UNC hasn’t decided about the future of the Smith Center.
The decision was leaning toward a new arena at Carolina North in December but former Carolina players and alumni, led by Coach Roy (241-40 at DES) and alum/businessman Rusty Carter of Wilmington, weighed in last month with opposition to moving the arena off campus forcing a delay.
They formed “Committee for a South Campus Arena” and introduced Williams, Carter, Tyler Hansbrough, the ACC’s leading scorer ever, and began a petition campaign to “renovate not relocate” which had 32,000+ signatures 2/10. The petition is at renovatesmithcenter.org website. In response, the university plans two stakeholder committees (one of basketball folks and another for student concerns).
The committee spread the word with ads in the campus newspaper and signs at the Smith Center explaining what they’re doing and why.
In early February, they asked the university for a “full and independent cost study of a phased Smith Center renovation with seating and revenue figures so we can have an accurate comparison.” The university hasn’t responded.
Years ago a consultant offered six options for the future of the Smith Center including renovation but the specific plans and cost figures were not disclosed so lots of unverified numbers get tossed around about a new roof and other improvements would cost.
Meanwhile, UNC trustees last month allocated $8M for advance planning for the 230-acre mixed-use Carolina North campus on the site of the former Horace Williams Airport, closed since 2018, 1.6 miles north of Franklin Street.
Chancellor Lee Roberts calls the project “live-work-play-learn” with housing for students, employees, families, academic buildings, research facilities and an entertainment district with retail stores, hotels, restaurants, plazas, performing arts venues. No mention of a sports arena was made, but similar projects planned at UNC Asheville, Ole Miss and Texas involve sports facilities and student housing.
Some 2,200 undergraduate beds would be in the first phase, Roberts said. Construction could begin in 2027.
The initial planning likely will develop a site plan, infrastructure needs, remediation plans (three former landfills) are on the property, relocation of existing UNC units like Facilities Services, according to a UNC news release. No mention of costs or finances was made, but Roberts said earlier public-private funding, state, corporate and private support, revenue-backed bonds will be needed.
Another early step might be naming a Master Developer for the project after selecting a multidisciplinary design team. They’re advertising for the design work now with applications due March 19.
UNC said it plans to occupy about a quarter of the entire 947-acre Carolina North Forest tract. They said the 20 miles of public trails will be protected and improved.
Joel Bulkley