Over the last few months, the talk in Chapel Hill has been the upcoming Carolina North project, which the university aims to include a brand-new basketball arena as part of this major building process.
There's been plenty of pushback from former coaches, alumni, and others who simply love the Dean Smith Center, as no one wants to see the historic venue replaced, let alone relocated off campus.
One important question that hasn't really been addressed (at least to this point) is: what will happen to the UNC women's basketball program, more precisely, the historic Carmichael Arena?
The women's basketball team is moving
Regardless of whether the university elects to relocate or renovate, the women's basketball team is set to have a new home.
The 60-year history of #UNC basketball games at Carmichael will end when either the Smith Center is renovated or a new arena is built. The men's team's new home will also be the women's team's home, and both teams will have practice facilities. https://t.co/8Cjt75K8sD
— R.L. Bynum (@RL_Bynum) February 11, 2026
R.L. Bynum was the first to share that the UNC women's basketball program will be moving out of Carmichael Arena. Regardless of the decision made about the men's arena, both programs will share a home in the near future.
If Carolina North is selected, the two programs would share the venue for games and have separate practice facilities. Renovating the Dean Dome would likely require demolishing the Khoury Natatorium, adding to the cost of building a new home for the swimming and diving team, to make this all possible in its current setting.
Now, the women's team won't be affected in the foreseeable future, as they will still be able to call Carmichael Arena home until the new project is completed. The men, on the other hand, will have to find a temporary home if the decision is to renovate the Dean Smith Center, but could play there until a potential new arena is built at Carolina North.
At this point, we all just want a resolution
This back-and-forth has been going on for way too long. While the two sides battle it out, the fans just want to know the outcome. At this point, it feels like unnecessary delaying of an announcement is going on, and it's time that the university makes a decision on the future of the Dean Smith Center.
If the goal is to move the UNC basketball programs to Carolina North for revenue reasons, just pull the trigger and do it. If the backlash from the former Tar Heels is keeping this a discussion, start building plans to renovate the Smith Center and give those who poured their heart, sweat, and tears into this program what they all want: to keep the historic arena right where it belongs.