever, they are simply Carolina basketball fans. Therefore, the Smith Center is at near capacity for most games. Most conference games are sold out, and tickets must be obtained from the secondary market. Despite having the reputation of not being one of the loudest college arenas, fans get into the game during big plays. Expect to hear many TAR – HEEL chants throughout the game.

Access 3

As previously mentioned, the Smith Center is in the middle of campus, and it is not the easiest place to drive to. Unless you are a parking pass holder at one of the garages on campus, parking will be difficult. Our suggestion is to park at the Friday Center just off campus and ride the Tar Heel Express. Parking is free and it is $5 per person to ride the shuttle that takes you to the front door of the Smith Center, and back after the game. These shuttles start running 2 hours before game time and you can pay right before you board the bus.

The Smith Center only has one concourse that services both the upper and lower levels. Therefore, it can get very crowded on the concourses and restrooms before and after the games and during halftime.

Return on Investment 4

Tickets start around $40 for upper-level seats. For most games, only upper-level seats are available from UNC. Lower-level seats can be found on the secondary market, but be prepared to pay much more. As previously mentioned, the park-and-ride option is only $5 per person, and concessions will not break the bank either. While the ticket prices may seem a bit high, it is about right on par for this level of basketball.

Extras 3

The Carolina Basketball Museum is right next door to the Smith Center. However, it does close 3 hours before game time on game days. Click here for more info.

The many retired jerseys and national championship banners are a must-see when visiting the Smith Center.

The event staff allows fans to move around in the lower-level pre-game to watch warmups, take photos, etc.

Final Thoughts

The Smith Center is nearing 40 years old, and it does show with the small concourse size and lack of premium seating. However, due to its excellent sightlines and recent upgrades, the Smith Center is still a top college basketball venue. Despite fan affiliation, it should be a bucket list trip for any college basketball fan.