Cancel

Open app

Search

Dean E. Smith Center

4.5 (46 reviews)

Dean E. Smith Center Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Dean E. Smith Center

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Church at the dome today. Summit church joined all their campuses together for one two services at Dean E Smith Center. WOW...
Jeannette A.

WOW... Summit Church joining together in one place to worship Jesus. I've never been to such a huge church service. What a great experience and SO MANY PEOPLE came forward to get baptized. #Summitchurch #churchatthedome #ThankyouJesus

TarHeels game!
Marie P.

I had a blast at my first Tar Heels game ever. When we arrived, we parked in one of the commuter lots and took the Tar Heel Express in. It was advertised as three dollars one-way or five dollars two way, but they didn't charge us that night which was pretty awesome. Also, parking is free after 6 PM. If you Google "TarHeel Express" the info will come up for how to park this easily. We got bussed in with no wait and hit the concessions. Most items are priced at around seven dollars, which isn't bad for a sporting event. There is no alcohol which totally makes sense given that this is a college. I got soda and some pretzels, which were totally average. They were very efficient with the food and payments. We had nosebleed seats near center court and they were actually fantastic. We could still see the game quite well and were able to see all the action. Around this time of year, they offer promotions for inexpensive seats because the students are leaving for break. So, we got our tickets for $11 each. Also, the seats were comfortable and not too tight. They had lots of little entertaining moments with the pep squad, the cheerleaders, and a little halftime show that featured pogo stick experts. Overall, I had such a great time. Even non-basketball fans will have a great time.

Rick D.

GO HEELS! No place like the Dean Center to see Tar Heel Basketball but, I got the Flu here, So unlike Football, you are packed in like sardines with everyone in the winter months, and as we know campuses are a hot zone for this kind of stuff. Rather than worry about parking , if you are at one of the hotels near Franklin Street, Walk to the Carolina Inn grab a drink or something to eat and then get a ticket for the free shuttle, this is the only way to go and they pick you up after the game and take you back.

Lots and lots of rivalries in this picture!  GO PACK
Kelly C.

Lots and lots of rivalries in this picture! GO PACK From wiki - The North Carolina-NC State rivalry, also known as the Carolina-State Game, North Carolina-NC State game, NCSU-UNC game, and other similar permutations, is an ongoing series of athletic competitions between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels and North Carolina State University Wolfpack. The intensity of the game is driven by the universities' similar sizes, the fact the schools are separated by only 25 miles, and the large number of alumni that live within the state's borders. Both are charter members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and are part of the Tobacco Road schools. The most popular games between the two are in football, basketball, and baseball.

Kiara I.

We LOVED the Dean E. Smith. I brought my brother on an unofficial visit to UNC and he loved it. We arrived on the campus and toured the Men's Basketball Museum it was really cool. The staff there was really nice. We visited the Dean E. Smith Center but there was a game going on we just wanted to see it. The stadium was really nice and big it's different to see it without people inside of it. It was really clean I am sure because no one was there. There was staff member there cleaning up the halls and stuff and he stopped to talk to him he told us about UNC and the basketball players, we really happy that we ran into him. The parking was great there was an open parking lot right across from the Center. Overall nice Arena and I can't wait to go to a game there.

Outside of the Dean E. Smith Center.
Eric T.

Affectionately known as "The Dean Dome", the Dean E. Smith Center is a near 30-year old multi-purpose arena named after the UNC's greatest coach & innovator, Dean Smith. It is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and fairly easy to find. It is also located next door to the Carolina Basketball Museum (a must-see). As storied as this arena is, tickets are really difficult to get here. If you are among the most fortunate to sit on the lower bowl, fantastic. Most of those that want to observe an ACC game, such as when my Wahoos come to town, usually sit in the higher sections. The best games to sit in the lower bowl are usually non-conference, when the Tarheels play against formidable opponents, such as the D-III Little Sisters of the Poor, and the Devry Institute Runnin' Geek Squad Pandas. Nonetheless, its kinda great to come here for a game. The student section can get rowdy at times, but you'll find that anywhere. In fact, the place reminds me of games at University Hall at UVA: rowdy in spurts, yet sorta ho hum, another blowout win over a bottom-tier ACC school. The Dean Dome doesn't have the close sort of environment that you'll easily find at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium, yet I think that this is by design to accommodate a very large student body + huge regional and national following of fans. Altogether, I'd certainly return, if I maintain the same hook up with tickets.

