UNC fans continued tradition on Saturday night, rushing Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street seconds after the buzzer sounded in their 81-77 Final Four victory over Duke.

As is customary after the men’s basketball team beats their rival down the road in Durham, students and community members alike flooded the central street of downtown Chapel Hill. The mass of people celebrated UNC’s trip to the national championship for more than an hour.

The town government spent time preparing for a potential Carolina victory, removing street sign and greasing the light poles on the street corners. But some students still found a way to scale the pole, as well as set off fireworks amid the crowd.

Chants of “We want Kansas,” “Hubert Davis” and, of course, the Carolina fight song rang out shortly after 11 p.m.

On Sunday, Chapel Hill Town Manager Maurice Jones said an estimated 35,000 to 40,000 people joined in the celebration on Franklin Street. Town authorities reported ten people were treated for injuries on the night, with four taken to the hospital for further treatment. According to Jones, none of the injuries were serious.

Chapel Hill Police said one person was charged with carrying a concealed gun without a permit in the celebration.

The Town of Chapel Hill cleared the intersection of Franklin Street and Columbia Street shortly after 12:45 a.m., with street sweepers on hand to clean up the remaining debris from the celebration. The intersection was reopened to traffic around 1 a.m. on Sunday.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Art’s Angle: Just Imagine
Before the Kansas game, Hubert Davis mentioned two statistics his Tar Heels had to improve on from their opening win. Check, and check.
Alfred’s Angle: For The Old Guard
By ALFRED HAMILTON, Jr. “Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay; My, oh my, what a wonderful day” Out of nowhere the song’s lyrics came into my head, not long after Caleb Love launched his dagger, floating it maybe three inches above the desperate reach of Duke 7-footer Mark Williams, barely nicking the heel of the rim and diving straight […]
On Air Today: Michael Koh on New Orleans' Final Four
The Hill sportswriter Michael Koh joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to detail sights and sounds of New Orleans as it hosted UNC men's basketball and the Final Four.
On Air Today: David Glenn on the National Title Game
David Glenn joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to discuss UNC falling short of a national title, but finding success across the whole season. Plus: Glenn shares his thoughts on the challenges of predicting the Tar Heels' roster for next season.
'Carolina Family' Shares Reactions, Support After UNC's NCAA Tournament Run
UNC men’s basketball fell just short of its seventh NCAA championship on Monday night, losing 72-69 to the Kansas Jayhawks. While the result was disappointing for many UNC fans, the national title game did complete an impressive NCAA Tournament run and strong end to the season for the Tar Heels. Hubert Davis' head coach resume […]
On Air Today: Greg Barnes of Inside Carolina
Greg Barnes of Inside Carolina joins 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell to discuss UNC's Final Four win over Duke on Saturday night and potential effects on the rivalry, recruiting and national perception.
On Air Today: Art Chansky on UNC's Win vs. Duke
The Hill's Art Chansky and Brighton McConnell discuss UNC men's basketball beating Duke in the Final Four on Saturday. Chansky shares how he believes the loss reflects Duke's shortcomings in recent years, while the Tar Heels get ready to play Kansas in the title game.
Art’s Angle: The Glue Guys
Three certainties preceded the Final Four game between Carolina and Duke. One: it would be the epic battle of neighborhood blue bloods on the biggest stage and before the largest audience to ever watch a college basketball game. Two: because of its national (and worldwide) scope, it would become a celebration of the rivalry long […]
North Carolina vs. Duke: Postgame Notes
Postgame notes from North Carolina’s 81-77 NCAA Final Four win against Duke. UNC Scoring Leader: Caleb Love 28 UNC Rebound Leader: Armando Bacot 21 UNC Assist Leader: RJ Davis 4 Team Records: UNC 29-9, Duke 32-7 Carolina Notes The Tar Heels advance to the national championship game for the 12th time and third time in […]
UNC Fans Flood Franklin Street Following Final Four Win Over Duke
UNC fans continued tradition on Saturday night, rushing Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street seconds after the buzzer sounded in their 81-77 Final Four victory over Duke. As is customary after the men’s basketball team beats their rival down the road in Durham, students and community members alike flooded the central street of downtown Chapel Hill. The […]
›