University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Men's Basketball Gameday
University of North Carolina Men’s Basketball
Dean E. Smith Center
200 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
For patrons with disabilities or chronic medical conditions, the Dean E. Smith Center provides accommodations including accessible seating, auxiliary aids and services and accessible restrooms that will allow for an enjoyable game day experience. Accessible seating is made available at the Dean E. Smith Center in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Accommodation Requests
If you have a disability or chronic medical condition and you wish to request accommodations, please complete the Accessibility Request Form to request an accommodation. You may also contact the UNC Ticket Office at adatickets@unc.edu or 919-962-2296. Early requests are encouraged.
Accessible Entrances
All entrances at the Dean E. Smith Center are accessible for guests with disabilities. All guests should enter the arena through Entrances A, B, or D. Students enter exclusively through Entrance C.
Assistive Listening Devices/Hearing Impaired
Assistive Listening Devices are available at no charge. A driver's license, credit card or some other acceptable form of picture identification is required as a deposit.
Assistive listening devices are available on game day for those in need. Guests needing assistive listening devices should contact any GameDay staff member or call/or text the GoHeelsFan Text Line at 919-238-9894 with the requested seat location. Once the request is received, Athletic Event Management staff will deliver the device to the guest at his/her seat. Fans may also visit the Fan Services Booth across the concourse from Section 125 and near the Tar Heel Team Store (between Entrance A and B).
Disability Parking
Disability parking is available on a first-come, first serve basis in the Rams Head parking deck on Ridge Road. Bus transportation to the Smith Center from the designated disability parking area is available before events. For safety reasons, transportation to the parking area after an event is available approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the event.
For more information on accessible parking, please visit the UNC Department of Transportation & Parking Website
Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are located on the concourse level in the Smith Center.
Seat Locations
Accessible seating is located on the concourse level in the Smith Center.
Service Animals
The UNC Athletic Department welcomes trained Service Animals to GameDay. A Service Animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. A Service Animal must be under the control of the handler at all times. A Service Animal must be leashed or tethered unless doing so would interfere with the task that it was trained to perform for the individual with a disability. A Service Animal must not show aggression toward people or other animals. A Service Animal does not bark, growl, or whine unless trained to do so as a warning sign to the handler. A Service Animal does not solicit food or other items from the general public. A Service Animal’s work does not disrupt the normal course of business. Service Animals should wear current rabies vaccination tags at all times or provide proof of vaccination upon request. If a Service Animal is found in violation of these guidelines, the Service Animal will be excluded from the facility or event.
Service Animals in Training
In North Carolina, Service Animals in Training have the same access rights as a Service Animal. The Service Animal in Training must wear a collar and leash, harness or cape that identifies it as a Service Animal in Training. Service Animals in Training should wear current rabies vaccination tags at all times or provide proof of vaccination upon request. The trainer is liable for any damage caused by the animal while on UNC property. Service Animals in Training must be under the control of the handler at all times, must be housebroken, and must follow all behavior guidelines established for fully trained Service Animals. If the Service Animal in Training is found in violation of these guidelines, the Service Animal in Training will be excluded from our venues.
Emotional Support/Therapy/Companion Animals
Emotional support dogs, therapy dogs and companion dogs are not service animals as defined by the ADA and are not permitted.
Ticket Information
Accessible seating is available at all UNC Athletics ticketed sporting events. Accessible seating is reserved exclusively for customers with accessible needs and their companion(s). Depending upon availability, we will make efforts to ensure that seats for additional guest(s) will be located as close as possible to the accessible space. Typically for every one customer who needs accessible seating, we allow up to two companion seats. This policy ensures that we are able to accommodate all those that need accessible seating.
Online
How to purchase accessible tickets online:
- Go to goheels.com/tickets
- Navigate to the sport for which you want to purchase accessible tickets
- Click on "Single Games"
- Select the games for which you want to purchase accessible tickets
- Click on "Accessible Seating"
- Click "Yes, continue" to acknowledge the terms & conditions
- Select your seats either by Purchase by Seat or Purchase by Price
- Add to cart
- Select the desired delivery method and "Checkout"
By telephone
Tickets may be purchased by calling the UNC Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 722-4335 or (919) 962-2296. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding university holidays. Please inform the UNC Athletics account executive that you need to purchase accessible seating at the time of purchase. Please be specific in the type of seating that you require (e.g. wheelchair, limited mobility, sight impaired or hearing impaired seating), the number of accessible seats you will need and the number of companion seats you will need.
In Person
Tickets may be purchased in advance at the UNC Athletics Ticket Office located at the Ernie Williamson Athletic Center, 450 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding university holidays.
