UNC worked with a firm in '13 and '14 to get an idea of what an updated Smith Center might look likeGETTY IMAGES
Major renovations to the Univ. of North Carolina's Dean E. Smith Center or "construction of a new building" for the men's basketball program could be "years away," according to Nolan Hayes of INSIDE CAROLINA. UNC AD Bubba Cunningham said such plans are "not part of the university campaign," which has seen new facilities built for many of the school's athletic teams. He said, "We need to close out the campaign before we turn our attention to something as significant as that." The Campaign for Carolina began in Oct. '17 with a "stated goal of raising" $4.25B and is scheduled to run through '22. Cunningham noted that new handrails at Kenan Stadium installed prior to the '18 football season "helped fans move about the aisles more easily." He added that he would "like to create the same effect at the Smith Center." Cunningham also said that he wants "expedited lines and improved selection at concession stands," and to "refresh and modernize the restrooms." Hayes noted UNC "worked with an architecture firm" in '13 and '14 to "get an idea of what an updated version of the Smith Center or a new arena might look like, but the school isn't ready to pursue either option." In addition to "issues with the concession stands and restrooms, the Smith Center lacks sufficient concourse space for its 21,750 seats, and it offers no lobby or double doors." Premium space for "pregame dining and halftime hospitality is limited, and there are no luxury suites" (247SPORTS.com, 1/7).
