North Carolina-Duke is arguably the biggest rivalry in college basketball, so if you ever have the chance to attend a game between these two Tobacco Road rivals jump at it. The rivalry has produced many unforgettable moments over the years including Duke’s 87-86 three overtime victory over the Tar Heels in 1968. National media sports outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated have ranked the rivalry as the best in college basketball, so make sure to attend a North Carolina-Duke game if you ever get the chance.
North Carolina vs NC State
Rival Team: NC State Wolfpack
Regardless of the sport, there is always bad blood when the Tar Heels and Wolfpack get together. The two schools are separated by only 25 miles, and both schools have a large number of alumni in the state creating a tense atmosphere whenever these two meet. UNC may lead in the all-time series, but that doesn’t mean you won’t witness a great game when these two get together, so don’t miss it.
North Carolina vs Wake Forest
Rival Team: Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Like the Tar Heels rivalries with the other two Tobacco Road schools, there is no love lost when North Carolina and Wake Forest play. There are a lot of bragging rights on the line when the two nearby schools meet, so if you want to see the Dean Dome abuzz then get tickets to a North Carolina-Wake Forest game.
North Carolina and Kentucky are two of the winningest programs in college basketball, so there is always a lot at stake when these two schools clash. The two schools have played a regular series sporadically and while they aren’t playing regularly right now if you get the chance to see these two basketball titans play don’t miss it.
North Carolina Tar Heels Stadium Guide
In Game
North Carolina basketball games have been selling out for decades and with good reason since the Tar Heels are one of the most successful teams in the country. The Dean Dome is always at capacity, so you’ll experience a full and lively crowd when attending a game in Chapel Hill.
The student section inside the Dean Smith Center is especially vocal in their support. The rowdy nature and crazy antics of the student section go a long way in making North Carolina a tough place for opposing teams to play. Whether it’s going crazy during the Tar Heels warm-ups or jumping around before tip-off, the students are always showing their support for their team.
You’ll also encounter plenty of shrines to the Tar Heels illustrious history when attending a game at the Dean Smith Center. While the Dean Smith Center isn’t home to a hall of fame, there is an entire basketball museum dedicated to the Tar Heels basketball program right next door. You’ll also find numerous banners hanging from the rafters that show off the Tar Heels retired numbers and national championships. Make sure to arrive early to stop by the museum and check out the banners hanging inside the Dean Smith Center.
Finally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus is absolutely gorgeous so take some time to explore the nearby area. Also, make sure to head to Franklin Street if you want to grab a bite to eat or drink before the game.
A trip to Chapel Hill is on the bucket list of any college basketball fan, so start planning your trip today to experience the one of a kind experience that is attending a game at the Dean Smith Center.
Located right next to the Dean Smith Center is the Carolina Basketball Museum. The museum is home to an incredible amount of North Carolina basketball artifacts and is a must-see for basketball fans. It’s open from 10:00 to 4:00 on weekdays and 9:00 to 1:00 on Saturdays, so stop by before the game to check it out.
The rafters above the floor of the Dean Smith Center are littered with banners honoring the best players and teams in Tar Heels history. Take a minute before the game starts to remember all of North Carolina’s best players including the greatest of them all, Michael Jordan.
Stop by the Tar Heels Team Store if you want to pick up a souvenir from your trip to Chapel Hill. The store is home to a variety of gear including jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and much more.
The Slide
During the pregame warm-ups, the Tar Heels players dance in uniform and then slide on their stomachs. The slide is a lot of fun for the players and everyone in the arena goes crazy when they do it, so arrive early to see this fun game day tradition.
Right before tip-off, the fans jump up and down to “Jump Around” by House of Pain. It gets everyone up and on their feet right before the game starts and is an excellent way to show off your Tar Heels spirit, so join in on the fun.
After each bucket the player who made the shot looks and points at the player who passed him the ball. The tradition does an excellent job of promoting teamwork and has become a signature of UNC basketball over the years.
The Tar Pit
The Tar Pit is the official UNC student section, which remains loud and rambunctious throughout the game regardless of the score. The student section really helps to create the great atmosphere that can be found at a UNC basketball game and also helps spur on their team to victory. If you are looking to sit alongside the wildest and craziest fans at a Tar Heels games, make sure to sit here.
Rameses the Ram
Rameses the Ram has been the Tar Heels mascot since 1924. The mascot was chosen due to the team’s star fullback in 1922 Jack Merritt being nicknamed the “Battering Ram.” Rameses has stuck around ever since and has spawned two versions of the mascot a live ram and an anthropomorphic ram that is part of the cheer squad. Look for the costumed Ramesses to entertain the crowd at a UNC basketball game.
The Tar Heels pep band helps ignite the atmosphere inside the Dean Dome with their incredible performances. All throughout the game you’ll hear a variety of North Carolina school songs, so enjoy the music of the pep band when attending a Tar Heels basketball game.
Here comes Car’lina lina
Here comes Car’lina lina
We hail from NCU
We’ve got the team to win it,
We’ve got the spirit in it,
We wear the colors white and blue.
So it’s fight, fight, fight for Carolina
As Davie did in days of old;
As we rally round the Well,
Cheer that Tar Heel team like hell,
For the glory of NCU.
Tar Heels on Hand
Tar Heels on Hand,
To steal the Thunder from the Sky:
Then take our stand,
As every man does right by Blue and White,
We’ll give the Tar Heels a Hand,
And cheer them on to do or die (Yeah!)
All of us are for U.N.C.
and you can betcha we’re proud to be
the Tar Heels on Hand!
Carolina Victory
There’ll be a Carolina Victory
When cross the field the foe has fled
Cheer the team to Victory
For we are Tar Heels Born and Bred (Rah! Rah! Rah!)
Glory Glory U.N.C.
Our hearts will live with thee
Fight! Fight! Fight the Blue and White are
Rolling to Victory!
I’m a Tar Heel Born
UNC’s primary fight song
I’m a Tar Heel born.
I’m a Tar Heel bred.
And when I die I’m a Tar Heel dead.
So it’s rah, rah Car’lina, lina.
Rah, rah Car’lina, lina.
Rah, rah Car’lina, lina.
Rah, Rah, Rah.
I’m a Tar Heel born.
I’m a Tar Heel bred.
And when I die I’m a Tar Heel dead.
So it’s rah, rah Car’lina, lina.
Rah, rah Car’lina, lina.
Rah, rah Car’lina, lina.
Rah, Rah, Rah.
Go Tar Heels!
Go Tar Heels!
Go Tar Heels!
Hark the Sound
UNC alma mater
Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices
Ringing clear and True
Singing Carolina’s praises
Shouting N.C.U.
Hail to the brightest Star of all
Clear its radiance shine
Carolina priceless gem,
Receive all praises thine.
I’m a Tar Heel born I’m a Tar Heel bred
And when I die I’m a Tar Heel dead.
So it’s RAH, RAH, Car’lina ‘lina
RAH, RAH, Car’lina ‘lina
RAH, RAH, Car’lina
RAH! RAH! RAH!
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