UNC Exploring Options for Basketball Arena: Renovate Dean Dome or Build New Facility
UNC’s athletics department has taken a major step forward in its plans to address the future of the Dean E. Smith Center, home of the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. The school has commissioned a $217,000 study to explore options for either renovating the existing arena or constructing a brand new facility.
The 38-year-old Dean Dome has served UNC well since it opened in 1986, but the university is now considering whether renovations or a complete replacement is the best path forward. The study will examine both on-campus and off-campus sites for a potential new arena that would house all the needs of both the men’s and women’s basketball programs, including practice courts, locker rooms, offices, and fan amenities.
Some key factors driving this evaluation include the desire to add more premium seating options like luxury suites, as well as expand the overall fan experience. The current Smith Center has a capacity of 21,750, but the renovation plan calls for reducing that by 20-25% to make room for these upgrades. This has drawn some pushback from loyal UNC fans who want to preserve the iconic atmosphere of the Dean Dome.
Renovating the existing arena is also on the table, with potential improvements like wider concourses, more restrooms, and updated branding and technology. However, some believe building a brand new state-of-the-art facility may be the better long-term solution, even if it means moving the basketball programs off the main campus.
The $150,000 study will evaluate 3-5 different site options, both on and off UNC’s campus, and provide recommendations on the feasibility, costs, and revenue potential of each scenario. This information will be crucial as the university’s leadership, athletic department, and fan base weigh the pros and cons of preserving the Dean Dome legacy versus starting fresh with a new arena.
Regardless of the final decision, it’s clear UNC is committed to ensuring its basketball programs have the world-class facilities needed to maintain their championship-caliber performance and provide an exceptional game day experience for students and fans alike.
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