North Carolina Football: Why Chapel Hill Has the Best Game-Day Experience
There's nothing like sitting out on the truck with your buddies before the big game, blasting the radio and popping drinks out of the ice-cold cooler.
HD-TV is nice, no doubt. But its nothing like being there.
You can't watch a triple over-time game from the couch and get the same fulfilling "I was there" feeling.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of need-to-see stadiums in this football country.
And whether you're a North Carolina Tar Heel fan or not, Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill is one of those places you have to put on your bucket list.
So, kick back and relax as I show you why The University of North Carolina has one of the greatest football game day experiences.
You may want to have StubHub ready on another window—
Location
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Chapel Hill, North Carolina is beautiful.
The "Southern Part of Heaven" is a very wealthy area that thrives on its citizens. According to the city's website, it has a population of just over 51,000.
Chapel Hill is filled with alluring village communities surrounded by the extremely vibrant with plenty of shopping centers, community-based festivities and schools.
It is also home to the University of North Carolina.
Kenan Memorial Stadium
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The Tar Heels play their home football games at Kenan Memorial Stadium. It is one of the most striking athletic coliseums in America.
Kenan Stadium has been North Carolina's home since 1927; it continues to excite those participating in or attending a game.
Give or take some renovations, the stadium is still just as exhilarating as it was nearly 90 years ago.
Its setting gives it a majestic glow, giving it the distinguished nickname of "America's Most Beautiful Stadium," and has been applauded by many sports magazines for its jaw-dropping scenery.
Kenan Stadium's capacity maxes out at 60,000. Will you be in one of those many seats?
Food
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What would Kenan Memorial Stadium be without concession-stand food and beverages?
Of course it has your ordinary hot dogs, chips, soft pretzels and soda pop. But expansions are being added to the stadium—new seats, more food service, rest rooms and other conveniences.
UNC fans who bought premium tickets will have the option to buy beer and wine (if they're 21 or older, of course) for the first time. Alcohol has never been sold at a North Carolina athletic venue until now.
Hooray, booze!
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Ticket Prices
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If there's one thing in life that's free, its love—love for the game.
Okay, so that's a load of... nonsense. Love is never free—its actually quite expensive.
However, in this case, its pretty affordable.
North Carolina football tickets start at $59 and season tickets can be found for $490. Perfect for those with a tight wallet.
Tradition
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North Carolina's all-time record at Kenan Stadium is 249-162-16.
According to my calculations, you'd have a pretty good chance of seeing a Tar Heel win if you visited Chapel Hill.
For 70 years, the mascot of the Tar Heels has been a ram. This came after North Carolina State named its mascot as a wolf. UNC had to match it.
After every Tar Heels win, the players will gather to sing "Carolina Victory." This was written by Robert McManeus, a trombonist in the marching band.
North Carolina has an overall 13-15 bowl record. It mostly recently knocked off the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2010 Music City Bowl.
The Tar Heels have a combined total of 77 All-American players to have worn a baby-blue jersey. They have sent 213 players to the NFL, including Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers, Willie Parker and Jeff Saturday. Nine Tar Heels were selected in the 2011 draft.
Head coach Butch Davis shifted Carolina's direction beginning in 2007 and has 28 wins since taking the helm.
The Fans
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Thousands of fans gather around the Old Well outside Kenan Stadium and await the Tar Heels to walk to the field.
They follow.
The stadium holds up to 60,000 Tar Heels fans, alumni and opposing visitors.
Don't be frightened when you see a wave of booming fans wearing a sea of blue—it's meant for the other team.
2011 Promises
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If you enjoy watching heart-pounding, power-based football games, you're in luck.
The Tar Heels return 10 starters on defense in 2011, including six seniors—UNC allowed 23.2 points per game last season and look to improve with nearly everyone back for more.
The offense returns starting receivers Dwight Jones and Erik Highsmith who combined for 1,356 yards and seven touchdowns. It also brings back the majority of its offensive line—good news for hopeful starting quarterback Bryn Renner.
North Carolina will be competing in what should be a tough Atlantic Coast Conference.
Butch Davis will have his troops ready.
Will you be there to support them?
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