Excitement is in the air as college football season kicks off around the country. Here in Chapel Hill the energy of the first home game led by a brand new coach builds under Carolina blue skies. For all game day & schedule information visit www.tarheelblue.com.

We’ve narrowed down the list of top game day favorite things to do. Enjoy and Go Heels!

  • Tailgate! It’s the nation’s fall pastime that may be just as fun as the game itself. Take your pick of tailgate venues – Downtown Tailgate Map! You may live in a Chapel Hill neighborhood close to the stadium and host your tailgate there. Or you may be lucky enough to have a parking pass on one of the many campus lots on game day. And many of the privately-owned lots downtown offer tailgating and parking – with proceeds going to local charities! Once you have your spot, it’s time to lay out the spread. And believe me when I say that Tar Heel fans have come a long way in the art of tailgating! In many lots it’s not just a car with a couple of chairs and a cooler but a cooker, a couch and a big screen TV with satellite. Bring on the barbeque, deviled eggs, chip and dip platters, chocolate chess pie and an iced or warm beverage depending on the weather. It’s a great way for fans to enjoy friends, fellowship and food while listening to the pre-game radio show on WCHL FM 97.9.
  • Be a classy fan! Jan Bolick of Business Class, Inc. knows what true Carolina Spirit is; every year she creates WELCOME/ GO HEELS fan signs for UNC fans to display in their cars/homes/businesses – to welcome the opposing teams fans to town AND encourage the Heels! Here is the story. Jan has created the signs – all you have to do is download and print! Show your Tar Heel love and true southern charm – all at once! For a complete list of WELCOME / GO HEELS signs – visit www.SignsForGameDay.Biz.
  • Don’t have the time or talents to host your own tailgate? The lawn of the historic Carolina Inn at the intersection of Columbia Street and Cameron Avenue is the place to be. They do all the work for you in true Tar Heel tailgate style. You can relax on the lawn to live music before some games. A tailgate buffet with all the fixings awaits you. This is a great centrally located place to catch up with family and friends before the short walk to Kenan Stadium.

  • Tar Heel Town offers the best family-friendly action before the game! The Old Well Walk is a Carolina tradition and starts approximately two hours before the game. Show your Tar Heel pride and follow the football players on this pre-game walk through campus. This tradition demonstrates to the team your true support and gets them (and you as a fan) ready for the big game. Young and senior fans and alumni alike love the close-up camaraderie. Stop by the General Alumni Association’s (GAA) tent, located next to the Bell Tower, climb the Bell Tower to enjoy the view and have your face painted to show your Tar Heel spirit.