The Dean Dome – Seating Chart Places & Spaces

The Dean Dome – Seating Chart Places & Spaces

I would say I grew up a regular Carolina basketball fan. I’d watch games with my UNC grad mom, pick Carolina to win everything in her March Madness bracket year after year (most importantly?) against Dook at any chance she could. I enjoyed watching the matches, despite my mother’s constant screaming on TV. But I knew there was going to be something different…something Special About attending the games in person and as a student. You’re right.

Here are 7 things I love about Dean Dome.

1. It feels special, no matter where you sit.

I’ve been on the second row of risers, the lower half-court bowl and on the last row of the arena. Every spot has something to offer, but one thing they all have in common is that they all feel special. The views are honestly great just about anywhere (unless you’re really short and into the risers behind the tall people, but hey, it’s about ~experience ~). You’re guaranteed a few things no matter where you sit: There will always be at least one guy who yells at the ref as if his life depended on it. There will always be sights of really cool kids wearing UNC gear. And there will always be real tar heels out there who know how lucky we are to be there.

2. It is a sea of ​​the most beautiful blue.

When I was younger I told myself I had to go to Carolina because they had the best school colors. I’ve learned that there are many other reasons to love this place, but hey, everyone looks so good in Carolina blue. I love seeing the block of light blue on the walk to Dean Dome and again when we’re all inside. There are the people who wear the shirt: they wear the classic Jordan 23 or they represent Marcus Page or Joel Berry. There is the stylish crowd who wear their nicer clothes but always make the effort to wear light blue in their expensive outfits. And – my favorite – there are the older ladies who wear the classic hand-embroidered vintage cardigans. I mean seriously… can we bring those back? We all find our own way to iterate #BetterBlue and look good doing it.

3. Awesome hype videos.

As someone who used to be pretty in the video industry, I have a lot of respect for all the hype videos they put out before and during the game. And I’ll never get tired of watching Luke Maye’s buzzword. They do a great job of showing the history of our amazing show and getting fans excited about anyone we play. One of my favorite new additions is the Tar Heel light show. The app, which fans can download, syncs up with the audio at the Dean Dome and uses the iPhone’s flashlight to produce a crazy light show. It also makes great Snapchat story content I must say.

4. The halftime shows are sometimes bizarre, but always entertaining.

I think it’s safe to say UNC doesn’t have a huge budget for hangout shows. They take what they can get. I’ve seen youth dance troupes, bungee jumpers, fast professional creators (cooler than it honestly sounds) and talented agility dogs. One of the weirdest halftime performances they’ve ever had, I had the honor of seeing it twice. Three giant inflatable animals (I think?) do bizarre dance moves and generally make the audience scratch their heads. But like I said…it’s entertaining to say the least.

5. There are always special guests.

It’s no secret that Carolina has some pretty amazing alumni. One of the coolest things about going to games is unexpectedly seeing some famous faces. For example, for my first game as a freshman, J. Cole sat courtside and set very high expectations for the rest of my games. Just last week, Navya and I were walking around getting food before a Miami game when we noticed a very, very tall guy in the crowd. I said, probably out loud, “Wait that’s Tyler Zeller.” Sure enough, the camera panned to him in the middle of the game as he received a standing ovation from the crowd. Most famously, GOAT himself, Michael Jordan, has made his way into a few games since I’ve been here. Although unlucky, it still feels great to be in the same room as a fan of the same team as him.

6. Nothing beats jumping.

Whether it’s high noon or 9 p.m., when you hear Jump Around at the Dean Dome, better channel all the energy you have and JUMP. Around. Although I said the views are great from everywhere in Dean Dome, I have to admit that the best place I take a peek at while giving information is definitely the risers. You might think you’re about to fall or stand on someone’s toes at any moment, but the feeling of the bleachers below you vibrating as the entire section jumps, cheers, and dances. There is no better way to start the game.

7. There is true friendship.

Above all, I love camaraderie. It’s not about arena size, fancy bells and whistles, or celebrity sightings. It has to do with the fact that no matter who you’re sitting next to, you know you’re going to tie my arm at the end of the game to sing your alma mater. win or lose. Young or old. stranger or best friend. We can put all other differences aside in those two hours and feel connected to 20,000 other tar heels. And this is without a doubt my favorite thing about Dean Dome.