UNC has announced its setlist for the 2026 Chapel Thrill Concert Series. The series is part of the school’s “Chapel Thrill Game Day,” which debuted in 2025. The concerts are the centerpiece of the festivities, with the stage located on Polk Place in front of Wilson Library in the heart of the UNC campus. Each performance is free and open to the public and will begin two hours prior to kickoff.
The 2025 concert series featured performers such as Ludacris, Fitz & the Tantrums and Collective Soul. In a change from last season, UNC has announced the full lineup of artists in advance, rather than week-by-week announcements.
Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal – known by his stage name of DJ Diesel – will perform in Chapel Hill ahead of UNC’s home opener against East Tennessee State Saturday, Sep. 12. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m., meaning O’Neal will take the stage at 10 a.m. Since beginning his music career in the 1990s, O’Neal has released five studio albums, most recently in 2023.
Former UNC linebacker and country music artist Chase Rice will perform prior to UNC’s Oct. 3 game against Notre Dame. Rice also performed in the concert series in 2025. The Oct. 24 game against Syracuse will see North Carolina country music band Parmalee perform.
Neon Trees will perform before UNC’s Oct. 31 game against Miami, Waka Flocka Flame will perform before the Nov. 14 game against Louisville and 38 Special will perform before the Nov. 28 game against NC State.
“After experiencing tremendous success and receiving overwhelmingly positive fan feedback, we are thrilled to be launching Chapel Thrill Game Day 2.0 this coming football season,’’ said UNC Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer Rick Barakat. “Once again, we have assembled an impressive lineup of artists, partners and sponsors — offering hospitality and entertainment options for all ages to enjoy. We remain committed to providing fun and memorable experiences before, during and after every home football game at Carolina.”
In addition to the concert series, Chapel Thrill Game Day features a kickoff club located in front of the concert stage on Polk Place, the traditional Old Well Walk through campus toward Kenan Stadium, a Bell Tower Climb and the family-friendly Coca-Cola Fan Zone in the Pit. The Kickoff Club and Fan Zone each open three hours prior to kickoff and close two hours later. The Old Well Walk begins two and a half hours prior to kickoff.
Featured image Associated Press/Lynne Sladky
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