There’s something special about a college football Saturday in Chapel Hill, where the University of North Carolina blends the traditions of its campus with the excitement of game day.
Carolina blue is everywhere, from Franklin Street to the neighborhoods surrounding campus, as generations of Tar Heels fans come together to celebrate their team.
It’s the traditions that have become part of the fabric of North Carolina football, from a pregame stroll down Franklin Street to the singing of an alma mater that has been part of the Carolina experience for more than a century.
And then there’s Chapel Hill itself.
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From the Old Well to Kenan Stadium, a fall Saturday is filled with sights and sounds that are uniquely UNC.
For first-time visitors, there’s a lot to take in. Where else can you walk through a college town awash in Carolina blue, see Rameses leading the Tar Heels into battle and join thousands of fans in singing “Hark the Sound”?
Whether you’re a lifelong Tar Heel or making your first trip to Chapel Hill, here are five experiences that belong on every North Carolina football fan’s bucket list:
Walk Franklin Street on game day
Few streets are more closely associated with a university than Franklin Street with UNC. It fills with fans wearing Carolina blue on game days, and restaurants and bars are alive with activity. It’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere before heading to Kenan Stadium.
See Rameses
Rameses is one of the most recognizable mascots in college sports and a beloved part of Tar Heels lore. Whether making appearances around campus on game days or posing for photos with fans, seeing Rameses is a must for any Carolina football fan.
Visit the Old Well
No trip to the UNC campus is complete without a stop at the Old Well. The landmark has been a school symbol for generations, and for many Tar Heels, it’s more than a photo opportunity. It’s a connection to the university’s history and traditions.
@uncchapelhill hydrating Tar Heels since 1795 🩵🩵🩵 📸: UNC Archives #UNC #UNCChapelHill #Carolina #ChapelHill #CollegeLife #TarHeel ♬ original sound – uncchapelhill
Sing ‘Hark the Sound’
“Hark the Sound,” UNC’s alma mater, has united Tar Heels for generations. Whether before kickoff or after a key conference win, singing with thousands of fans is one of the most meaningful — and memorable — experiences for UNC students and alumni.
Experience UNC tailgate
Tailgating at North Carolina has its own personality, blending the laid-back atmosphere of Chapel Hill with the excitement of a fall Saturday. Families and friends gather around campus, fire up the grill and spend the hours before kickoff surrounded by fellow Tar Heels.
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READ MORE: From fight songs to mascots: Every ACC school’s most iconic football traditions
Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.