University of North Carolina Athletics
#HappyBlueYear At The Smith Center
December 31, 2013 | Men's Basketball
Tuesday's home game against UNC-Wilmington marks just the third time in the last 50 years that Carolina has hosted a men's basketball game on New Year's Eve. To celebrate, the Tar Heels are turning the 5 p.m. tipoff against the Seahawks into #HappyBlueYear, with the game featuring several unique twists:
For only the second time in program history, Carolina will wear blue jerseys at the Smith Center. The other was a Dec. 6, 1990, game against Connecticut. As part of the ACC/Big East Challenge, UNC was officially the road team for that game, and accordingly wore blue. This time, the Tar Heels just wanted to get in the festive spirit and give fans the chance to see those famous blue uniforms one time only at the Smith Center. Buzz Peterson's UNC-Wilmington club will be wearing white.
New Year's Eve--check it, Blue Year's Eve--celebratory items will be handed out to students in the risers.
Halftime will feature a performance from the Hyper Dogs. The Hyper Dogs are trained by John Casey, a Purina dog trainer. He can be send with some of his trainees here:
GoHeelsTV cameras were on hand at practice Monday morning and filmed several features with the players, including their New Year's resolutions. Those spots will be shown on the Smith Center video board during timeouts on Tuesday.
Fans are encouraged to come dressed for the game (tickets are available) in their Happy Blue Year finest. Follow the event preparation and share your 2014 Tar Heel plans with the hashtag #HappyBlueYear.
