About
The Dean E. Smith Center (more commonly known as the Dean Dome) is the home of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team. The Smith Center is the fifth largest college basketball arena in the country and one of the most famous. It's been home to three national title teams and two Hall of Fame coaches - Dean Smith and Roy Williams.
(Photo by Beauty Playin 'Eh from Flickr)
History
The North Carolina men's basketball team played their home games in four previous stadiums, most recently Carmichael Auditorium from 1965 to 1986. In 1982, construction began on a new stadium at the south end of North Carolina's campus. The project used no university funding or state taxes, and was instead funded by private donations.
On Jan. 18, 1986, the Dean E. Smith Center hosted its first game for the North Carolina men's basketball team. In a clash of unbeaten teams, the undefeated and top-ranked Tar Heels defeated No. 3 Duke 95-92, adding to the storied history of arguably the most famous rivalry in college sports.
The Tar Heels won national championships in 1993, 2005 and 2009, while playing their home games in the Smith Center. Coach Dean Smith amassed an impressive 133-17 record at home in the arena that holds his namesake.
There have been numerous renovations to the Smith Center since its opening, most recently the addition of a new ribbon board surrounding the court in 2012.
(Photo by Brian Allen from Flickr)
Quick Facts
Since the Smith Center's first full season in 1986-87, the team has ranked in the top five nationally in attendance every year.
The maximum distance from seat to court is 675 feet.
The four high-resolution video boards measure 17.8 feet x 23.6 feet each.
In 2001, a student-only section opened on the baseline (known as the risers) which allowed 400 students to move courtside, near the Tar Heels bench.
Specifications
- Capacity - 21,750 for basketball games, 20,380 for concerts
- 300,000 square foot stadium on 7.5 acres of land
- Construction costed over $34 million, from 2,362 donors
Arena Details
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: closed
*Except for event days and basketball practices
Contact Information
300 Skipper Bowles Dr.
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Administrative Office # (919) 962-7777
Sources:
http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205720085
http://www.unc.edu/interactive-tour/athletics-and-recreation/dean-e-smith-center/
http://espn.go.com/espn/thelife/news/story?id=3881951
http://www.visitnc.com/listing/dean-smith-center
