Smith Center
Smith Center
Gameday Information
Seating Map
Parking
Accessibility
Camps
Men's Basketball Home Page
Carolina basketball plays its home games at the Smith Center, one of the most recognized athletic venues in America. The Smith Center became the home of the Tar Heels in 1986 and has since become a cherished traditional symbol of Carolina basketball.
Location of the Smith Center: 300 Skipper Bowles Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
The Smith Center is currently closed to the public, outside of home games and special events.
Accessibility information available here.
CAROLINA BASKETBALL MUSEUM
The Carolina Basketball Museum in the adjacent Ernie Williamson Athletics Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please check the museum website for hours on football and basketball game days.
Admission to the Carolina Basketball Museum is free.
Location of the Carolina Basketball Museum: 450 Skipper Bowles Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
HISTORY
Carolina basketball plays its home games at the Smith Center, one of the most recognized athletic venues in America. The Smith Center became the home of the Tar Heels in 1986 and has since become a cherished traditional symbol of Carolina basketball.
The Tar Heels have been in the top five in the national attendance leaders every year but one since the Smith Center hosted its first full season in 1986-87.
The first game in the Smith Center featured No. 1 Carolina defeating No. 3 Duke, 95-92, in a battle of unbeaten teams on Jan. 18, 1986. The first Tar Heel basket was scored by Carolina center Warren Martin off a pass from Kenny Smith.
RECENT RENOVATIONS
The Smith Center has undergone a number of improvements to keep it on the cutting edge of basketball arenas. The building has added a new ribbon board surrounding the court for the 2012-13 season and completely renovated the locker room and behind-the-scenes team areas prior to the 2016-17 season.
In 2018, the court was named "Roy Williams Court" with the signature of the Hall-of-Fame coach added in two locations on the playing floor. Also prior to the 2018-19 season, four new 19' x 100' videoboards were installed in each upper corner of the arena, replacing the existing 17.8' x 23.6' video boards. In 2019 and 2022, additional accessible seating was added in multiple locations around the concourse level of the Smith Center.
The men's basketball offices were completely renovated and expanded in 2010, while the team's varsity hallway also received a facelift.
The arena's lights and sound system were replaced and the training, weight and equipment rooms were expanded and renovated for 2009-10. A hydrotherapy room was added for the 2008-09 season.
In 2006-07, the seats in the lower level and upper level ring were replaced. The playing floor was completely refinished and refurbished for the 2007-08 campaign.
Four high-resolution video boards were installed for the 2005-06 season. The boards measure 17.8 feet x 23.6 feet. At the same time, two 50-foot ribbon boards were added to the fascia around the upper level and a 40-foot video board was added to the front of the scorer's table.
In 2000-01, a standing-room-only section reserved for students opened on the baseline closest to the Carolina bench. The Rams Club funded a $150,000 renovation that allowed approximately 400 students to move courtside.
In May 1980, the Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Educational Foundation, embarked on a mission to raise millions of dollars from private donations to construct an arena. The real inspiration for the fund-raising effort came from the campaign chairman, the late Hargrove "Skipper" Bowles.
Six years, 2,362 donors and over $34 million later, the premiere basketball arena in America became a reality. Dedicated in September 1986 as the Dean Edwards Smith Center, the 300,000-square-foot structure stands on seven and one-half acres of the University's south campus. Over 20,000 cubic yards of rock were removed to make room for the 340-foot-wide, 380-foot-long and 140-foot-high building.
FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS NORTH Take I-85 South to Durham, NC. Exit left at US 15-501 in Durham and follow 15-501 approximately 9 miles to Chapel Hill. Once in Chapel Hill, maintain US 15-501 Bypass (Fordham Boulevard). At around the 7th stoplight, turn right onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.
FROM POINTS WEST Take I-85 North towards Durham. Exit just past Burlington onto NC 54 East (Exit #148, Chapel Hill Exit). Follow NC 54 for approximately 20 miles to Carrboro. Pass Carrboro Plaza on the right and stay on NC 54 for about 4 miles to the next stoplight, Manning Drive. Turn left on Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.
