College GameDay Returns to Chapel Hill for Carolina-Duke Showdown at the Dean Dome
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - One of college basketball’s most iconic rivalries is back in the national spotlight this Saturday, as ESPN’s College GameDay rolls into Chapel Hill ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between North Carolina and Duke. The show will broadcast live from the Dean E. Smith Center, setting the stage for the 6:30 p.m. tip-off between two blue bloods that need no introduction.
This marks the 14th time UNC has hosted College GameDay, tying the Tar Heels with-you guessed it-the Blue Devils for the most all-time. It’ll also be Carolina’s 30th appearance at a GameDay site overall, just one behind Duke’s 31.
And of those 14 home GameDay events in Chapel Hill? Ten have featured the Tar Heels and Blue Devils squaring off.
That’s not just a rivalry-it’s a tradition that defines the sport.
The show kicks off at 10 a.m. with host Rece Davis and analysts Jay Bilas, Seth Greenberg, Andraya Carter, and Jay Williams breaking down the day’s biggest storylines. But let’s be honest: the spotlight will be firmly on this clash between two ACC powerhouses with deep postseason ambitions.
Doors, Details, and the Dean Dome Experience
Fans looking to be part of the electric GameDay atmosphere can start lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for students and 8:45 a.m. for the general public.
Admission is free, and seating will be general admission in Sections 104 through 114. Students should enter through Entrance C, while the general public should use Entrance D.
Want to make a splash on TV? Bring a sign-but keep it clean. UNC will have sign-making stations outside Entrance C, but signs with profanity, political or religious messages, or brand promotions won’t make it past the door.
GameDay Giveaways and Fan Perks
There’s plenty more than just basketball to get excited about. Fans who download the GoHeels app and opt in for push notifications will get real-time updates and exclusive offers throughout the day. And yes, there are giveaways-lots of them.
- Rollabanas and net hats will be handed out while supplies last.
- One lucky fan will get a shot at $19,000 in a half-court contest.
- Dunkin’ and Penn Station will be offering samples and swag.
- Lowes Foods and Modelo will also be on hand with giveaways.
Security, Bags, and Parking-What You Need to Know
UNC’s clear bag policy will be in effect, and all fans will go through weapons detection systems at entry. Concessions will be available inside, but outside food and drink aren’t allowed-except for two unopened water bottles (20 oz. or less) per person.
Approved bags include:
- Clear plastic or vinyl bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 20"
- Small clutch purses no bigger than 4.5" x 6.5"
- Necessary medical items (subject to inspection)
Leave the rest at home or in your car-prohibited items won’t be allowed inside.
Carpooling is encouraged, and public parking will be available in the non-reserved sections of the Manning (middle and bottom tiers) and Bowles Lots near the Smith Center. Disability parking is available in the Williamson Lot off Skipper Bowles Drive. All lots must be cleared by 1 p.m. to prep for the evening game.
Make It a Full-Day Experience
For fans looking to soak up the full Carolina basketball experience, the Carolina Basketball Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. And don’t miss the Tip Off Club presented by Modelo, which opens at 4:30 p.m. outside the Smith Center. The space will remain open throughout the game, with a massive LED board showing the action live (weather permitting).
Ticket Warning: Stay Smart, Stay Safe
With demand sky-high for this rivalry matchup, UNC Athletics is urging fans to be cautious of counterfeit tickets and parking passes. The safest bet?
Purchase directly through the UNC ticket office or via the official SeatGeek link at GoHeels.com/tickets. SeatGeek is the official ticket marketplace of the Tar Heels.
GameDay History in Chapel Hill
This isn’t Chapel Hill’s first rodeo when it comes to College GameDay. Here’s a look back at the previous GameDay matchups held at the Smith Center:
- 2007: UNC 77, Georgia Tech 61
- 2009: UNC 82, Miami 65
- 2013: UNC 53, Duke 69
- 2015: UNC 77, Duke 84
- **2017 (Feb.) **: UNC 65, Virginia 41
- 2017 (March): UNC 90, Duke 83
- 2018: UNC 82, Duke 78
- 2019: UNC 79, Duke 70
- 2020: UNC 96, Duke 98 (OT)
- 2022: UNC 64, Duke 87
- 2023: Duke 62, UNC 57
- 2024: UNC 93, Duke 84
- 2025: Duke 82, UNC 69
From buzzer-beaters to blowouts, this rivalry has delivered every flavor of drama imaginable-and this year promises to be no different.
So whether you're lining up before sunrise, tuning in from home, or counting down the minutes until tip-off, one thing’s for sure: when Carolina and Duke meet, the college basketball world watches. And with GameDay back in town, Chapel Hill is once again the epicenter of the sport.