University of North Carolina Athletics
Marvin Williams
Photo by: NBAE/Getty Images
Know Before You Go: Hornets Vs. Celtics
September 26, 2018 | Men's Basketball
Friday's NBA preseason game between the Charlotte Hornets and Boston Celtics will be treated as an official NBA game and not a UNC athletic event. This means the gameday approach, including access, will change a little.
The information below will help fans prepare fans prepare, enjoy and celebrate this special NBA exhibition game at the Dean E. Smith Center.
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m., and Entrance A, B, C & D will open at 6 p.m. for general public entrances.
Security Screening Policy
The NBA gameday standard requires the use of metal detectors, which will be deployed for all who enter the Smith Center for the game. Please be prepared upon arrival by having all items out of pockets and small clutch or clear bags opened.
In addition, the Smith Center Clear Bag policy will be in effect. Carolina Athletics encourages fans to leave all bags at home, but the following items will be allowed into the Dean E. Smith Center:
Parking Information
More parking information is available here.
TAR HEEL EXPRESS SHUTTLES
Tar Heel Express shuttle bus service will operate from the Friday Center (located off Highway 54 on Friday Center Drive) beginning at 5 p.m. for a $5 fare (round-trip). The shuttles will provide continuous and fully accessible service, running every 10-15 minutes between the Friday Center and the Smith Center. The shuttles will operate for 45 minutes following the end the game. One-way trips are $3. Click here for more information.
The Carolina Basketball Museum will be open until 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
The GoHeelsGameDay Fan Text Service will be available which allows staff and fans to share concerns and questions and can expect to receive a timely response (919-887-9910).
Carolina Athletics is excited to expand its Tar Heel Ambassador Program to strategic locations throughout campus to offer customer experience support. Look for the pink shirts!
Follow @GoHeelsGameDay on Twitter for key GameDay information, promotions and features.
Be mindful of the active construction inside and outside the Dean E. Smith Center. Staff and Signage will be in place to help fans avoid the construction.
Prohibited Items for Arena Entrance
All items are subject to inspection prior to entrance within the Smith Center, and will be allowed or removed based upon the safety of fans and spectators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the University of North Carolina adopt the Clear Bag Policy?
The UNC Athletic Department adopted the policy to further enhance the safety and security of our fans, spectators, players, coaches, and more. This positive transition will allow for a quicker ingress, a great game day experience, and additional spacing within the aisles.
Do I have to place everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
No. Fans are limited solely to the type of bags carried into the Smith Center, not the items they may normally bring to a game that fit within pockets or clutch bags (e.g., keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards).
What about diaper bags and strollers?
Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, can carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse inside the Smith Center. In addition, strollers are allowed within the arena if collapsible. Please know there is no designated stroller drop-off area and must fit underneath individual seats.
How many bags may each person bring into the arena?
Each individual will be allowed one large clear bag -- either a gallon freezer bag or the 12" x 12" x 20" clear bag - plus a small clutch that does not exceed 4.5" x 6.5". The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and the ability to be easily searched.
May fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes. Phones, tablets, binoculars or still cameras may be carried into the Smith Center. Please know if traveling with a designated binocular or camera case, it will be searched upon arrival.
What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Fans will be able to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm.
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the arena for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Medically necessary items will be screened and permitted into the arena.
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted along with either the 12" x 12" x 20" clear bag or the one-gallon freezer bag. Fans are encouraged not to bring any bags, but the policy has been created to balance fan needs with improved public safety and convenience.
Do I have to purchase a bag from the university?
We will accept 12" x 12" x 20" clear bags that showcase different logos or no commercial identification, as well as an inexpensive one-gallon Ziploc bag. We strongly encourage UNC Gear, and will provide Team Clear Bags to be purchased on the day of the game.
The information below will help fans prepare fans prepare, enjoy and celebrate this special NBA exhibition game at the Dean E. Smith Center.
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m., and Entrance A, B, C & D will open at 6 p.m. for general public entrances.
Security Screening Policy
The NBA gameday standard requires the use of metal detectors, which will be deployed for all who enter the Smith Center for the game. Please be prepared upon arrival by having all items out of pockets and small clutch or clear bags opened.
In addition, the Smith Center Clear Bag policy will be in effect. Carolina Athletics encourages fans to leave all bags at home, but the following items will be allowed into the Dean E. Smith Center:
- Any clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12" x 12" x 20", including gallon freezer bags
- Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5"
- Necessary medical items following inspection at entry gates
- All prohibited items must be returned to your vehicles or discarded at the gates.