Exchanging Already Purchased Tickets for ADA Seating – Before Game Day:
Please complete the Accessibility Request Form to request an accommodation. You may also contact the UNC Ticket Office at adatickets@unc.edu or 919-962-2296. Early requests are encouraged.
Day of Game Exchanges
On the day of the event, please scan into the stadium using your original ticket. Upon entry please make the gate supervisor aware of your need for accessible seating. At that time you will be relocated to an accessible area.
Wheelchairs
Guests needing assistance while in the Smith Center for an event should contact the nearest supervisor or the relocation attendant at Gate B.
Accessible Concessions Window
Accessible concessions are available throughout the arena. Contact any athletic event management staff member for additional service and feel free to move to the front of the line.
A-Z
Admission Policy
Tickets are required for all fans over the age of 2 years of age. The ticket office is located at 450 Skipper Bowles Drive at the South East ground floor corner of the Ernie Williamson Athletic Center and generally opens 90 minutes prior to tip-off. More information is available at GoHeels.com/tickets.
Various will calls are indicated in this facility map:
Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is strictly prohibited to within the Dean E. Smith Center. Individuals violating this policy are subject to ejection from the stadium.
Clear Bag Policy
The Smith Center's clear bag policy will be in effect for all home men's basketball games - More details available here.
Carolina Athletics encourages fans to plan to arrive at the gate 30 minutes prior to tip-off and to leave all bags at home.
• 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
Banners and Signs
Signs and banners larger than 8 ½” by 11” or having content deemed inappropriate by Game Management Staff are prohibited and may be confiscated.
Camera Policy
Video cameras, audio equipment and cameras with professional lenses greater than 55mm are prohibited. Video recording may occur pre-game; however, is prohibited while game is in play. The use of camera flash and other related lighting are strictly prohibited during play and may result in confiscation of the offending device.
Concessions
Concessions are available in the spectator seating area at the window located behind Section 101. Concession items include soft drinks, water, and general concession items such as hot dogs, popcorn, etc.
Code of Conduct
The University of North Carolina is shaped not only by our players, coaches and employees, but by our fans as well. Our goal is to create a high-energy environment to support our team while maintaining a wholesome family-oriented atmosphere. To ensure all fans have a positive game day experience, each patron should act responsibly and be considerate of others. Event Management Staff and Stadium security will respond to complaints of misconduct. Please know Spectators are prohibited from accessing the field of play without proper consent.
ACC policies support good sportsmanship at all times.
Emergency or Severe Weather Evacuation Procedures:
Stadium security is provided by UNC Campus Police (uniformed) officers (with supplemental support provided by the Chapel Hill Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department) along with auxiliary uniformed security. Athletic Event Management staff, in conjunction with UNC Emergency Management Staff, use multiple sources of Data – including the National Weather Service and authority authorities to identify weather and other security concerns.
During any emergency inside the Smith Center, follow the directions of the PA announcer, event staff and emergency responders. Always designate a pre-determined location both inside and outside the stadium to meet friends and family in case you get separated or in the event of an emergency.
Upon arriving at your seat location, first find the nearest exit and then locate an alternate exit in case of emergency.
If you see or become aware of any activity that is unusual, suspicious or causes you concern, report the activity to the nearest police officer or event staff.
Emergency vehicles may be present around the Smith Center. Please do not obstruct the path of travel of a fire truck or emergency vehicle or interfere with any of their operations.
Entry and Screening Policy
Gates to the Dean E. Smith Center generally open 90 minutes prior to tip-off. Valid tickets are required. All containers will be searched
Fan Text and Hotline and Feedback
If you experience any issues, please tweet @GoHeelsGameDay, or reach out to any stadium staff team member. Fans may call or text our Fan Text line at 919-238-9894 to report any concerns or ask any Game Day Related questions and expect a timely response.
First Aid / Emergency Medical Services
South Orange Rescue Squad provides Medical services at Men’s Basketball games. The medical services room is located near Entry C. Fans may request Medical support from any GameDay Staff member or by calling or texting our Fan Text line at 919-238-9894.
First Game Certificates
Is this your first time visiting the Smith Center? We are glad you’re here! Come see us at Guest Services are available in the room across the concourse from Section 125 and between Entrance A and B.
Food and Beverage
Outside Food & Beverage is prohibited from bringing into the Dean E. Smith Center. Two unopened water bottles - 20 oz. or less - per person are allowed.
Gender Neutral Accessible Family Restroom
A family and handicapped accessible restroom is located across the concourse from Section 125 and within the Tar Heel Team Store (between Entrance A and B).
