Upcoming Events at Dean E. Smith Center

The Dean E. Smith Center, affectionately known as the Dean Dome, is the on-campus multi-purpose arena on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. Since opening in 1986, it has been the home of the UNC Tar Heels men’s basketball team and a central hub for major concerts and events in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. With a basketball configuration seating capacity of 21,750, the Dean Dome offers an electric atmosphere for fans, students, and visitors alike. Whether you’re catching a game, a concert, or a special event, we’ve got you covered with seating guidance, parking options, transit details, and trusted nearby hotel and dining recommendations to help you plan a smooth visit.

Location: 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Venue Details

Venue: Dean E. Smith Center (Dean Dome)
Address: 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Capacity: 21,750 (basketball configuration)
Opened: 1986; home of UNC Tar Heels men’s basketball
Official Name: Dean E. Smith Center
Seating Chart: Official seating map available online (SeatGeek/Ticketmaster)

Parking & Transportation

On-site Parking: Available across the street with accessible parking options
Shuttle Service: Tar Heel Express park-and-ride with shuttle service to the Smith Center
Transit: Town of Chapel Hill transit information available for event attendees; ADA accessible accommodations provided
Getting There: The Dean Dome is on the UNC campus; plan extra time for campus traffic on event days

Hotels & Dining (Nearby)

Notable Facts & What to Expect

The Dean E. Smith Center has hosted UNC Tar Heels home basketball since 1986 and remains a central hub for UNC athletics.
In addition to basketball, the venue has hosted major concerts in the 1980s–1990s and is a frequent site for ESPN College GameDay in recent years.
The university has discussed renovations and expansion plans for the Dean Dome era, with no demolition as of now; the venue continues to host high-profile events.

Tip: When you’re ready to secure your seats, we’ve got you covered with reliable access to tickets and straightforward checkout. Consider coordinating parking and transit in advance, and choose trusted hotel partners for a seamless visit to Chapel Hill.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
Capacity: 21,750 (basketball configuration).
Venue type: On-campus multi-purpose arena; home of the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team since 1986; officially named the Dean E. Smith Center (also known as Dean Dome).
Seating chart: Official seating map available online (SeatGeek/Ticketmaster).
Parking: On-site parking across the street; accessible parking; cart transportation; Tar Heel Express park-and-ride options available for events.
Transit: Tar Heel Express shuttle service from park-and-ride lots to the Smith Center; Town of Chapel Hill transit information; ADA accessible.
Nearby hotels: Graduate Chapel Hill (311 W. Franklin St.) and The Carolina Inn (211 Pittsboro St.).
Notable events hosted: UNC Tar Heels home basketball since 1986; major concerts in the 1980s–1990s (e.g., Kenny Rogers, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, R.E.M.); ESPN College GameDay has been hosted at the venue in recent years.
Renamed/demolished: Not demolished or renamed; the venue remains in use as the Dean E. Smith Center (Dean Dome).
Recent developments: The university has discussed renovations/expansion to the Dean Dome era (no demolition) and has hosted high-profile events such as ESPN College GameDay at the Smith Center.

Dean E. Smith Center Tickets