UNC Basketball Unveils Ambitious Plan to Expand and Redesign the Dean Smith Center for the Next Generation
In a move that underscores both tradition and progress, the University of North Carolina has announced an ambitious plan to expand and redesign the Dean E. Smith Center — home to the Tar Heels since 1986 — ushering the storied program into a new era. The renovation project aims to modernize the facility while preserving the iconic spirit that has made “the Dean Dome” one of college basketball’s most revered arenas.
According to university officials, the redesign will focus on enhancing the fan experience, improving athlete amenities, and integrating cutting-edge technology throughout the arena. Early renderings reveal a sleek, expanded structure featuring upgraded seating, improved sightlines, and new premium areas, including luxury suites and club seating designed to rival professional venues. The project also includes plans for a new concourse layout that will ease crowd flow, expanded concessions, and interactive displays celebrating the program’s legendary history.
UNC Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham emphasized that the renovation is about more than aesthetics — it’s about creating a home that reflects the program’s excellence and connects new generations of Tar Heel fans. “The Smith Center has been the stage for some of the greatest moments in college basketball,” Cunningham said. “This redesign ensures that its legacy continues while adapting to the needs of today’s players, fans, and recruits.”
The upgrades will extend beyond the arena itself. Plans include a new basketball operations complex adjacent to the Smith Center, providing state-of-the-art training facilities, locker rooms, and recovery areas. The modernization aligns with broader efforts to strengthen UNC’s athletic infrastructure and maintain its position among the nation’s premier basketball programs.
Financing for the project will reportedly come through a combination of private donations, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships. Several prominent UNC alumni and former players have already expressed interest in supporting the initiative, recognizing its importance to the university and the greater Chapel Hill community.
The timeline for completion has not been finalized, but university leaders expect the renovations to be phased over several years to minimize disruption to the basketball season. When finished, the new Dean Smith Center will blend history and innovation — a fitting tribute to its legendary namesake and the generations of Tar Heels who have made it a cathedral of college basketball.
As North Carolina continues to build on its legacy of excellence, the redesigned Dean Dome stands as a symbol of the program’s enduring commitment to greatness — past, present, and future.
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