Few university athletic programs carry a brand as recognizable—or beloved—as Carolina.
From Michael Jordan and Dean Smith to Mia Hamm, Phil Ford and Erin Matson, Carolina Athletics is known for legendary coaches, championship moments and generations of remarkable student-athletes.
Fans know the names and stories. Now they can see where some of that history was made.
Carolina Athletic Facility Tours take visitors behind the scenes at many of UNC’s celebrated sports venues. The experience also highlights the close connection between Carolina Athletics and tourism in Chapel Hill.
UNC sporting events bring thousands of visitors to our community each year. Fans stay in local hotels, dine in restaurants, shop along Franklin Street and explore Chapel Hill. These tours offer another reason to visit—and perhaps stay a little longer.
Where Champions Play
Led by knowledgeable guides, the 1½- to 2-hour tours combine Carolina sports history with an inside look at where Tar Heel student-athletes train and compete.
Depending on athletic schedules, visitors may see Carmichael Arena; Fetzer Gym, home to gymnastics, wrestling and fencing; Dorrance Field; Eddie Smith Field House; the Koman Indoor Practice Facility; and Karen Shelton Stadium.
Baseball fans may visit Boshamer Stadium and the Baseball Museum. Another highlight is Kenan Stadium and the Loudermilk Center for Excellence. Walking into Kenan when the stands are empty offers an entirely different view of one of Chapel Hill’s most recognizable landmarks.
Boshamer Stadium image courtesy UNC-Chapel Hill Athletics
Visitors may also walk through spaces where players prepare before heading toward the field. For a Carolina fan, it is about as close as you can get to experiencing gameday from an athlete’s perspective.
Because these are active facilities, tour access may change based on practices, competitions and special events.
More Than a Tour
A Carolina game is never just an event inside a stadium or arena. Visitors walk Franklin Street before tipoff, meet for dinner after the game and return to favorite local businesses. Parents bring children—and sometimes grandchildren—to experience traditions that have become part of their family stories.
Behind-the-scenes tours extend that connection beyond the scoreboard. You do not have to attend a game or be a lifelong Tar Heel to enjoy the experience. Sports fans, families, prospective students and anyone interested in university history will find plenty to appreciate.
Plan Your Visit
Tours last approximately 1½ to 2 hours, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Photos are welcome, but video recording is not permitted. Must book two weeks in advance.
Parking is available at Rams Head Parking Deck, 340 Ridge Road. General admission is $50 for adults and $40 for youth under 18. Children under four are free. Payment is made by credit card upon arrival.
Options include the Central Campus Athletics Tour, Dean E. Smith Center Tour, Kenan Stadium Tour and a premium Golf Cart Access Tar Heel Athletic Facility Tour ($10 extra charge) .
UNC vs. Duke game at the Dean Smith Center courtesy Jeffrey A. Camarati, UNC-Chapel Hill Athletics
For tour questions, email CarolinaAthleticFacilityTours@gmail.com or text 919-238-9894. Or visit the website GoHeels Carolina Athletic Tours. For general visitor information, call the Chapel Hill/Orange County Welcome Center at 919-245-4320.
Now Tar Heel fans can do more than admire these iconic facilities from the outside. They can go behind the scenes.
(Top image: courtesy UNC Athletics Communications)