Wake Forest vs Tar Heels!
Rose L.

Thanks to Ron W. I saw my first UNC game at the Dean E. Smith Center {they won against Wake Forest--go TAR HEELS!} We arrived early for the game, parked off Rosemary ($4 for the entire time) for dinner and road the Express Bus ($5/person, round trip) directly in front of Carolina Cafe, to the stadium for drop-off in front of gate A. I really don't think there's a bad seat in the Stadium, although I'm sure the closer you get, the better. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I went to a college stadium to watch a game, but the experience here was great. My first shock: no adult bevies served?! I learned this is common at college stadiums. And while bags were "eye-checked" by students, I'm sure you'd be able to slip something inside if you're desperate. They do have a huge variety of food stands, although I didn't try any, I saw students eating popcorn, nachos and even chick-fi-A and dip'n'dots. Two things I noticed that are different from my post, professional stadium experiences: there's no jumbo-tron hanging from the middle of the ceiling, all the stats will be off to one side. Also, the student section is directly behind one of the goal posts (and no signs are allowed within the stadium). If you're a long-legged person, you might feel like you're in an airplane, there's not a plethora of leg space, and you'll have to sit on all your winter gear if it's in-season.

LJ R.

Of course I'm bias I love UNC basketball and everything associated with it. I actually had a UNLV hat on and took it off for respect, anywhere else I would've wore it, at Durham I did haha. No I think I took it off too haha. It holds a few more thousands than the Thomas and Mack and has a lot of banners and jerseys hanging from the rafters. It's NICE I love it. Look I see MJ LOL If you're just visiting come on a day there aren't events in the center like a game. There as a row of parking meters in the parking lot across the street at Skipper Bowels Dr and Williamson Dr otherwise you will need a parking permit. $0.25 for 10 mins. If u want to indulged load that meter up with coins. There's also more meter parking by the Kenan Stadium. Don't forget to take a sip out of the Old Well which is said to give good luck. If coming from the parking lot along Skipper Bowels Dr don't work your way to the right around the center there's nothing to see. Left of the center is where you want to go. There's more to see. If the gate doors to the center are closed try the Basketball Offices doors, on the left of the center, this is where you will also find the trophies and championship rings. I think there's also a museum but the doors were locked. I'm not sure if this is open to everyone or if it was just my charm but if you want to take a peek of the court go in through the Basketball Offices (2nd floor) and take the elevators up the 3rd floor. According to the info on the elevator these floors are open to the public. Do not go down to the 1st floor that's the locker rooms and court floor OFF LIMITS if someone abuses this PRIVILEGE they'll probably stop opening up the center for us all. Not many places allow this I've tried. Also you can see the trophies and rings, how sweet is that. There's so much going on in here. I could just sit down in the seats and imagine watching all the UNC greats or a Duke vs UNC game. Facility wise I still love the Thomas and Mack Center of UNLV cause there's more features. But this is one of the best too. I would love to come back for a game. GO TAR HEELS!!! Well except when its against UNLV maybe it all depends on the situation LOL.

The daughter & I we Love our Tar Heels! Hope she becomes a Tar Heel but if not maybe A Iowa Hawkeye
Brian B.

I was able to make a dream a reality. It wasn't during a game but was able to visit with my daughter. We were able to walk around. I got to talking to a guy that works their & realized he was from Iowa as well. He ended up giving me an extra shirt that he had laying around. I hope one day I will be able to return & cheer on my favorite basketball team but it was such a joy just to be in the home of our Tar Heels. I've got the joy of seeing them play twice in Kansas but never at home.

Carolina v. Duke with a Heels win!!
Caro M.