Guest Services
Guest Services are available in the room across the concourse from Section 125 and between Entrance A and B.
Lactation Room
A comfort room is located in the guest services room across the concourse from Section 125 and within the Guest Services Room (between Entrance A and B).
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located in the guest services room across the concourse from Section 125 and within the Guest Services Room (between Entrance A and B).all unclaimed items are turned over to the UNC Athletic Event Management Department. Please contact athleticslostandfound.svc@email.unc.edu.
Media
Members of the Media must request a credential in advance. Media will call is located at Entry D. All media requests should be directed to Steve Kirschner at stevekirschner@unc.edu.
Merchandise
Merchandise is provided by DyeHard and is conveniently located across the concourse from Section 125 (between Entrance A and B) in the Tar Heel Team Store.
Transportation & Parking
Pre-Paid Parking is available for purchase online in advance of the game. Purchase your parking and display phone or printed permit when entering the lot. Pre-paid public parking permits valid for one-time use and scanned at entry. Limit of one permit per transaction, license plate required for purchase. Purchases made with intent to resale may be canceled and refunded prior to event. Parking permit price includes parking cost plus ParkMobile convenience fee and transaction fee.
Purchase your parking and display the online permit when entering the lot. Pre-Paid game-day parking is available in the following lot:
- $12.20 Cardinal Deck
- Bell Tower Deck (after 5 pm only)
- Mon – Thur after 5 p.m.: $1 weeknight parking
- Fri – Sun: $0
- $10 Boshamer Lots
- $10 Cardinal Deck
- $10 Jackson Deck
- $10 Family Medicine Lot (Purchase of Manning Lot Permit)
Chapel Hill Transit provides the Tar Heel Express shuttle service from local Park & Ride to UNC Men’s Basketball games.
Men's Basketball Pick Up Locations
Southern Village Park and Ride -starting 1.5 hours before game time
Friday Center Park and Ride -starting 2 hours before game time
Downtown Chapel Hill, Franklin Street -starting 2 hours before game time
- The cost to ride the Tar Heel Express is $5 round-trip or $3 one-way. No parking fee is charged for any Tar Heel Express pick-up lot.
- Passengers are issued wrist bands at the Park & Ride lot that indicates the appropriate bus for return trip boarding.
- All buses drop-off and pick up in front of the Smith Center.
- Buses begin operating from Park & Ride 1.5 hours prior to game time to just after tip-off. Return trips begin immediately following the game.
Taxi and Ride Share
Taxi services, including Uber and Lyft, may drop and pick-up passengers along Blythe Drive by accessing it from Bowles Drive and exiting it onto Hibbard Drive(opens new window). An accessibility cart is available to shuttle patrons with mobility issues to and from the A & B Doors of the Smith Center and the pickup/drop off zone by the crosswalk on Blythe Drive. Other areas of campus have restricted traffic and road access and taxi services are not allowed.
Prohibited Items
All items are subject to the judgement of GameDay staff and may be removed from Dean E. Smith Center if they present a threat to others safety or inhibit others from enjoying the event.
· Alcoholic Beverages in bottles or cans
· Artificial Noisemakers (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", Tripods, and Drones
· Cigarettes or E-Cigarettes (smoke 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
· Weapons of any kind (including those carried with a permit)
Radios and Televisions
Televisions are strategically placed throughout the arena to enhance fans enjoyment
Re-Entry
Re-entry is not permitted
Restrooms
Restrooms are located throughout the concourse. A family and accessible restroom is located across the concourse from Section 125 and within the Tar Heel Team Store (between Entrance A and B).
Sensory Accommodations
At this time there are no sensory accommodations available.
Smoking Policy
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a smoke-free campus and thus smoking is prohibited within 100 feet of all campus venues and facilities, this includes E-cigarettes or other forms of electronic smoking.
Social Media
Follow @UNC_Basketball on Twitter and Instagram for season-long updates, game information, and player information.
Follow @GoHeelsGameDay on Twitter for details pertaining to Game Day information.
Student Seating
The student section is generally Section 107, 114-116 and various locations throughout the upper level.. All students must enter at Entry C.
Tailgating
University of North Carolina is allowing tailgating. However, all on-campus tailgating is subject to change based upon University Standards. Please know UNC Tailgating Policy does not allow open flames or alcohol. Most importantly, parking lots cannot be reserved, but Ehringhaus lot, Stadium Drive, and Boshamer lot have all been utilized successfully in the past.
Ticket Sales Information
Field Hockey events are not ticketed and seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. In the event of hosting a Championship, tickets will be made available through the UNC Ticket Office.
Umbrellas
Umbrellas are not allowed to be open within the Dean E. Smith Center.