University of North Carolina Athletics
Thursday Night Football Game Frequently Asked Questions
September 23, 2009 | Football
Sept. 23, 2009
- Department of Public Safety Thursday Night Football Information (PDF)
- Chapel Hill Transit
- Tar Heel Express
- Planning For Thursday Night Football
North Carolina will face Florida State in the first ESPN Thursday night football game in UNC history on October 22.
What time is the game?
Carolina vs. Florida State will kick off at 8 p.m.
What time do the gates open at Kenan Stadium?
The stadium will open to fans at 6:30 p.m.
What time will the parking lots open to fans with parking permits?
Parking lots will open to vehicles with proper permits at 5:30 p.m. There are no classes that day as the university is on Fall Break, but staff and faculty will be working and will occupy those lots during the day. The lots will be cleared and available for football parking at 5:30 p.m. Limited public parking in the Manniing Lot, Jackson Deck and Cardinal Deck also will become available at 5:30 p.m. for $10.
Are there any parking lots that are traditionally used for Saturday games that are not available for the Thursday game?
The only two lots where there will be a change from normal football parking procedures are the Dogwood Deck and the Children's & Women's Hospital Lot, which are located near the hospital on Manning Drive. Rams Club members who normally have parking permits in those areas will receive parking passes in a new location for the Thursday night game.
Where should people park if they arrive on campus prior to 5:30 p.m.?
Permitted campus lots are scheduled to be available at 5:30 p.m., however Town of Chapel Hill municipal lots will operate under normal conditions. Metered parking spaces and pay parking lots are available in downtown Chapel Hill.
What time will Tar Heel Town open?
Tar Heel Town, located on Polk Place between South Building and Wilson Library, will open at 5:30 p.m.
Will the Carolina football team make the Old Well Walk?
Coach Butch Davis and the Tar Heels will participate in the traditional walk from the Old Well through Tar Heel Town beginning at approximately 5:45 p.m.
Is Tar Heel Express operating and at what times?
Tar Heel Express will operate as normal. The University Mall, Friday Center Park and Ride and "Touch DownTown" Lots will open for parking at 4:30. Shuttles from those lots will begin three hours prior to game time (5 p.m.). Shuttles will begin from Jones Ferry Park and Ride and Southern Village Park and Ride 1.5 Hours prior to game time (6:30 p.m.).
Is the University operating on a normal Thursday schedule?
The University will alter the time at which the work day ends on Oct. 22 to allow all University staff and faculty ample time to leave campus and avoid the expected traffic congestion. On October 22, 2009, the regular work day hours will be changed from 8:00-5:00 pm to 8:00-3:00 PM. By moving the end of the work day to 3:00 pm on this day, those leaving campus at 3:00 pm should encounter significantly less traffic and experience reduced inconvenience.
Will University buses for students and staff be affected?
Campus buses will operate under a normal schedule throughout the day.
Is UNC Hospitals operating on a normal Thursday schedule?
UNC Hospitals will operate as normal, with the exception of campus clinics. In order to help alleviate traffic congestion and provide the best customer service possible, the on campus clinics will close at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 22nd.
Where should fans with Recreational Vehicles (RVs) park?
RV parking is available at the Friday Center after 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. There is no RV parking on campus on Wednesday evening or Thursday.
Will residential streets in Chapel Hill be affected?
To help facilitate the mobility of fire, rescue and police vehicles, several roadways will be restricted from approximately 3 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Local residents in the impacted areas will be contacted in advance and provided special instructions. On game night, residents may be asked to show access permits or valid driver's licenses for the restricted access neighborhoods.
