UNC Football: Pregame festivities getting an upgrade for the 2024 season

UNC football fans enjoying a home game at Kenan Stadium have grown used to a familiar, if underwhelming, pregame experience.

Tar Heel Town, centered on the Polk Place lawn between the South Building and Wilson Library, had games for kids, seating for catered picnics, and traditions like the Bell Tower Walk and the Marching Tar Heels playing on the steps of Wilson Library.

This season, North Carolina will freshen up its offerings to fans, which should make gameday a better experience.

Introducing the Bell Tower Block Party.

The biggest complaint I had as a fan was the lack of an organic tailgating scene. Since Kenan Stadium sits in the middle of campus and doesn't have a gigantic parking lot, North Carolina does not lend itself to tailgating culture.

I'd argue this is actually a good thing, as it makes it easier for students to reach and swarm Kenan Stadium. However, it does require a third place for alumni and fans to congregate before the game.

Franklin Street, notoriously difficult to park at on game days, becomes the de facto location of choice for pregame meals and drinks. In recent years, the offerings have gotten better, with the addition of Sup Dogs to supplement classic establishments like Top of the Hill and He's Not.

But now with the Bell Tower Block Party, North Carolina is bringing pregame directly on campus, right next to Kenan Stadium. Fans will have food trucks and sponsored fan zones, as well as a designated pen for the real-life Ramses. Fans can meet (and perhaps pet!) Ramses in a known location instead of having to find him wandering around campus like in years past.

Your first chance to see the new Bell Tower Block Party will be before the Charlotte game on September 7th. It's a 3:30 PM EST kick-off, so if you're in the local area and want to have some fun on campus before the game, go check it out!