We enthusiastically support UNC's vision for a modern basketball arena with mixed-use development and believe this vision would be most successful at a campus-connected location.

Why not Carolina North?

We have been thinking about where the new Dean Dome should go for a while. Last week's news that UNC has been thinking about building the new basketball arena at Carolina North seems like the wrong approach: it's far away from campus and downtown, and would put a lot of traffic on our roads.

Every city in America has gone through a suburban arena phase in which they believe sticking one in a sea of parking near a freeway will reduce traffic congestion. If you’re lucky, they’ll toss in a new Chili’s or Cheesecake Factory close by. In actuality, the traffic will be terrible because there is only one way in and one way out and, other than for the three fans of Chili’s, there is nowhere to go to kill some time before or after the game.

So we have a better idea: Let's build the new arena connected to campus. That would help downtown businesses and utilizes existing parking infrastructure. Here's why:

Perfect Fit with Campus Hub Vision

• Campus sites like Odum Village are already planned as vibrant mixed-use hubs combining research, housing, retail, and amenities.

• An arena would strengthen UNC's vision to "create a vibrant activity hub at all times of day" and "attract a broad mix of people."

• The existing hub plans include enhanced transit connectivity and thoughtful urban design that would support arena traffic.

• UNC's master plan already includes realigning Mason Farm Road to South Columbia Street, creating an ideal site for an arena while preserving space for planned research facilities and other campus uses.

Enhanced Downtown Vitality

• A campus-connected arena ensures continued foot traffic to Franklin Street businesses.

• Multiple access points through Manning Drive, South Columbia Street, South Road, and Cameron Avenue naturally disperse traffic flow

• Students can maintain their tradition of walking to games, fostering the classic Carolina game day experience

Workforce Housing Opportunity

• Campus-connected sites are ideal for workforce housing, allowing early-career professors and hospital staff to walk to work and enjoy downtown amenities.

• Living within walking distance of campus, hospitals, and downtown reduces commuting while improving quality of life for employees.

• Mixed-use development around the arena could include housing options that help recruit and retain talented faculty and medical staff.

Sustainable Development

• Walking and biking would be viable options for many attendees
• Campus locations leverage existing parking infrastructure and transit connections
• Integration with planned campus hubs promotes efficient land use and reduces spraw.

We urge university leadership to pursue their mixed-use vision for a new arena at a campus-connected location, strengthening both UNC's educational mission and its vital relationship with downtown Chapel Hill.