UNC basketball: Report identifies six possible sites for future Dean Smith Center

Posted by Admin September 12, 2024 Basketball

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A 16,000 arena fits on all sites
Parking for on-campus options can be accommodated with existing lots and garages
There is no current cost estimate or timeline

The Dean E. Smith Center, UNC basketball’s home arena, is almost 40.

So what does the future hold for the “Dean Dome” and Tar Heels?

In a recent report, the University of North Carolina identified six possible options to consider in its quest to renovate or replace the Smith Center, which opened in 1986.

Each of the possibilities calls for a 16,000-seat arena, according to a final report produced by the school’s Physical Master Plan Working Group. Chancellor Lee Roberts delivered the report to campus leaders in August.

UNC basketball’s future home could be one of six sites

The university has been working with several consultants this year to evaluate options for the Smith Center, according to documents obtained by The Fayetteville Observer through a public records request.

In an April 26 agreement letter between UNC and Populous Architects, the university agreed to pay Populous $217,000 to design an arena site planning study and provide information by July 31.

RJ Davis interview on returning to UNC

The proposal letter features a section that reads: “It is our understanding The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill would like Populous to conduct a site selection process for a new athletic facility on or near campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.”

In another letter, dated May 14, UNC agreed to pay an additional $35,000 to Populous for a designer to conduct a renovation study for the Smith Center. Several baseball stadiums, including the homes of the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves, and the Sphere in Las Vegas are among Populous’ previous projects.

The 38-year-old Smith Center has 21,750 seats, which makes it the fourth-largest arena in college basketball behind Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center (22,090), Kentucky’s Rupp Arena (23,000) and Syracuse’s JMA Wireless Dome (34,616).

In 2013, UNC explored the possibility of renovating or replacing the Smith Center. Those plans were put on hold, but they would have included premium club seating options that would eliminate a section of upper-level seats.

A $4.2-million project, which included upgrades to the locker room and players’ lounge, took place in 2016.

In June, the university distributed an online survey to fans, asking for their input and priorities for the next home of UNC basketball. A poll is included below.

Future home of UNC basketball, Smith Center

Here’s a breakdown of the six possibilities for the future of the Smith Center, which includes two off-campus locations:

Carolina North

One of two off-campus locations being considered, an arena at Carolina North would provide further infrastructure study to qualify costs and schedule for the 250-acre research and academic property, according to the report. The site is near former Horace Williams Airport off of Estes Drive, about 5 miles from the Smith Center.

Bowles Parking Lot

Positioned within walking distance of the current Smith Center, the Bowles Lot site would require the replacement of 620 parking spaces, along with addressing sewer and water lines, per the report.

Friday Center

Another off-campus location and popular parking spot for fans to take buses from N.C. Highway 54 to the Smith Center, a Friday Center location would require structured parking to accommodate an arena and relocation of existing uses on site. It’s roughly three miles from the Smith Center. If one of the off-campus sites comes to fruition, the university is expected to provide bus transit for up to 3,000 on-campus students for each game, according to the report.

Odum Village

This conflicts with the current campus master plan land use, according to the report, as it relates to academic, research and ecological restoration. Parking can be accommodated with existing lots and garages on campus. Located near UNC Hospitals off of William Blythe Drive, the Odum Village area is about a mile from the Smith Center.

Dean Smith Center Renovation

This option would require the Tar Heels to play at an off-site location during construction and a new natatorium for the swimming programs (Koury Natatorium is adjacent to the Smith Center).

Dean Smith Center Replacement

This would require many of the same changes as a renovation, according to the report. Cost estimates and timelines aren’t featured in the 13-page report.

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on X/Twitter.