Due to the likelihood of dangerous and worsening road conditions, the men’s basketball game between No. 14 UNC and NC State set to be played on Saturday at the Dean Smith Center has been postponed.
As a result, the ACC announced that the game will be rescheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.
Governor Roy Cooper declared a State of Emergency thanks to winter weather strong enough to keep this red-hot rivalry on ice for at least one night.
“Considering the travel conditions we are not comfortable with the idea that thousands of people, from the players, coaches and officials to fans of both teams and the hundreds of people that staff the Smith Center for the game, would be leaving the arena tonight after 10 p.m.,” UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said, in a statement.
“Everyone attending the game on Sunday will still need to use extreme caution in getting to and from the game, but we think there is a huge difference between driving in the daylight as opposed to this evening, when conditions are expected to be treacherous.
The game had previously been scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, but sub-freezing temperatures are expected to last overnight.
Although ACC rules dictate that games be played as long as both teams, the officials, and the arena support staff can reach the building, Cunningham pointed out the reality of the situation in his statement.
“The ACC policy of playing if the teams and officials can get to the arena also takes into consideration all the appropriate people getting home safely as well, and when you weigh the risks associated with people being on the roads late tonight versus playing tomorrow afternoon, the correct decision is to postpone the game.”
Tickets for Saturday will still be honored on Sunday. ESPN will continue to televise the game, as well.
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