The debate over whether to renovate the iconic Smith Center or build a brand-new arena for Carolina basketball is heating up, and it's not just about dollars and cents. Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham recently shared on the "Arena Discussion" podcast that while building a new arena could save $20 million, the decision is deeply intertwined with emotion and history.
“It’s not just an economic decision,” Cunningham emphasized. “We need to take more time.
There’s an emotional component to this. There’s a logical component to it, and there’s a financial component to it.”
The future home of Carolina men’s and women’s basketball, as reported earlier this month, will also house practice facilities for both teams. This decision goes beyond mere infrastructure; it touches on the very essence of Carolina basketball's identity and future.
Chancellor Lee Roberts highlighted the complexity of the issue, noting, “Our current arena, the Smith Center, is 40 years old and needs significant investment just to stay operational.” This includes essential upgrades like a new roof, improved concessions, and compliance with the Disability Act.
Roberts stressed the importance of reassessing before committing to such expenses, especially in an era where maintaining an elite college basketball program is pricier than ever. Cunningham echoed this sentiment, pointing out the financial success seen with the Blue Zone in Kenan Stadium and imagining similar potential for basketball.
The discussion is guided by three principles: winning games, enhancing student experiences, and creating a vibrant fan atmosphere. Declining student attendance at the Smith Center has been a concern, and Roberts wants to see more students closer to the action, making the arena a formidable venue for opponents.
Roberts also shared a cautionary tale, referencing Harvard’s past football glory and its inability to adapt, warning that tradition should not hinder progress. “The best thing about our program is the incredible history and tradition that we have,” Roberts said. “But that incredible legacy can sometimes make it hard to react as quickly as you need to.”
Cunningham acknowledged the challenge of balancing tradition with modern needs, especially concerning prime seating for donors. Whether opting for a new arena or renovating the Smith Center, compromises are inevitable. “There’s not one that’s going to be perfect,” he admitted.
Leadership, according to Cunningham, involves making decisions with incomplete information, a lesson he attributes to Colin Powell. “Great leaders have to make decisions with about 60 or 70% of the information and have to be convicted and move forward.”
Ultimately, Roberts returned to the core question: “Are we playing in an excellent facility right now? I think everybody knows the answer to that.” The decision will shape the future of Carolina basketball, blending its storied past with the demands of the present and future.