Tar Heel fans are preparing for what many say is the biggest rivalry game ever: Carolina vs. Duke men’s basketball in the Final Four. Here’s what’s happening around Chapel Hill ahead of the Tobacco Road Rivalry’s latest chapter on Saturday.
Franklin Street and Watch Parties
Several Franklin Street locals already sold out reservations for seats to watch the game.
Biagio Ambrosino, floor manager for Top Of The Hill, said reservations opened at noon on Monday.
“They were sold out in less than two minutes,” Ambrosino said. “We received about 300 calls – people asking if there were still some tables available. So [it] was pretty, pretty quick.”
Top of the Hill opened reservations Monday for the UNC Final Four game. All reservations sold out within minutes.
Ambrosino said he expects some people to camp out around the bar hours in advance as that space is first come, first serve.
“I’m pretty sure it’s going to be a lot of people [Saturday,]” Ambrosino said. “At some point we might need to stop [letting] people in. We might do one in, one out. It’s going to be a capacity number at some point.”
Jeff Hortman, a co-owner of Carolina Coffee Shop, said his restaurant will have double the space for the Final Four game.
“We’ve recently opened the adjacent space 1922 cafe,” Hortman said. “1922 also has TVs and is completely prepared for a game watch. Both of those spaces will be available, [as we’re] anticipating a fairly big crowd.”
Like other Franklin Street establishments, Carolina Coffee Shop is already at capacity for reserved booths. Hortman said it’s not just locals coming to Franklin Street for the game, as the restaurant received calls from across the country.
“We’ve seen a lot of folks who are wanting to be in Chapel Hill,” Hortman said. “I think there’s a real interest and draw for folks who care about the community. Even though the game isn’t held in Chapel Hill, there’s a real draw to be in Chapel Hill.”
Hortman said, ultimately, businesses on Franklin Street are part of the camaraderie of what makes Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill.
“Obviously it’s good for business and that’s positive,” Hortman said. “Even more than that, I think it reaffirms what makes Chapel Hill and particularly Franklin Street so special. There really isn’t a sense of raising prices or price gouging — it’s really about participating in you know what’s a fun fun event that’s that’s such a integral fabric of the community.”
Top Of The Hill and Carolina Coffee Shop are not alone in receiving tons of messages for seats for the big dance. Linda’s Bar and Grill said via social media that they have received hundreds of calls and messages since UNC got the last spot in the Final Four.
Sup Dogs Restaurant typically has a first-come first-serve policy for getting a spot for UNC-Duke matchups. This time, the business said on social media it will take reservations Wednesday afternoon.
The Varsity Theatre on Franklin Street is also holding a watch party for the game with its doors opening at 8:15 p.m.
The Town of Chapel Hill is also getting ready for increased crowds – and even the chance of a victory rush.
“Planning for the Final Four is underway and it is all hands on deck for our police and fire departments,” the town government said in a statement. “That includes additional police officers. The Town of Chapel Hill has a lot of experience handling this excitement in our community.”
UNC Campus
Campus was abuzz beginning Sunday evening in excitement for the Final Four game.
Several professors moved their Monday exams to Wednesday citing Sunday’s Elite Eight victory over Saint Peter’s and late night celebrations of the team.
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UNC had an opportunity for students to request tickets to the Final Four game via a ticket lottery. Student tickets are $40 and seats will be located behind the UNC Bands. Should UNC win and advance to the championship, all students who received a ticket to the semifinal will be admitted to the final game for no additional charge.
Student Body President Lamar Richards said on social media to contact him in any students with tickets are in need of lodging and transportation.
Carolina Students that are in need of transportation and lodging for NCAA tournament please DM me. You must already have ticket.
— Lamar Richards (@lamarrichards_) March 29, 2022
For those staying in Chapel Hill, the university is planning a watch party for Saturday night at the Smith Center. Entry begins for the general public at 5:45 p.m.
Featured Photo via Town of Chapel Hill
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