The University of North Carolina is promising that two of the most iconic names in Chapel Hill basketball are not going anywhere, no matter what happens to the building itself.
UNC said Monday it will keep Dean Smith's name on any future arena and Roy Williams' name on the playing court, even as leaders weigh whether to renovate the 40-year-old Dean E. Smith Center or move men's basketball to the Carolina North expansion. The pledge is aimed squarely at calming alumni and fans who worried that a shiny new home might come with a painful loss of tradition.
University: Names Are Staying Put
“The University is committed to retaining Coach Smith’s name on the arena and Coach Williams’ name on the court whether we renovate or build new,” a university spokesperson said, as reported by WRAL. The statement lands in the middle of an officially sanctioned review of the Smith Center's future and a growing public debate pitting on-campus tradition against new revenue opportunities and updated accessibility needs.
What the Names Represent
Dean E. Smith coached the Tar Heels for 36 seasons, and the arena that bears his name opened in 1986. Roy Williams, who spent a decade as Smith's assistant and later won three national titles at UNC, had the playing surface formally dedicated as Roy Williams Court in 2018. The court dedication was announced by UNC Athletics, and the arena's history and aura help explain why many alumni oppose relocating home games from south campus, according to Wikipedia.
Money and Logistics at the Center
Chancellor Lee Roberts has framed the looming choice in stark financial and logistical terms. He has said repairs such as a new roof and accessibility upgrades could cost roughly $80 million to $100 million, a price tag that has prompted officials to study whether a modern off-campus venue at Carolina North might make more sense. Roberts told Axios Raleigh there is “no perfect solution,” and university leaders have opened advisory groups to gather input from students, donors and former players.
Fans and Alumni Pushing to Stay
The trustees recently approved $8 million for preliminary planning at Carolina North, a roughly 230-acre site north of campus. That vote has only poured fuel on a "Renovate, Don't Relocate" campaign, which has rolled out videos and petitions from program alumni and former stars. The Board's planning move and the grass-roots push were detailed by The Associated Press, which notes thousands have signed petitions urging the university to keep basketball on south campus.
What Happens Next
For now, university officials say the review will continue and that no final decision has been announced while advisory committees finish their work and studies are completed. Observers told The Washington Post the eventual outcome will shape recruiting, game-day traffic and premium-seating revenue for years to come, even if the names on the arena and court are now officially locked in.
