Founded in 1910 in Chapel Hill, the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is a pillar of college hoops. UNC's trophy case features six national championships (1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009, 2017), dozens of ACC titles and a storied run of Final Four appearances. Legends like Michael Jordan, James Worthy and coach Dean Smith forged defining moments, from Jordan's 1982 winner to record-breaking seasons that shaped the sport.

Game days at the Dean E. Smith Center are painted Carolina Blue, with Rameses on hand, the band playing Here Comes Carolina and fans belting Hark the Sound after big wins. The Tobacco Road rivalry with Duke electrifies Chapel Hill every year, turning the Dean Dome into one of college basketball's loudest stages. Buy tickets from Vivid Seats to experience it live!

North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball Arena and Game Day Information

Home venue: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Capacity: 21,750 for college basketball games.
Parking: Most lots around the Smith Center are permit-only on game days; limited public parking is available in campus decks such as Rams Head and Craige and in Manning or Bowles lots for a fee. Tar Heel Express shuttles run from park-and-ride lots including Friday Center, Southern Village, and Jones Ferry; buying parking or shuttle passes in advance and arriving early helps avoid delays.
Cheapest month to attend a game: October.
Nearby eats and attractions: The Carolina Basketball Museum; Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery and He's Not Here on Franklin Street; Sutton's Drug Store; Merritt's Grill; Ackland Art Museum; Coker Arboretum.

Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball Tickets & 2026 Schedule Details

How much are North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball tickets?

No matter what you're looking to spend, Vivid Seats has tickets to fit your budget. Currently, North Carolina tickets start at $10, with an average price of $170. Prices vary by opponent, date, and seat location. All North Carolina tickets are backed by the Vivid Seats 100% Buyer Guarantee.

What are the cheapest sections to sit in at a North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball game?

The cheapest sections to sit in at a North Carolina game will depend on the specific matchup. However, the cheapest section is typically 215. This section offers a more distant view of the court but still provides an enjoyable game experience at a lower cost.

What are the cheapest North Carolina games to attend this season?

Looking for the best-value North Carolina matchups at Dean Smith Center? These games may offer some of the lowest prices this season:

What is the best time of year to attend a North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball game?

The best time of year to attend a North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball game is often October, when ticket prices tend to be more affordable.

Where do the North Carolina play?

The North Carolina play home games at Dean Smith Center.

Can I buy parking passes for North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball games?

Vivid Seats has North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball parking tickets for North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball home games at Dean Smith Center.

What are the most in-demand North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball games in recent history?

There's been no shortage of memorable North Carolina games. Here are some of the most in-demand games and opponents in recent seasons, according to average sold price.

North Carolina vs. Duke on February 03, 2024
North Carolina vs. Duke on March 04, 2023
North Carolina vs. Duke on February 05, 2022

When do North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball tickets go on sale each year?

Most college basketball tickets are released before the season begins, usually in October or early November.

Can I buy suite tickets for North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball home games at Dean Smith Center?

Yes, North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball suite tickets are often available for North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball home games at Dean Smith Center, although availability varies by matchup and demand. Select your game, then use the map and filters to view suites, club, or box listings.

What are the different March Madness ticket types?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main March Madness ticket options:

Session Tickets: Coverage for one session (typically two games). Most venues host three sessions over the first two rounds.
All-Session Tickets (Full Strip): Access to all three sessions at a single site—usually six games total. A cost-effective pick if you plan to attend every game at that venue.
Final Four Tickets: Entry to the tournament’s last rounds: two national semifinal games plus the National Championship (often sold as one package across two event days).

When does March Madness start?

March Madness typically begins in mid-March with the First Four games and runs through early April, concluding with the National Championship game.

Is Vivid Seats legit for North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball tickets?

Yes! Vivid Seats is a trusted ticket marketplace used by over 100 million fans. When you buy North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball tickets on Vivid Seats, every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee. That means your purchase is safe, your tickets will arrive before the event, and they'll be valid or your money back.

Are tickets guaranteed on Vivid Seats?

Absolutely. Every North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball ticket sold on Vivid Seats comes with our 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures:

Your transaction will be secure.
Your tickets will be delivered before your event.
Your tickets will be valid and authentic or your money back.

Our mission is to make buying North Carolina tickets stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Are fees included in the price I see on Vivid Seats?

Vivid Seats uses All-In Pricing, so you'll see the full cost of a North Carolina ticket, including fees, upfront as you shop. No surprises at checkout.

Will my group be seated together?

Yes, we guarantee that tickets purchased together will be together, unless otherwise noted in the listing.

What happens if my event is canceled or postponed?

If your event is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. If an event has been postponed or rescheduled, rest assured that your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For some rescheduled events, the primary source of the tickets will reissue all previously purchased tickets with new bar codes. If this occurs, the seller will notify us, and we will deliver new tickets to you and remind you to discard your old tickets.

Does Vivid Seats have a rewards program?

Yes! Vivid Seats offers a leading ticket loyalty program: Vivid Seats Rewards. Fans earn credit on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future tickets. The more events you attend, the more perks you can unlock:

A free 11th ticket after 10 purchases
Birthday rewards
Seat upgrades and VIP parties
Exclusive experiences like on-ice or on-field passes to your favorite team

What are the best seats at Dean Smith Center for North Carolina games?

Many fans consider center-court seats in the lower level to be the best seats at Dean Smith Center for North Carolina games since they offer a clear, balanced view of all the action. If you want to feel the energy up close, courtside seats provide an unbeatable experience.

How can I watch the North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball?

Regular season college basketball games air across CBS Sports, ESPN, FOX, NBC, and each conference's dedicated network (like SEC Network or Big Ten Network). Men's March Madness airs on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV.

What time do doors open for North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball home games?

Gates for North Carolina Tar Heels Men's Basketball games typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before tip-off.

North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball Schedule and Ticket Prices

North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball Dates will be displayed below for any announced 2026 North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball dates. For all available tickets and to find events near you, scroll to the listings at the top of this page.

DATE	CITY	VENUE	LOWEST PRICE
01/21/2026	Chapel Hill, NC	Dean Smith Center	$20
01/24/2026	Charlottesville, VA	John Paul Jones Arena	$178
01/31/2026	Atlanta, GA	McCamish Pavilion	$117
02/02/2026	Chapel Hill, NC	Dean Smith Center	$36
02/07/2026	Chapel Hill, NC	Dean Smith Center	$744
02/10/2026	Miami, FL	Watsco Center	$49
02/14/2026	Chapel Hill, NC	Dean Smith Center	$113
02/17/2026	Raleigh, NC	Lenovo Center	$100
02/21/2026	Syracuse, NY	JMA Wireless Dome	$36
02/23/2026	Chapel Hill, NC	Dean Smith Center	$46
02/28/2026	Chapel Hill, NC	Dean Smith Center	$100
03/03/2026	Chapel Hill, NC	Dean Smith Center	$37
03/07/2026	Durham, NC	Cameron Indoor Stadium	$2,172