<p>Ok so I'm a big fan of UNC basketball as anyone who is apart of the Carolina Blue. However, I've read and heard that the UNC crowd is referred to wine and cheese crowd which has its implications. I've also read that the Dean E. Smith Center is not as loud becuase most of its seats are taken by alumni who are relatively old and are not inclined to stand and scream their lungs out for an entire game, as young college kids would. I also read that there is a new system that has been implemented where students purchase their tickets online, which makes getting seats next your friends extremely difficult. Becuase you mught not know the person sitting next to you doesn't mean you won't actively participate like a college fan wouldn't, but you wouldn't be as compelled to simply act wild. Although UNC has had one of the better home court advanatges throughout the nation, does the Dean Dome really lack that intensity that is advertised on TV and reinforced by college basketball fanatics? I certainly hope not becuase if I am ever able to get tickets to these games, I want to experience that genuinie college passion and intensity that stems from school pride (which I know UNC has), but it should also translate into the games in reference to crowd noise.</p>
<p>I'm a sophomore (well I guess junior now..wow) at UNC and I'm going to be completely honest. What you have said is, for the most part, true.</p>
<p>The student ticket policy is now online, meaning they are easier to sign up for and therefore harder to get. I went to about 50% of games this year compared to almost 100% freshman year. And yes, somehow this system is unable to do group seating, so you can bring a friend but the people next to you two will be random. </p>
<p>The majority of student tickets are in the upper level, near the top. These aren't bad seats to watch a game but unfortunately, at such a high level you will not feel a rowdy atmosphere up there. If you're fortunate enough to get tickets in the risers, that is the only place that can be described as "rowdy".</p>
<p>Most of the good seats are indeed taken by old, rich alum. They are quiet and tend to leave early if the game is out of hand. The students, players and even Roy don't like them, but that's just the way it is. They funded the Dean Dome, they get the good seats. The Dean Dome can get loud sometimes, against NC State and Duke especially but is not sustained. </p>
<p>If you're looking for an atmosphere like say Michigan State, Maryland or even Duke, the Dean Dome is not the place. But please don't let that be the deciding factor in where you come to school. Games are still enjoyable, you will still be watching top talent and spirit for our team is unbelievably high, it is just unforunate the Dean Dome prohibits it.</p>
<p>I managed to get to all of the ACC games and a few others--pretty much all lower level/risers (I guess I was lucky?) this year as a sophomore. To me it seemed really loud and excited, and everyone seemed to join together as Tar Heels, whether or not you were friends or not. But, yes, a lot of the lower level seats are taken by alumni, but hey, you're in the building, right?</p>
<p>Just like anywhere, the fans are louder for more important games. Davidson isn't too loud, but I went to many games this year that were EXTREMELY loud, including Ohio St. and dook. Plus, UNC gives out more student tickets than most arenas, so even if you are in the upper level you are still in the stadium at least.</p>
<p>There is a reason most Carolina students are "undercover Duke fans." Said reason is because Duke's place is better than the Dome. It lacks enthusiasm. And, Duke does not have rich alum? An enthusiastic student body should fill the rafters at Carolina, not 70 year old men with laryngitis.</p>
<p>Carolina students are 'undercover Duke fans'??? ROFL...I'll have to let my d in on that one...lol! I'm sure she doesn't know she is supposed to be an 'undercover Duke fan'.</p>
<p>Btw...she said she couldn't hear herself think when she was at the UNC-VaTech game in the Deandome; so it's not like there is a bunch of knitting going on in during the games. ;) I think because Deandome is a newer, modern, HUGE facility it is not as easy to fill with noise as say...Cameron...which looks like an old high school gymnasium. BUT, Carolina fans do get pretty rambunctious...</p>
<p>(This is my 1000th post! Finally...Only took me nearly three years! Can I expect fireworks or something?)</p>
<p>Idmom, there were fireworks on the UNC campus last night. Couldn't figure out why (baseball game? graduation?), but now I know -- they were for you!!!
Congratulations.</p>
<p>yea - fireworks!! Thank you Skie...I love fireworks! Can't believe we missed them...we only left Chapel Hill three days ago. :)</p>
<p>Whether or not one likes Duke, the atmosphere at Cameron is amazing. I will say this: Duke has the worst uniforms in the ACC. All Duke related clothing has no style.</p>
<p>Not only are many of the said 70 year old men attending Carolina games typically diagnosed with laryngitis but also carpal tunnel, thus making it hard for them to knit and quietly+yell.</p>
<p>ldmom - CONGRATS! :)</p>
<p>unccharlotte - Sometimes I wonder where you come up with your information. I've rarely heard of an "undercover Duke fan," and I really don't think that people would switch over to secretly rooting for the other team because their <em>building</em> is more exciting.</p>
<p>If you want to see how good of an atmosphere the Dean Dome is, ask Lute Olson (Arizona coach), Thad Matta (Ohio St. coach said "I've never been in a building that was as loud as that building was"), Jim Calhoun (UConn coach) or Coach K. They would all say that the Dean Dome is a great place, and I think those are the opinions that matter.</p>
<p>I am a UConn grad, and born husky fan (I was born in CT)............We at UConn have a great respect for UNC, and I am sure your stadium is insane come game time.</p>
<p>There were undercover UNC fans who dressed as Duke students to get into Cameron through tenting as Robertson scholars, but I think that was more a feature of seeing another opportunity to cheer on the Tar Heels than anything else. Though dressed as Duke folks upon arrival, they quickly shucked one blue for another as game time approached. I wasn't a huge fan of the action (primarily because some of the UNC Robertson Scholars who did this were not attending Duke that semester and they ended up taking seats away from Duke seniors who did <em>not</em> have two opportunities that year to see UNC play Duke) but I appreciate the gumption involved.</p>
<p>Cameron is a unique experience. The Dean Dome is a unique experience. Each has positives and negatives, but both have these two things in common - they are home to excellent basketball programs and seat some of the most loyal, rabid fans in the country.</p>
<p>That was such a funny story to me. I could understand the Duke kids getting upset, though. I still don't think it was right to take away their rights to tent!</p>