BREAKING NEWS: the UNC Basketball have officially confirmed that their brand-new 60,000-Dean E. Smith Center Stadium is on track to open just in time for the 2027 NBA season…………..
Chapel Hill, NC – June 10, 2025 — In a groundbreaking announcement that’s set to reshape the landscape of college basketball and sports infrastructure, the University of North Carolina (UNC) has officially confirmed that its state-of-the-art Dean E. Smith Center Stadium — a massive 60,000-seat facility — is on schedule for completion in time for the 2027 NBA season.
The project, which broke ground in early 2024, has been one of the most ambitious in the history of NCAA athletics. The new stadium, still bearing the iconic name of legendary Tar Heels coach Dean Smith, will replace the current Dean E. Smith Center, commonly known as the “Dean Dome,” which has been home to the UNC men’s basketball team since 1986.
“This will be a historic venue not just for UNC, but for college basketball as a whole,” said UNC Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham during the press briefing held Tuesday morning. “We’re building more than just a stadium — we’re building the future home of champions, students, and fans who live and breathe Carolina blue.”
With a seating capacity of 60,000, the new stadium will become the largest basketball arena in the NCAA and potentially one of the largest indoor sports venues in the world. Designed with flexibility and multi-use in mind, the new Dean E. Smith Center will also host concerts, community events, and potentially future NBA or Olympic exhibitions.
Construction has been progressing ahead of schedule, thanks to advanced engineering solutions and strategic public-private partnerships. Funding for the project — estimated at $800 million — has come from a combination of university investment, private donations, and corporate sponsorships. A large portion of the funds was contributed by UNC alumni and basketball legends, including notable NBA stars who once wore the Tar Heel jersey.
The announcement has also sparked speculation about future collaborations between the NCAA and the NBA. While UNC has not formally commented on any NBA-related developments, the timing of the opening — aligned with the 2027 NBA season — has led to growing rumors that the stadium could host major NBA events such as the All-Star Game or preseason exhibitions.
Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis expressed his excitement about the development: “This is a testament to what Carolina Basketball means to the world. Our players, past and present, helped build this legacy, and now we’re giving future generations the ultimate stage to shine on.”
The new facility will also include upgraded training centers, expanded fan zones, interactive museums celebrating UNC basketball history, and advanced student-athlete resources, including wellness and academic support centers.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, fans can expect regular updates on construction progress through UNC’s official channels.
For now, one thing is clear: college basketball is about to get a whole lot bigger in Chapel Hill.