FROM POINTS EAST Take I-40 West toward Chapel Hill. Exit at NC 54 West (Exit #273 A) and follow for approximately 4 miles. Once in Chapel Hill, continue to follow signs for NC 54 West, which means you will have to exit right under first overpass. At the top of the exit turn right at light. Follow NC 54 West/15-501South until the 2nd stoplight. Turn right onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.
FROM POINTS SOUTH Take US 15-50 North toward Chapel Hill. Exit right onto US 15-501 Bypass in Chapel Hill. Turn left at first stoplight onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.
View Larger Map
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
View the Parking and Transportation Information for details on parking for the Smith Center, as well as taxi/ridesharing drop-off and pick-up locations, charter bus and limousine parking information.
EVENT SHUTTLE SERVICE
Chapel Hill Transit operates Tar Heel Express shuttle buses for games at the Smith Center. Fans can purchase tickets for $3 one-way or $5 round trip. Tickets are cash only and purchased on site. There is no fee to park in the Park and Ride lots, but there is no free parking associated with the Downtown stop. Buses depart when full or every 10-15 minutes. Tar Heel Express service ends approximately 45 minutes after the game.
Men's Basketball Pick-Up Locations:
Face Coverings are required for customers at the Park and Ride lots and while on transit vehicles.
Visit Tar Heel Express for more information.
DISABILITY PARKING
Disability parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Rams Head parking deck on Ridge Road. Bus transportation to the Smith Center from the designated handicap parking area is available before events. For safety reasons, transportation to the parking area after an event is available only after most of the arena is vacated.
POLICIES
DOORS OPEN: The Smith Center doors open 90 minutes before tip-off of men's basketball games.
NO SMOKING: Per UNC policy, smoking is not permitted in the Smith Center or within 100 yards of any University building.
ALCOHOL AND WEAPONS: Bringing intoxicating beverages and/or weapons into the Smith Center at any time is prohibited.
CAMERA/VIDEO EQUIPMENT: Video cameras, audio equipment and cameras with professional lenses larger than 55mm are prohibited. Small point-and-shoot cameras and cameras with lens in the range of 50-55mm are allowed at Carolina basketball games. Flash photography is not allowed. Some non-basketball events allow cameras, so please call 919-962-7777 to see if your event applies. NO LASER POINTERS.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: PA announcements will be used only in the event of emergencies. Contact an event operations staff member with your needs.
CLEAR BAG POLICY: The Clear Bag Policy is enforced at the Smith Center.
PROHIBITED ITEMS: All guests and their belongings are subject to screening by entry personnel. The following items are prohibited in the arena: alcoholic beverages, artificial noisemakers, baby seats, backpacks or large bags, balloons, banners and signs, beach balls, coolers or containers, duffel bags, explosives, fireworks, folding chairs, food and beverages, illegal drugs, laser pointers, pets (except service animals), large strollers, weapons of any kind, any other item that in the judgment of game management staff poses a safety hazard or detracts from the ability of others to enjoy the event. Leave all items at home or in your vehicle. No items will be checked in.
USHERS: Ushers will be located at each entrance to the reserved seating area to assist you with your seating or with any other needs.
FOOD/CONCESSIONS: Concession stands are located around the concourse and offer a wide variety of snacks, hot foods and beverages. Alcohol is neither sold nor permitted in the Smith Center. Please note that concessions sales are cashless.
TEAM YEARBOOKS: Carolina team yearbooks are sold at all concession stands and at various other locations along the concourse during the game. Please note that concessions sales are cashless.
RESTROOMS: Four restrooms each for men and women are located on the concourse level of the arena.
POLICE: UNC Police is onsite from the time the doors open until the event has ended. Please contact event security or an usher if you need assistance.
FIRST AID: First aid is located at Entrance C. South Orange Rescue Squad units are on duty at each event.
LOST AND FOUND: Lost and Found is located at Entrance B during the event. After an event is over, please contact the Smith Center administrative office at AthleticsLostAndFound.svc@email.unc.edu or call 919-962-7777.
UMBRELLAS: Closed umbrellas are allowed inside the Smith Center.
Seating Map
Parking
Accessibility
Camps
Men's Basketball Home Page
Carolina basketball plays its home games at the Smith Center, one of the most recognized athletic venues in America. The Smith Center became the home of the Tar Heels in 1986 and has since become a cherished traditional symbol of Carolina basketball.
