Dean E. Smith Center Tickets

Dean Smith Center

The Dean Smith Center is one of the most hallowed grounds in college basketball. It sits on the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and bears the name of longtime coach Dean Smith. The arena opened in 1986, and since then, the Tar Heels have won roughly 80% of their home games. The “Dean Dome” has undergone several renovations over the years to upgrade the facilities for the benefit of both players and fans. The Dean Smith Center is currently the third-largest college basketball arena in the country, with a capacity of 21,750 fans.

Where are the Best Places to Sit at the Dean Smith Center

For basketball games at the Dean Smith Center, sections 108, 109, 125, and 126 are the best places to sit. These sections are in the lower level of the arena as close to the middle of the court. Some fans may prefer sections 109 and 110, as these sections are behind the North Carolina bench, while sections 107 and 108 put you behind the visiting team’s bench. In the upper level of the arena, sections 208, 209, 225, and 226 are near the middle of the court but elevated, giving fans a great view of the entire court.

Tips for Visiting the Dean Smith Center

Fans visiting the Dean Smith Center should plan on arriving early if possible. The Carolina Basketball Museum is located next to Dean Dome and is open several hours before night games. There are also many bars and restaurants on Franklin Street, northwest of campus, that visitors can enjoy before or after games. It’s also worthwhile to walk through the beautiful UNC campus to get to the Dean Smith Center, located at the south end of the campus. This is almost a necessity, as parking is scarce in the area immediately surrounding the arena for non-season-ticket holders.

Food to Try at the Dean Smith Center

The Dean Smith Center offers a diverse range of food options, most of which come from national or local chains. The likes of Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’ Donuts, Jersey Mike’s, and Bojangle’s are the most familiar food chains. This helps create a good variety of options like burgers, sausages, cheesecake, pizza, and chicken and waffles. Fans can also get a bottomless tub of popcorn in a North Carolina souvenir bucket.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Dean Smith Center located?

Dean Smith Center is located on the University of North Carolina campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

What kind of events does Dean Smith Center host?

As a multi-purpose venue, Dean Smith Center events are always exciting. It regularly hosts basketball games, as well as other types of events. 

Which team is playing at Dean Smith Center?

The stadium is primarily used as the home for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels men's basketball team.

Where can I park for free at Dean Smith Center?

There are plenty of parking spaces available for Dean Smith Center events in a number of parking lots. Rates vary depending on the event. 

What is the seating capacity of Dean Smith Center?

Dean Smith Center sporting events can host up to 21,750 cheering fans. 

Who owns Dean Smith Center?

Dean Smith Center is owned by the University of North Carolina.

How do I get to Dean Smith Center using public transport?

Fans wishing to reach Dean Smith Center events by public transport are in luck. From several bus routes to the university’s shuttle service fans have a number of options at their disposal.