I was lucky enough to get to see Carolina beat Duke at the Dean Dome on 3/4/17. We caught a bus over that dropped us off at the front door and took us back. Round trip was $5 and totally worth it. The atmosphere was great and voices truly carry throughout the Dome. It can get very loud. It was nice to have closer circuit TVs mounted throughout the lower level seats so we could get zoomed in footage of the action. Coming from a tall person, the seats were comfortable and leg room was fairly ample all things considered. If you take a bag, you have to be checked and have a wristband secured the the bag. The food wasn't anything especially fantastic, but it was what you would expect for stadium food. The restrooms were clean.

See all

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Rick D.
206
726
11098

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kevin S.
99
1141
82

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Eric T.
959
1259
3145

11 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Rose L.
932
1104
3361

10 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of LJ R.
932
626
6982

14 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Caro M.
187
481
1732

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mark L.
1487
1039
11954

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Ed S.
22
396
28

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Dee B.
4960
1107
661

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of William J.
8
338
228

18 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of K G.
0
4
0

13 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Chris D.
16
45
18

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of David T.
26
12
116

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lisa W.
327
409
1718

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

The smith center is a great place for basketball, even if it gets loud, everyone has some fun.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kim H.
575
1195
1244

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - Dean E. Smith Center

Review Highlights - Dean E. Smith Center

My favorite experience at the Dean Dome however is probably giving blood at the annual Carolina Blood Drive in the summer.

Mentioned in 13 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

Get access to customer & competitor insights.

Verify this business

Kenan Stadium - Banana Ball April 12th, 2026

Kenan Stadium

(26 reviews)

We had a good time at the Savannah Bananas game that was held at the stadium…read more I imagine this was just a random thing but the seats we were in had a lot of little red mites crawling on them. Nothing that would harm us, but it was just weird! Parking for this stadium is not great.

Centrally located on UNC's incomparable Chapel Hill campus, Kenan Memorial Stadium is a perfectly…read moresized, 50,000-seat facility with terrific sight lines, airy concourses and an intimate vibe. Seats in the lower bowl are comfortable (if a bit tight), and provide great views of the field. I was surprised at the small size of the student section in the west endzone, but even after Bill Belichick's arrival, Carolina is still first and foremost a basketball school. Food options are better than I would've expected at a college football stadium, from Carolina BBQ and nachos to Chick-fil-A and Merritt's (IYKYK), but the beer selection could use some improvement. There are a handful of local options (Sky Blue Kolsch is the most widely available Carolina craft), but Modelo and Budweiser are the dominant choices. Parking on game days can be tough unless you're a Rams Club member, so buy a pass early if you want a spot on-campus or score one on Franklin St. But a walk through the gorgeous Carolina campus is always a good choice, especially on a crisp fall day during football season. So get to campus early, stop by the Old Well for a photo, and take the game day experience in the Lower Quad. Then follow the crowds into Kenan and get ready to cheer on the Heels!

Boshamer Stadium

Boshamer Stadium

(2 reviews)

What I like: - The…read moregreat American pasttime, on the cheap tickets-wise in the middle of spring/early Summer ($7 for first and third base line seats, free if you're UNC student/faculty/staff). And UNC baseball isn't too shabby either (yes, they're a bit down this year, and Coastal Carolina is the best team in the Carolinas right now, but they'll be back!) - The seats are accessible, and the views are great: no obstructed seats, no far out of the way seats. There are boxes at the top of Boshamer, and a few mini-box things on the first base line, but everything else is down near the action. It's nice to be able to watch baseball so up close and personal. However, -Concession prices: Yes, I understand that you need to make $ somewhere, but the prices, well, the prices seem Major League level... $4 for 20 oz of a fountain drink? $5 for 32 oz? A little excessive all things considered (and considering opened containers can't come in, it creates a captive audience. To be expected, but still. So basically, go for the cheap game and the awesome view of America's pasttime, and buyer beware when it comes to concessions.

Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd, buy me some peanuts and cracker…read morejacks.......... come on everyone sing along!!! This is a great place to watch a baseball game if you are a Tar heel fan or not. Boshamer has been in use since 2009 I think. There are good seats everywhere. I think it holds a little more than 4,000 fans and if you have some money to burn you can donate and then you can use a suite. There are 2 grills to purchase food from to enjoy as well as a few food carts selling ice cream dots and pretzels. The grill, the Bosh Pit Grill, have the usual foods to choose from like Domino's Pizza, chicken tenders, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, sodas, peanuts, candy bars and yours and my favorite, Cracker Jacks. The food is nothing to crow about but it is decent. This week I ordered the chicken tenders with french fries ($7.00). The prices of all foods here are very high. I recommend to eat ahead of time then go to the baseball game. Location B Food C Staff C Decor (stadium) Health Inspection 92.0

Dorrance Field

Dorrance Field

(4 reviews)

They have completely renovated it and it's no longer called Fetzer Field. For the time being it…read moregoes by the generic Soccer and Lacrosse stadium. They got rid of the track and build the stands up closer to the field, you're much closer to the action now and can sit on both sides, along with one endline -- in the old Fetzer, you could only sit on one side. There are individual stadium seats but they are not comfortable, the seatbacks push your back up too far. UNC's soccer and lacrosse teams (both men's and women's) are usually ranked, so you'll see good quality play here. They also have concessions and restrooms. If it's during early fall or late spring, it could get hot and sunny. Bring some sunscreen on those days.

Nice stadium. Shitty…read moreUNC fans. They were heckling the visiting players and loudly chanting "tar heels!" when our visiting team started chanting support for our children. Drowning out parents' chants of support for their kids? Childish. UNC should be ashamed to allow their supporters to drown out the sounds of proud chants and call-outs for the visiting kids, and then follow it up with mocking the visiting team's players. Mocking student athletes sweating their heart and soul out on the field? What the hell kind of parent does that? UNC parents do. At least one UNC fan sitting on our side yelled out "show some class!" One. We would yell over to the UNC parents, "what did you just say?" and they'd turn into crickets. We never said a negative thing about a UNC player and never tried to reciprocate their behavior. I was tempted to video them to post on social media but, again, don't go low, go high. They were disgusting cowardly bullies. Even we visitors would acknowledge a good score by UNC because an athlete made an awesome move and we support and honor ALL athletes. Granted it wasn't exuberant, but a polite clap and "wow, great score, we still got this, though!" Shame on you, UNC, and the parents who demean others. You ruined a spirited and fun event with rude, arrogant and selfish actions. No wonder the world laughs at this "me me me" school. Nuts don't fall far from the tree.

Media & Design Center

Media & Design Center

(3 reviews)

The MRC is open to students, faculty, staff and alumni. Wanna "rent" a movie-- for free that is,…read moreswing on by and pick out what you want-- that is if it's in stock. There are tons are DVDs to choose from. They are pretty much up to speed on all the latest-- so not to worry. There are video viewing stations for those movies that are not to leave the center; typically those that have to be watched for a class. There's a lab for editing and producing your own film, as well as, a studio to lay some tracks if you can sing a little. You can also, check out a digital camera-- be sure to take it back on time it's like $30.00/Hour-- I'm not playin'-- an hour! Yeah I know how that one felt-- Ouch, anybody got a band aid? Nevertheless you have access to check them out if you like. Let's not forget that you can also check out he mini Digital Video (DV) recorders also. So if you've got a creative bone in your body or just want to pick up some movies for a movie marathon, then this is the spot.

The MRC has been a godsend to UNC students ever since it opened, and by baby steps it keeps getting…read morebetter. There are tons of movies here, all available for free checkout for students (it's like having a free Blockbuster on campus. Woot). They do tend to only have one or maybe two copies of any given thing, so getting specific titles of high-demand movies demands excellent timing and intense prayer. There are TVs with DVD players in the center if you want to watch here (excellent if you have a couple hours in between classes but don't want to head all the way home). You can check out audio and video recording equipment, too. There's some really good stuff available, actually, just be sure to reserve it well ahead of time. If you need to edit something (usually for class, unless you're a film freak like me), the digital editing lab is chock full of tens of thousands of dollars worth of top-notch digital editing equipment. Seriously, it's amazing. There's even a fully-functioning, if small, audio studio if you want to record your own music (again, booking in advance is a must). This place rules.

Dean E. Smith Center - stadiumsarenas - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...