Location of the Smith Center: 300 Skipper Bowles Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
The Smith Center is currently closed to the public, outside of home games and special events.
Accessibility information available here.
CAROLINA BASKETBALL MUSEUM
The Carolina Basketball Museum in the adjacent Ernie Williamson Athletics Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please check the museum website for hours on football and basketball game days.
Admission to the Carolina Basketball Museum is free.
Location of the Carolina Basketball Museum: 450 Skipper Bowles Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
HISTORY
Carolina basketball plays its home games at the Smith Center, one of the most recognized athletic venues in America. The Smith Center became the home of the Tar Heels in 1986 and has since become a cherished traditional symbol of Carolina basketball.
The Tar Heels have been in the top five in the national attendance leaders every year but one since the Smith Center hosted its first full season in 1986-87.
The first game in the Smith Center featured No. 1 Carolina defeating No. 3 Duke, 95-92, in a battle of unbeaten teams on Jan. 18, 1986. The first Tar Heel basket was scored by Carolina center Warren Martin off a pass from Kenny Smith.
RECENT RENOVATIONS
The Smith Center has undergone a number of improvements to keep it on the cutting edge of basketball arenas. The building has added a new ribbon board surrounding the court for the 2012-13 season and completely renovated the locker room and behind-the-scenes team areas prior to the 2016-17 season.
In 2018, the court was named "Roy Williams Court" with the signature of the Hall-of-Fame coach added in two locations on the playing floor. Also prior to the 2018-19 season, four new 19' x 100' videoboards were installed in each upper corner of the arena, replacing the existing 17.8' x 23.6' video boards. In 2019 and 2022, additional accessible seating was added in multiple locations around the concourse level of the Smith Center.
The men's basketball offices were completely renovated and expanded in 2010, while the team's varsity hallway also received a facelift.
The arena's lights and sound system were replaced and the training, weight and equipment rooms were expanded and renovated for 2009-10. A hydrotherapy room was added for the 2008-09 season.
In 2006-07, the seats in the lower level and upper level ring were replaced. The playing floor was completely refinished and refurbished for the 2007-08 campaign.
Four high-resolution video boards were installed for the 2005-06 season. The boards measure 17.8 feet x 23.6 feet. At the same time, two 50-foot ribbon boards were added to the fascia around the upper level and a 40-foot video board was added to the front of the scorer's table.
In 2000-01, a standing-room-only section reserved for students opened on the baseline closest to the Carolina bench. The Rams Club funded a $150,000 renovation that allowed approximately 400 students to move courtside.
In May 1980, the Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Educational Foundation, embarked on a mission to raise millions of dollars from private donations to construct an arena. The real inspiration for the fund-raising effort came from the campaign chairman, the late Hargrove "Skipper" Bowles.
Six years, 2,362 donors and over $34 million later, the premiere basketball arena in America became a reality. Dedicated in September 1986 as the Dean Edwards Smith Center, the 300,000-square-foot structure stands on seven and one-half acres of the University's south campus. Over 20,000 cubic yards of rock were removed to make room for the 340-foot-wide, 380-foot-long and 140-foot-high building.
DIRECTIONS
FROM VIRGINIA AND POINTS NORTH Take I-85 South to Durham, NC. Exit left at US 15-501 in Durham and follow 15-501 approximately 9 miles to Chapel Hill. Once in Chapel Hill, maintain US 15-501 Bypass (Fordham Boulevard). At around the 7th stoplight, turn right onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.FROM POINTS WEST Take I-85 North towards Durham. Exit just past Burlington onto NC 54 East (Exit #148, Chapel Hill Exit). Follow NC 54 for approximately 20 miles to Carrboro. Pass Carrboro Plaza on the right and stay on NC 54 for about 4 miles to the next stoplight, Manning Drive. Turn left on Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.
FROM POINTS EAST Take I-40 West toward Chapel Hill. Exit at NC 54 West (Exit #273 A) and follow for approximately 4 miles. Once in Chapel Hill, continue to follow signs for NC 54 West, which means you will have to exit right under first overpass. At the top of the exit turn right at light. Follow NC 54 West/15-501South until the 2nd stoplight. Turn right onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.
