What the fight for UNC’s Dean Dome says about the future of college sports
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The Dean E. Smith Center, home to UNC basketball since 1986, faces urgent renovations estimated between $150 million for basic repairs to $600 million for a major facelift, with proposals also considering building a new arena either on-campus or at Carolina North, 3.5 miles away.
- The debate over the arena's future has deeply divided the UNC community, with alumni, former players, and fans strongly opposing moving off-campus due to tradition and emotional ties, while the administration emphasizes financial viability and modern revenue needs.
- Initial plans to move the arena to Carolina North were met with backlash, leading UNC to slow the process, improve transparency, and form an advisory council of former players to involve stakeholders in decision-making.
- Three main options
