North Carolina is moving forward with long-discussed plans to create an off-campus expansion that includes academic, research, residential, and mixed-use retail projects. It remains uncertain if this will encompass a new arena for the university's storied men’s basketball program. Chancellor Lee Roberts addressed the Carolina North project during a recent meeting of the UNC Board of Trustees.
The Carolina North expansion will cover approximately 230 acres, located about 2 miles north of the central campus in Chapel Hill. Roberts emphasized the need for this expansion in light of the rising demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees and affordable housing options. He also highlighted a state population projection predicting North Carolina will become the seventh most populous state by the early 2030s. In line with this, Roberts has previously mentioned a target of increasing student enrollment by 5,000 over the next decade.
Roberts stated, “Carolina North represents both an opportunity and, I would argue, an obligation. Most universities would give anything to have that kind of developable land this close to campus and with so much infrastructure ready in place. We feel really fortunate to have this opportunity, but shame on us if we don’t use it to serve the people of the state.”
On Wednesday, a trustee committee approved $8 million for advance planning work on the Carolina North project. The plan is to break ground in 2027 at the site of the former Horace Williams Airport. This new initiative comes nearly two decades after previous development plans were stalled by the 2008 financial crisis.
Current discussions regarding the future of the Smith Center also influence the expansion plans. The Smith Center, the home of the Tar Heels men’s basketball team for the past 40 years, is under review for potential renovations or the construction of a new, state-of-the-art arena, possibly off-campus. This consideration has led to divided opinions, with notable figures like retired Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams and former player Tyler Hansbrough expressing support for renovation efforts at the Smith Center.
In his video message, Williams reflected on his time under the late Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith and reiterated Smith's desire for the basketball arena to remain on campus, stating, “That was his wish, there’s no question. And I hope that’s where we stay forever.”
Roberts acknowledged the complexities of addressing the arena question, saying, “There’s no perfect option.” He mentioned that Carolina North could potentially serve as a good alternative, but emphasized that maintaining the status quo was not feasible. Significant capital investment will be required for the basketball arena, regardless of the path chosen.
Roberts indicated that a temporary “Band-Aid approach” to renovations at the Smith Center could cost between $80 million to $100 million for essential updates and compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. This need for funds comes at a time when athletic departments are pressured to enhance revenue, particularly with new regulations allowing schools to pay athletes directly.
Looking ahead, UNC plans to form advisory groups to gather feedback regarding the future of the arena, indicating the significant passion surrounding Carolina Basketball. Roberts remarked, “We’re going to talk to as many people as we can, get as much input as we can, and make the best decision we possibly can for the future of Carolina Basketball,” while affirming that Carolina North will progress regardless of the arena's outcome.
