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.

https://twitter.com/sclaire_perry/status/1358224064708501504

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.”

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.

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.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
UNC, Chapel Hill Leaders Discourage Gathering Ahead of UNC-Duke Game
Ahead of the UNC - Duke basketball game on Saturday, university and Chapel Hill officials are asking the campus community to abstain from Franklin Street celebrations if the Tar Heels see another win.
One Week: Exploring Our 'Hometowns'
Exploring our ‘hometowns’ is an activity that has been continually present in my life thus far. As a 16-year-old, I have accumulated a sense of the culture of our hometown communities as well as what they have to offer; to enumerate: where to grab a bite to eat, fun activities, places to shop and must-see […]
UNC Students, Fans Celebrate Big Win on Franklin
UNC fans and students had lined up for hours to get into bars and restaurants on Franklin Street to be at the prime location to watch the National Championship. The game included a night of nail-biting, with Gonzaga leading for much of  it. But a wave of energy from the Tar Heels in the last […]
Town Officials And Business Owners Prepare For Potential Postgame Celebrations
CHAPEL HILL – One of Chapel Hill’s most notable traditions is the rushing of Franklin Street after landmark basketball wins, but members of the community are tasked to make sure it occurs as safely as possible should UNC defeat Duke Saturday night. “Well, it’s sort of like asking what happens when you in the center […]
UNC Men's Basketball to Honor R.J. Davis' Jersey During Feb. 23 Game vs. Louisville
The UNC men’s basketball program will honor R.J. Davis’ No. 4 jersey at halftime of the Tar Heels’ game vs. Louisville at the Smith Center Monday, Feb. 23. Davis played five years at Carolina, arriving prior to the 2020-21 season and staying through 2024-25. His class of players was the last to enjoy an extra […]
UNC Women's Basketball Outlasts Virginia Tech in Overtime for Critical ACC Win
UNC rallied from a nine-point deficit and an ice-cold shooting performance in the first half to beat Virginia Tech 66-63 in overtime Thursday in Blacksburg. It was Carolina’s first road win at Virginia Tech since 2019. Comeback 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘!@WellsFargo x #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/6F8dtyWzLT — Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) February 20, 2026 Carolina had taken a 14-8 lead […]
UNC Men's Basketball at Syracuse (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will travel up to the JMA Wireless Dome to face Syracuse Saturday afternoon. The Tar Heels have already beaten the Orange once this year, defeating them 87-77 in Chapel Hill the evening of Feb. 2. If you aren’t traveling north with the team, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those […]
Chansky's Notebook: Tables Turned
This year's only regular-season matchup between UNC and NC State in Raleigh barely got out of the starting gate.
The Tar Heels Played Without 'Pride' at NC State, and They Know It
The last time NC State beat UNC this badly, the year was 1962. Dean Smith was in his first year as the Tar Heels’ head coach, President John F. Kennedy was in the Oval Office, and the No. 1 song in America was “Peppermint Twist” by Joey Dee and the Starliters. In other words, it […]
Offense Goes Silent as UNC Men's Basketball Loses at NC State
Playing without both Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar for the second consecutive game, UNC’s offense struggled all night as the Tar Heels fell 82-58 at NC State Tuesday. The 24-point margin of victory was the Wolfpack’s largest in the series since 1962. UNC shot an abysmal 8-32 (25 percent) in the first half and just […]
›