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North Carolina reportedly ‘leaning toward’ off-campus location for new hoops arena
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North Carolina leadership is looking into building a new basketball arena at an off-campus location, according to a report.
That’s per Inside Carolina’s Greg Barnes, who says UNC’s administration is “leaning toward” building a new men’s basketball arena at the Carolina North location. The new arena would replace the current Dean E. Smith Center, which has been open since 1986.
The Carolina North location is at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Estes Drive in Chapel Hill. That’s located approximately 3 miles north of the Dean E. Smith Center.
One potential reason for building off campus would be the opportunity to build out other developments such as restaurants, bars, hotels and other establishments around the arena. That opportunity does not currently exist at the Smith Center’s current location.
It’s worth noting that no final decision has been announced regarding the future home of Carolina basketball. This discussion comes in the midst of a disappointing season for the Tar Heels, who are currently on track to miss the NCAA Tournament despite a 12-6 start. UNC has lost 5 of its last 7 games in ACC play entering the weekend.
UNC will try to get back in the win column on Saturday against Syracuse.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
