🏀 UNC Unveils Bold Refurbishment & Redevelopment Strategy
North Carolina Tar Heels’ home arena, the Dean E. Smith Center, is at the heart of a major facilities overhaul debate as UNC‑Chapel Hill administrators unveil an ambitious redevelopment plan tied to the university’s broader Carolina North expansion project.
🔹 Comprehensive plan launched — UNC is moving forward with initial planning for a significant redevelopment of its facilities, including exploring options to renovate or replace the nearly 40‑year‑old Dean Dome, which has long lacked modern amenities like premium seating and has costly infrastructure needs.
🔹 Multi‑site options being studied — Officials are weighing whether to modernize the existing arena, rebuild at its current site, or construct a new state‑of‑the‑art arena at the future Carolina North campus about two miles north of the main campus.
🔹 Historical and community voices weigh in — The proposed shift has sparked strong reactions: former coach Roy Williams, ex‑players and many fans want the Tar Heels to stay on the main campus, preserving tradition and game‑day atmosphere.
🔹 Infrastructure challenges highlighted — UNC leaders note the Dean Dome needs extensive updates — including roof repairs, improved accessibility, expanded concessions and premium seating — and argue that investing in a brand‑new arena could better support revenue growth and fan experience.
No final decision has been made yet, but UNC is actively soliciting feedback from stakeholders as the planning continues.
