UNC Basketball Fans Rush Franklin Street Despite Health and Safety Warnings

The time-honored tradition of UNC basketball fans rushing Franklin Street was discouraged this year due to health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the warning from officials did not stop fans from gathering at the intersection of Franklin and Columbia Street on Saturday night following UNC’s win over Duke.

I’m on the scene in Downtown Chapel Hill for @dailytarheel pic.twitter.com/Dyv5qx3Cse

— Claire Perry (@sclaire_perry) February 7, 2021

Earlier on Saturday, UNC sent out a reminder that fans should not gather on Franklin Street in the case of a UNC victory.

“We know rushing Franklin Street is a tradition after a win, but this is not the year to do it,” read a tweet by the university.

UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz weighed in on Twitter as well, saying the university will “investigate this incident and work with local authorities to pursue consequences.”

I know many Tar Heels enjoy rushing Franklin Street to celebrate a big win, but we are in the middle of a global pandemic, and COVID doesn’t take a break for the Duke game. We will investigate this incident and work with local authorities to pursue consequences.

— Kevin Guskiewicz (@KevinGuskiewicz) February 7, 2021

UNC previously revealed that nine students were removed from on-campus housing amid complaints they violated COVID-19 safety protocols between November 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021.

As could’ve been expected, students did not heed North Carolina’s plea to NOT rush Franklin Street pending a Tar Heels victory versus the Blue Devils tonight.

Mattress set afire? Yes!
“F Duke,” & “Tar Heels,” chants? Yes!
Masks? Mostly actually, yes!
Social distancing? Uhm. pic.twitter.com/BpiTOy7EB0

— Marilyn Payne (@marilyn_payne) February 7, 2021

UNC is currently reporting 610 cumulative positive COVID-19 cases since January, per the university’s coronavirus dashboard. There were 67 new cases last week from on-campus testing.

After three weeks of virtual classes to begin the spring semester, UNC will resume in-person classes on Monday.

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