Tar Heels Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Mack Brown

Team Mascot: Rameses

Year Opened: 1927

Capacity: 50500

City / State: Chapel Hill / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Victory Bell

Rival Team: Duke Blue Devils

The Duke - North Carolina rivalry is one of the fiercest rivalries in college sports. While the rivalry on the basketball court may get the most publicity, there is still a healthy rivalry between these two schools on the gridiron as well. The two schools first played each other in 1888 when the Blue Devils shutout the Tar Heels 16-0. The rivalry had grown since then and saw the addition of a rivalry trophy in 1948 when the two schools began playing for the Victory Bell. Carolina holds the all-time series lead 43-22-1 and will look to extend that gap when the teams meet this season.

UNC vs NC State

Rival Team: NC State Wolfpack

The Tar Heels and Wolfpack having been battling it out on the gridiron for over a century as these two teams first met in 1894 when North Carolina shutout NC State 44-0. The Tar Heels would dominate the rivalry for the next sixty years. However, things have been more even recently as the Wolfpack have won six of the last eight meetings.

South's Longest Rivalry

Rival Team: Virginia Cavaliers

The longest running FBS rivalry in the Southeast began when in 1892, with Virginia winning the first game 30-18 and North Carolina winning the second 26-0. The rivalry is steeped in the historical lineage and academic standards of the two schools, as Virginia is the alma mater of Thomas Jefferson while North Carolina was the first operational state university. North Carolina leads the all-time series 61-54-4 and hopes to extend that lead this year.

UNC vs Wake Forest

Rival Team: Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The North Carolina-Wake Forest rivalry is the oldest rivalry in the state of North Carolina as the two schools have been playing each other since 1888 when Wake Forest took down the Tar Heels 6-4. Tar Heels have owned the series since then building a 68-35-2 all-time against the Demon Deacons. The 2019 meeting will mark the first time that two teams from the same Power 5 conference will schedule one another as non-conference opponents.

Tar Heels Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

UNC’s campus nestled among the pines offers a picturesque tailgating location that is sure to be on the list of places to tailgate for any true tailgate lover. The fans here love to show their support for the team as you’ll see plenty of cars sporting Tar Heel’s flags on your way to the stadium. If you’re looking to get into the Tar Heel spirit check out the Old Well Walk for a chance to get up close to UNC players and coaches.

Food also plays a big part in a Tar Heels tailgate as there are plenty of wares on display on game days here. Some of the most popular items are the Carolina burger and of course barbecue. The Carolina burger is a delicious burger topped with chili and cole slaw, which is sure to make your mouth water just thinking about it. Tar Heels fans put out quite the spread, so make sure to bring your appetite to a UNC tailgate.

Traditions

Old Well Walk

Every game since 2001 the Old Well Walk has allowed fans the opportunity to cheer on their Tar Heels before they take the field. Before each game, the team is dropped off at the Old Well in the center of the campus and then walks through Tar Heel Town towards the stadium. This is a must see for any die-hard Tar Heels fans out there.

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Tar Heel Town

Tar Heel Town is a great place to hit up before the game. It offers a variety of interactive games and activities including the bell tower climb and autograph signings. If you’re looking for things to do before the game starts, look no further than Tar Heel Town, which is located on the quad.

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Where to tailgate

Tar Heels Stadium Guide

In Game

Kenan Stadium offers a perfect place to take in a game as the picturesque scenery really adds to the overall game day experience. The fans here show a lot of passion and know all the songs, which goes a long way towards making a UNC a must see for any big time college football fan. If you’re looking for a game day atmosphere that offers a blend of beautiful scenery and passionate fans, look no further than a Tar Heels game at Kenan Stadium.

The UNC student section remains loud and rambunctious throughout the match regardless of the score. The student section really helps create the great atmosphere that can be found at a UNC football 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.

Things to check out

Charlie Justice Hall of Honor

The Hall of Honor is a great place for any Tar Heel fan to check out before or after the game. Here you’ll be able to take a look at the history of Carolina football throughout the years. Be sure to stop in at the Charlie Justice Hall of Honor for a chance to relive the greatest moments in Tar Heels history.

Rameses

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 both Ramesses on the sidelines of a UNC game.

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Marching Tar Heels

The Marching Tar Heels play throughout the game in hopes they will give the team that little extra push needed to lift them to victory. The band puts on quite the halftime show as they line up in the “Carolina” formation before playing their first song. Be sure to sing along to “Sweet Caroline”, which is traditionally played at every game.