FROM POINTS SOUTH Take US 15-50 North toward Chapel Hill. Exit right onto US 15-501 Bypass in Chapel Hill. Turn left at first stoplight onto Manning Drive. The Smith Center is one-half mile on the left on Skipper Bowles Drive.
View Larger Map
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
View the Parking and Transportation Information for details on parking for the Smith Center, as well as taxi/ridesharing drop-off and pick-up locations, charter bus and limousine parking information.
EVENT SHUTTLE SERVICE
Chapel Hill Transit operates Tar Heel Express shuttle buses for games at the Smith Center. Fans can purchase tickets for $3 one-way or $5 round trip. Tickets are cash only and purchased on site. There is no fee to park in the Park and Ride lots, but there is no free parking associated with the Downtown stop. Buses depart when full or every 10-15 minutes. Tar Heel Express service ends approximately 45 minutes after the game.
Men's Basketball Pick-Up Locations:
- Southern Village Park and Ride (105 Sumac Rd., Chapel Hill, N.C.) - starting 1.5 hours before game time
- Friday Center Park and Ride (100 Friday Center Dr., Chapel Hill, N.C.) - starting 2 hours before game time
- Downtown Chapel Hill, Franklin Street (140 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, N.C.) - starting 1.5 hours before game time
Face Coverings are required for customers at the Park and Ride lots and while on transit vehicles.
Visit Tar Heel Express for more information.
DISABILITY PARKING
Disability parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Rams Head parking deck on Ridge Road. Bus transportation to the Smith Center from the designated handicap parking area is available before events. For safety reasons, transportation to the parking area after an event is available only after most of the arena is vacated.
POLICIES
DOORS OPEN: The Smith Center doors open 90 minutes before tip-off of men's basketball games.
NO SMOKING: Per UNC policy, smoking is not permitted in the Smith Center or within 100 yards of any University building.
ALCOHOL AND WEAPONS: Bringing intoxicating beverages and/or weapons into the Smith Center at any time is prohibited.
CAMERA/VIDEO EQUIPMENT: Video cameras, audio equipment and cameras with professional lenses larger than 55mm are prohibited. Small point-and-shoot cameras and cameras with lens in the range of 50-55mm are allowed at Carolina basketball games. Flash photography is not allowed. Some non-basketball events allow cameras, so please call 919-962-7777 to see if your event applies. NO LASER POINTERS.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: PA announcements will be used only in the event of emergencies. Contact an event operations staff member with your needs.
CLEAR BAG POLICY: The Clear Bag Policy is enforced at the Smith Center.
PROHIBITED ITEMS: All guests and their belongings are subject to screening by entry personnel. The following items are prohibited in the arena: alcoholic beverages, artificial noisemakers, baby seats, backpacks or large bags, balloons, banners and signs, beach balls, coolers or containers, duffel bags, explosives, fireworks, folding chairs, food and beverages, illegal drugs, laser pointers, pets (except service animals), large strollers, weapons of any kind, any other item that in the judgment of game management staff poses a safety hazard or detracts from the ability of others to enjoy the event. Leave all items at home or in your vehicle. No items will be checked in.
USHERS: Ushers will be located at each entrance to the reserved seating area to assist you with your seating or with any other needs.
FOOD/CONCESSIONS: Concession stands are located around the concourse and offer a wide variety of snacks, hot foods and beverages. Alcohol is neither sold nor permitted in the Smith Center. Please note that concessions sales are cashless.
TEAM YEARBOOKS: Carolina team yearbooks are sold at all concession stands and at various other locations along the concourse during the game. Please note that concessions sales are cashless.
RESTROOMS: Four restrooms each for men and women are located on the concourse level of the arena.
POLICE: UNC Police is onsite from the time the doors open until the event has ended. Please contact event security or an usher if you need assistance.
FIRST AID: First aid is located at Entrance C. South Orange Rescue Squad units are on duty at each event.
LOST AND FOUND: Lost and Found is located at Entrance B during the event. After an event is over, please contact the Smith Center administrative office at AthleticsLostAndFound.svc@email.unc.edu or call 919-962-7777.
UMBRELLAS: Closed umbrellas are allowed inside the Smith Center.
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