University of North Carolina Athletics
UNC & ACC Suspend All Athletic-Related Activities
March 16, 2020 | General
CHAPEL HILL—Carolina Athletics will immediately suspend athletic-related activities, including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further notice in accordance with the ACC's decision Thursday afternoon (March 12).
Â
"There is so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and things are changing so quickly nationally, that the ACC's decision is appropriate at this time,'' said athletic director Bubba Cunningham. "We know this makes a significant impact on students because there is such a limited time to compete in college. We particularly empathize with our seniors and teams who have worked so hard and are competing for national championships. The health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, fans and visitors is our priority. We appreciate everyone's understanding during this challenging time."
Â
Carolina Athletics will consistently re-evaluate this ever-changing situation in coordination with the University, ACC, NCAA and medical staff.
Â
The Atlantic Coast Conference issued the following statements on Thursday afternoon (March 12).
Statement from the Atlantic Coast Conference:
"The Atlantic Coast Conference has suspended all athletic related activities including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further notice. The decision was made following consultation with the league's presidents and athletic directors to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19."
Statement from ACC Commissioner John Swofford:
"This is uncharted territory and the health and safety of our student-athletes and institutions remains our top priority. This decision is aimed to protect from the further spread of COVID-19."
Statement from the NCAA (March 12):
"Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities."
Â
Â
Monday, March 16 Update:Â
In response to the growing spread of COVID-19 and to encourage social distancing, the Carolina Men's and Women's Basketball Museums will be CLOSED indefinitely, effective immediately. The University has canceled all on-campus gatherings of more than 50 people.
For more about the University's response, see https://www.unc.edu/coronavirus/. Please stay safe.
Â
"There is so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and things are changing so quickly nationally, that the ACC's decision is appropriate at this time,'' said athletic director Bubba Cunningham. "We know this makes a significant impact on students because there is such a limited time to compete in college. We particularly empathize with our seniors and teams who have worked so hard and are competing for national championships. The health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, fans and visitors is our priority. We appreciate everyone's understanding during this challenging time."
Â
Carolina Athletics will consistently re-evaluate this ever-changing situation in coordination with the University, ACC, NCAA and medical staff.
Â
Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham talking about the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on Carolina Athletics. pic.twitter.com/QbBdlJ0gAG
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) March 13, 2020
The Atlantic Coast Conference issued the following statements on Thursday afternoon (March 12).
Statement from the Atlantic Coast Conference:
"The Atlantic Coast Conference has suspended all athletic related activities including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further notice. The decision was made following consultation with the league's presidents and athletic directors to mitigate the further spread of COVID-19."
Statement from ACC Commissioner John Swofford:
"This is uncharted territory and the health and safety of our student-athletes and institutions remains our top priority. This decision is aimed to protect from the further spread of COVID-19."
Statement from the NCAA (March 12):
"Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men's and women's 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities."
Â
We all have a part to play in helping keep illness from spreading. Here are some best practices, Tar Heels. #UNC pic.twitter.com/vggefv4vZC
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) March 15, 2020
Â
The NCAA has instituted a recruiting dead period for all DI sports, effective until at least April 15. While coaches will not be on the road, Coaches may still call, Facetime, text, DM, or email contactable prospects.
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) March 13, 2020
Please stay safe and take care of yourself. pic.twitter.com/UI1cH1olI7
Monday, March 16 Update:Â
In response to the growing spread of COVID-19 and to encourage social distancing, the Carolina Men's and Women's Basketball Museums will be CLOSED indefinitely, effective immediately. The University has canceled all on-campus gatherings of more than 50 people.
For more about the University's response, see https://www.unc.edu/coronavirus/. Please stay safe.
WBB: Post-South Dakota State - Nov. 27, 2025WBB: Post-South Dakota State - Nov. 27, 2025
Thursday, November 27
UNC Women's Basketball: Nivar Records Triple Double in Win vs SDSU, 83-48UNC Women's Basketball: Nivar Records Triple Double in Win vs SDSU, 83-48
Thursday, November 27
Carolina Women's Basketball 2025-26 | In Pursuit: Episode 2Carolina Women's Basketball 2025-26 | In Pursuit: Episode 2
Thursday, November 27
UNC Volleyball: Tar Heels Sweep Virginia on the RoadUNC Volleyball: Tar Heels Sweep Virginia on the Road
Wednesday, November 26



