UNC Basketball Unveils Ambitious Plan to Expand and Redesign the Dean Smith Center for the Next Generation
In a monumental announcement that has set the college basketball world abuzz, the University of North Carolina has revealed bold plans to expand and completely redesign the iconic Dean E. Smith Center — the beloved home of Tar Heel basketball for nearly four decades.
The new project, described by university officials as “a visionary step toward the future,” aims to transform the Smith Center into a modern, multi-purpose sports and entertainment hub that preserves the arena’s rich tradition while meeting the needs of the next generation of athletes, students, and fans.
Originally opened in 1986 and named in honor of legendary coach Dean Smith, the arena has hosted countless unforgettable moments — from Michael Jordan’s return visits to NCAA championship celebrations. Yet, as college athletics evolve, UNC leadership believes it’s time to elevate the fan experience and strengthen the program’s position as one of the premier destinations in American basketball.
UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham described the renovation as “a bridge between past greatness and future innovation.”
> “The Dean Smith Center is sacred ground for our community,” Cunningham said. “But as we look to the future, we want to ensure that Carolina Basketball continues to lead the way — not just in performance, but in facilities, technology, and fan engagement.”
The ambitious redesign will include expanded seating capacity, new luxury suites, upgraded locker rooms, and cutting-edge training and recovery facilities for players. The university also plans to install state-of-the-art LED lighting, a 360-degree video scoreboard, and enhanced sound systems to create a truly immersive game-day experience.
One of the most exciting elements of the project is a new “Carolina Basketball Experience” — a dedicated interactive museum and fan zone celebrating the program’s storied history. Visitors will be able to explore digital exhibits, rare memorabilia, and immersive displays that chronicle UNC’s championship legacy, from Dean Smith’s early teams to the Roy Williams and Hubert Davis eras.
Current head coach Hubert Davis expressed deep enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its importance to recruiting and player development.
> “This is about giving our student-athletes the very best,” Davis said. “The new Smith Center will not only honor our incredible history but also inspire the next generation of Tar Heels to chase greatness.”
The renovation, expected to begin in 2026, will be funded through a combination of private donations, university resources, and sponsorships. Early reports suggest that several high-profile alumni — including NBA legends and former Tar Heels — have already pledged their support.
Fans have responded with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. While many cherish the memories made inside the current Dean Dome, most agree the timing is right for renewal. The project symbolizes more than just bricks and seats — it represents a new chapter in Carolina Basketball’s enduring story.
As plans move forward, one thing remains clear: the heart of the Tar Heel tradition will continue to beat strong in Chapel Hill. The Dean Smith Center’s evolution marks not an ending, but a rebirth — a powerful statement that the past, present, and future of UNC basketball will always stand together, united in Carolina blue.