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The Tarp

The tunnel that leads the Tar Heels onto the field is located in the student section, so before the team takes the field, the students drum on the tarp covering the tunnel. As it gets closer to kickoff, the students begin to drum quicker and quicker until the team takes the field. If you want to take part in this tradition, make sure to get tickets in the student section as you’ll surely have an amazing experience sitting there.

Going into the 4th Quarter

Between the third and fourth quarter, Tar Heels fans hold up four fingers and make a motion similar to the Tomahawk chop. This action coupled with the music and scoreboard video get everyone pumped and ready to cheer on the Heels through the final quarter.

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Tar Pit

The Tar Pit is the official UNC student section, which remains loud and rambunctious throughout the game regardless of the score. The section really helps to create the great atmosphere that can be found at a UNC football 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.

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Fight Songs

  1. 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!

  2. 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!

  3. Here Comes Carolina

    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.

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. Go to Hell Duke

    Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices
    Ringing clear and true.
    Singing Carolina’s praises.
    Shouting N-C-U.
    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-‘lina!
    Go to hell, Duke!

Tar Heels Bars & Restaurants

  1. Time-Out Restaurant

    Time Out

    Legendary counter serve dispensing chicken-cheddar biscuits & other Southern eats round the clock.

    201 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. He’s Not Here

    Hes Not Here Chapel Hill

    Storied collegial haunt offering a multitude of draft beers & an unpretentious vibe.

    112 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  3. Natty Greene’s Brewery

    Egans

    We brew beer for people who like to drink beer, more than one!

    345 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401, USA

    336-274-1373

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. The Cave

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Iconic underground hangout with a dark, intimate vibe featuring live music most nights & a full bar.

    452 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

    919-968-9308

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. The Crunkleton

    Crunkleton

    The Crunkleton is a private club that makes the old new again by serving up classic cocktails with modern twists to its members and their guests in an authentic, timeless setting.

    320 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

    919-969-1125

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. He’s Not Here

    Hes Not Here

    This storied neighborhood haunt offers a multitude of draft beers & an unpretentious vibe.

    112 1/2 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

    919-942-7939

    Bar website

    american - $

  7. Top of the Hill

    Top of the Hill

    Contemporary late-night brewery offers housemade draft beer, eclectic American fare & patio seating.

    100 E Franklin St #3, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919-699-8703

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Linda’s Bar and Grill

    Lindas Bar Grill

    Burgers, sandwiches & wings feature on the menu at this long-running unpretentious hangout.

    203 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919-933-6663

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Zogs Pool

    Zogs Art Bar

    Artsy, Dog-Friendly, New Orleans-Style dive bar in downtown Chapel Hill.

    108 Henderson St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919-240-5598

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen

    Sundowners Family Restaurant Sandwich

    No-frills drive-thru window serving sandwiches & country-style biscuits for breakfast & lunch.

    1305 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919- 933-1324

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. The Pig

    The Pig Restaurant

    Working with the NC Natural Hog Grower's Association & their antibiotic & hormone-free, pasture-raised piggies to bring regional flavors & local ingredients to the party in your tummy.

    630 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919-942-1133

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  12. Elmo’s Diner

    Elmos Diner

    Breakfast anytime & other American square meals in homey digs with booths & a family-friendly vibe.

    776 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

    919-416-3823

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Mama Dip’s Kitchen

    Mama Dips Kitchen

    Whether you’re looking for great family-style dining, a take-out meal to share at home, a picnic basket to go, or sauces and spreads from the general store, Mama Dip’s is the place to find delicious country cooking.

    408 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

    919-942-5837

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Lemongrass Thai Restaurant

    Lemongrass Thai

    One of the best places in North Carolina to try when you're craving for authentic and fresh Asian cuisine.

    8320 Litchford Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

    919-954-0377

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  15. Sutton’s Drug Store

    Suttons Drug Store

    Sutton's is a drugstore grill that mixes Tar Heel tradition with a bit of old-school charm.

    159 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919-942-5161

    Bar website

    american - $

  16. Al’s Burger Shack

    AIs Burger Shack

    Exceptional burgers, dogs, and shakes from the best local ingredients!

    516 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

    919-904-7659

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Sup Dogs

    Over 20 all beef hot dogs and 14 specialty hand packed burgers. Innovative food and drinks, plus a high-energy and lively dining experience.

    107 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919-903-9566

    Bar website

    american - $

  18. Four Corners Grille

    Four Corners

    At Four Corners we tip our hat to Smith and serve as Franklin Street's premier destination for casual dining and the Carolina sports experience.

    175 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

    919-537-8230

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$