Renovate, Don’t Relocate: UNC Basketball Legends Urge the University to Preserve the Smith Center’s Historic Place at the Heart of Campus

Renovate, Don’t Relocate: UNC Basketball Legends Urge the University to Preserve the Smith Center’s Historic Place at the Heart of Campus

Former head coach Roy Williams and former national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough recently released public videos advocating for the preservation and renovation of the Dean E. Smith Center, reigniting a passionate debate among North Carolina fans about the future of one of college basketball’s most iconic arenas. Their message was clear and emotional: modernize the Smith Center if needed, but do not move it away from the heart of UNC’s campus—or erase the history embedded within its walls.

For decades, the Smith Center has stood as more than just a basketball arena. It is a living monument to Carolina basketball, a gathering place where generations of fans have experienced unforgettable moments. From Michael Jordan’s game-winning jumper in the 1982 national championship run to Tyler Hansbrough’s bruising dominance and emotional leadership during the 2009 title season, the building has been the stage for some of the sport’s most defining chapters.

Roy Williams, who led UNC to three national championships and became one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, spoke with unmistakable conviction. In his video message, Williams emphasized that the Smith Center is inseparable from the university’s identity. “This building is part of the soul of Carolina basketball,” he said. “You can renovate it, improve it, bring it into the modern era—but you can’t replace what it represents.”

Williams’ stance resonates deeply with long-time fans who see the Smith Center as sacred ground. While critics have pointed to its aging infrastructure and occasionally subdued game atmosphere compared to newer, louder arenas, supporters argue that these issues can be addressed without abandoning the arena’s historic location. Renovations, they say, can enhance acoustics, fan engagement, and player amenities while preserving the traditions that make Carolina basketball unique.

Tyler Hansbrough echoed those sentiments from a former player’s perspective. As the 2008 National Player of the Year and one of the most beloved Tar Heels of all time, Hansbrough knows firsthand what it means to play under the bright lights of the Smith Center. In his video, he spoke about the emotional weight of wearing Carolina blue in that building and the connection players feel to those who came before them.

“When you walk into the Smith Center, you feel the history immediately,” Hansbrough said. “You know you’re part of something bigger than yourself. That’s not something you can recreate by moving to a new location.”

The debate over the Smith Center’s future has gained traction as college basketball facilities across the country continue to evolve. Programs such as Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas have invested heavily in upgrades designed to improve recruiting appeal and fan experience. Some within UNC’s broader community have suggested that building a new, state-of-the-art arena elsewhere could better position the program in an increasingly competitive landscape.

However, Williams and Hansbrough caution against chasing trends at the expense of tradition. Their argument is not anti-progress; rather, it is rooted in balance. Renovation, they argue, offers a way to honor the past while embracing the future. Improved seating, modern technology, enhanced student sections, and upgraded practice facilities can all be incorporated without uprooting the arena from its historic home.

Another key point raised by supporters of renovation is the Smith Center’s place within campus life. Located near academic buildings and steeped in the daily rhythm of the university, the arena symbolizes the integration of athletics and education that UNC prides itself on. Moving the arena off-campus, critics say, would risk turning game days into isolated events rather than communal campus experiences.

For alumni and fans, the Smith Center is also deeply personal. It is where families have gathered for generations, where students have stormed the court in celebration, and where legends have been honored with banners and statues. The recent unveiling of Tyler Hansbrough’s statue outside the arena only reinforced the emotional bond between the building and the program’s legacy.

Financial considerations also play a role in the discussion. While constructing a new arena would require massive investment, proponents of renovation argue that a phased modernization could be more cost-effective while delivering many of the same benefits. More importantly, they believe that preserving the Smith Center protects an intangible value that cannot be measured in dollars.

As the conversation continues, the voices of Roy Williams and Tyler Hansbrough carry immense weight. They represent different eras of Carolina basketball, united by a shared belief that the Smith Center is irreplaceable. Their advocacy has sparked renewed dialogue among fans, alumni, and university stakeholders, reminding everyone that decisions about facilities are ultimately decisions about identity.

In the end, the question facing UNC is not simply where its basketball team should play, but what it wants to stand for. The Smith Center has been the heart of Carolina basketball for nearly four decades—a place where history, tradition, and excellence converge. As Williams and Hansbrough urge, the path forward may not require leaving that heart behind, but strengthening it for generations yet to come.