UNC Basketball: Famous fan cancels event to attend game

Eric Church has drastically altered his Saturday night plans to be at the UNC basketball program’s Final Four game against rival Duke.

Without a doubt, fans of the UNC basketball program are excited for Saturday night.

North Carolina will battle rival Duke for the first time in NCAA Tournament history, as both programs will look to clinch their spot in the finals on Monday night.

We don’t have to tell you all how important this game is. In fact, we’re certain that Tar Heels fans from all over are making sure that they are available to watch the game live come tip-off time given the circumstances.

You may think that only regular fans go through drastic measures to be available for their favorite team, but one of country music’s biggest stars showed us that famous people can be superfans just like us all.

Eric Church was scheduled to perform in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday night. With the Tar Heels playing their national semifinal game on the same night, the country music superstar had a major scheduling conflict on his hands.

Although he’s very loyal to his fans, Church is even more loyal to his Tar Heels.

Church announced that he has canceled his show for Saturday night, citing the importance of North Carolina’s Final Four appearance to him. Here’s the official statement that Church sent out in regards to the cancellation:

"“This Saturday, my family and I are going to stand together to cheer on the Tar Heels as the team has made it to the Final Four.As a lifelong Carolina basketball fan, I’ve watched Carolina and Duke battle over the years but to have them matchup in the Final Four for the first time in history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast dream.This is also the most selfish thing I’ve ever asked the Choir to do: to give up your Saturday night plans with us so that I can have this moment with my family and sports community. However, it’s that same type of passion felt by the people who fill the seats at our concerts that makes us want to be part of a crowd at a game of this significance.Woody Durham always said, ‘Go where you go and do what you do,’ thanks for letting me go here and be with the Tar Heels.’”"

Fans who had tickets for the concert were posting their frustration on social media. Not only were fans upset about the short notice of the cancellation, but also were also disappointed in the fact that the concert will not be re-scheduled.

Of course, fans will receive their money back, but for them, it is a wasted opportunity.

For Church, being there for the Tar Heels on Saturday night was an opportunity that he couldn’t afford to miss. This decision just goes to show you how much the man truly loves the UNC basketball program.

Follow us @KeepingItHeel on Twitter and like our fan page on Facebook for continued coverage of UNC basketball news, views, and recruiting updates, as well as everything March Madness.