Best Seats to see North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball
Upcoming Events Calendar
Oct 29
Wed . 03:30 AMWinston-Salem State Rams at North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball (Exhibition)
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NCNov 03
Mon . 03:30 AMCentral Arkansas Bears at North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NCNov 07
Fri . 03:30 AMKansas Jayhawks at North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NCNov 11
Tue . 03:30 AMRadford Highlanders at North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NCNov 14
Fri . 03:30 AMNorth Carolina Central Eagles at North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NCNov 18
Tue . 03:30 AMNavy Midshipmen at North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NCNov 25
Tue . 03:30 AMFort Myers Tip-Off: Beach Division (Michigan State vs East Carolina, North Carolina vs St. Bonaventure)
Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Fort Myers, FLNov 27
Thu . 03:30 AMFort Myers Tip-Off: Beach Division (Michigan St vs North Carolina, St. Bonaventure vs East Carolina)
Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Fort Myers, FLDec 02
Tue . 03:30 AMNorth Carolina Tar Heels at Kentucky Wildcats Mens Basketball
Rupp Arena, Lexington, KYDec 07
Sun . 03:30 AMGeorgetown Hoyas at North Carolina Tar Heels Mens Basketball
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NCThe Dean Dome, as it's colloquially known, offers a range of seating options catering to different budgets and preferences. The lower-level sideline seats in sections 110-114 and 125-129 are prime real estate. Sitting here means proximity to the action, though ticket prices can escalate to around $250 or more, depending on the game.
For those interested in cost-effective options without compromising too much on the view, upper-level sideline sections like 200-205 and 219-224 are solid picks. Tickets in these areas can range between $40 and $80. The higher you go, the cheaper the seats. However, don't mistake affordability for poor quality; these areas still offer a good view of the entire court, allowing for strategic game analysis.
Dynamic pricing plays a role here, with prices subject to change depending on the opponent. The price of admission can jump when rival teams come to town. The Tar Heels' games against the Duke Blue Devils are legendary and tend to sell out quickly. Even the most budget-friendly seats can rise in price when Duke is the opposition. Other Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) rivals, such as the Virginia Cavaliers and Louisville Cardinals, also see an uptick in attendance and ticket prices.
Outside of the ACC, North Carolina has had notable matchups against teams like the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers, drawing large crowds and creating a buzzing atmosphere. High-profile, non-conference games like these are another instance where you'd want to secure the best seats before they get snapped up.
Not all spots in the Dean Dome are created equal, and if you're a basketball tactician, you might appreciate areas that provide an angle to the coaches and team benches. These are sections 130-131 for the Tar Heels and 108-109 for the visiting team. Such locations offer an additional layer of experience as you can gauge team dynamics, and substitutions, and even eavesdrop on strategic discussions during timeouts.
For a full-throttle atmosphere, consider the seats adjacent to the student section—sections 115-118. Although not the best seats in terms of an unobstructed court view, the energy here is palpable, and the enthusiasm of the student body is contagious.
If you're looking for premium amenities along with an excellent view, consider the Blue Zone seats. They offer wider, cushioned seating and access to a climate-controlled lounge, albeit at a premium price that can exceed $300. These are arguably some of the best seats in the house if budget isn't a consTraint.
Timing is a critical factor in ticket acquisition. The Earlier you book, the more options you'll have, especially for high-stakes games. Keep an eye on the schedule release and act fast to lock in the best seats.
The Dean Dome offers a variety of experiences depending on where you decide to sit. Be it high energy or a tactical vantage point, the arena accommodates all. Given the Tar Heels' consistent high-level play and enthusiastic fans, a game at the Dean E. Smith Center promises to be more than just another sporting event—it's a slice of basketball culture.