- No weapons of any kind are allowed to enter Dean E. Smith Center
Parking Information
- Public Parking Lots are available beginning at 5 p.m. Exact change is appreciated to facilitate traffic flow into the lots.
- $0 (free) Bell Tower Deck – South Road, Chapel Hill, NC
- $10 Bowles Lot – Skipper Bowles, Chapel Hill, NC
- $10 Craige Deck – Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC
- $10 Manning Lot – Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC
- $10 Jackson Deck –New East Drive, Chapel Hill, NC
- $10 Rams Head Deck – Ridge Road, Chapel Hill, NC
More parking information is available here.
TAR HEEL EXPRESS SHUTTLES
Tar Heel Express shuttle bus service will operate from the Friday Center (located off Highway 54 on Friday Center Drive) beginning at 5 p.m. for a $5 fare (round-trip). The shuttles will provide continuous and fully accessible service, running every 10-15 minutes between the Friday Center and the Smith Center. The shuttles will operate for 45 minutes following the end the game. One-way trips are $3. Click here for more information.
The Carolina Basketball Museum will be open until 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
The GoHeelsGameDay Fan Text Service will be available which allows staff and fans to share concerns and questions and can expect to receive a timely response (919-887-9910).
Carolina Athletics is excited to expand its Tar Heel Ambassador Program to strategic locations throughout campus to offer customer experience support. Look for the pink shirts!
Follow @GoHeelsGameDay on Twitter for key GameDay information, promotions and features.
Be mindful of the active construction inside and outside the Dean E. Smith Center. Staff and Signage will be in place to help fans avoid the construction.
Prohibited Items for Arena Entrance
All items are subject to inspection prior to entrance within the Smith Center, and will be allowed or removed based upon the safety of fans and spectators.
- Alcoholic Beverages in bottles or cans
- Artificial Noise Makers (horns, whistles, bells …)
- Bags, Backpacks or Purses which do not meet Clear Bag Policy guidelines
- Balloons
- Beach Balls
- Baby Seats
- Cameras with interchangeable lenses larger than 6", Tri-pods, and Drones
- Cigarettes or E-Cigarettes (smoking free facility)
- Explosives
- Firearms
- Fireworks
- Folding Chairs
- Hard or Soft Coolers, Packages or Containers
- Homemade Banners/Signs
- Illegal drugs
- Laser pointers
- Outside food and beverages (two unopened water bottles - 20 oz. or less - per person are allowed)
- Pets (service animals who perform assisted skills and are escorted by their direct handler are allowed within)
- Skateboards
- Umbrellas
- Weapons of any kind (including those carried with a permit)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the University of North Carolina adopt the Clear Bag Policy?
The UNC Athletic Department adopted the policy to further enhance the safety and security of our fans, spectators, players, coaches, and more. This positive transition will allow for a quicker ingress, a great game day experience, and additional spacing within the aisles.
Do I have to place everything I'm carrying into the permissible bags?
No. Fans are limited solely to the type of bags carried into the Smith Center, not the items they may normally bring to a game that fit within pockets or clutch bags (e.g., keys, makeup, feminine products, comb, phone, wallet, credit cards).
What about diaper bags and strollers?
Diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children must be carried in a clear bag. Each member of a family, including children, can carry an approved clear bag and a clutch purse inside the Smith Center. In addition, strollers are allowed within the arena if collapsible. Please know there is no designated stroller drop-off area and must fit underneath individual seats.
How many bags may each person bring into the arena?
Each individual will be allowed one large clear bag -- either a gallon freezer bag or the 12" x 12" x 20" clear bag - plus a small clutch that does not exceed 4.5" x 6.5". The small clutch allows privacy for small personal items and the ability to be easily searched.
May fans carry cameras, binoculars, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a clear bag?
Yes. Phones, tablets, binoculars or still cameras may be carried into the Smith Center. Please know if traveling with a designated binocular or camera case, it will be searched upon arrival.
What about bringing blankets in cold weather?
Fans will be able to bring blankets by tossing them over a shoulder or arm.
If I have certain items that I need to bring into the arena for medical reasons and they won't fit in the clear bag, what do I do?
Medically necessary items will be screened and permitted into the arena.
Are all purses prohibited?
No. Small clutch purses, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" are permitted along with either the 12" x 12" x 20" clear bag or the one-gallon freezer bag. Fans are encouraged not to bring any bags, but the policy has been created to balance fan needs with improved public safety and convenience.
Do I have to purchase a bag from the university?
We will accept 12" x 12" x 20" clear bags that showcase different logos or no commercial identification, as well as an inexpensive one-gallon Ziploc bag. We strongly encourage UNC Gear, and will provide Team Clear Bags to be purchased on the day of the game.
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