UNC and the Ball Corporation have announced a partnership to bring Ball’s recyclable aluminum cup to fans at Tar Heel sporting events, beginning with Saturday’s basketball game at the Dean Smith Center against Boston College.

The recyclable cups feature UNC and Coca-Cola logos and will serve soft drinks for $5 per cup at men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s lacrosse and softball games as part of a pilot program.

Carolina becomes the first university in the ACC to feature the recyclable cup. The aluminum cups contain an average of more than 70 percent recycled content thanks to their high recycling rate.

“Carolina Athletics and the University are committed to helping reduce our carbon footprint and partnering with Ball Corporation on this important project is another opportunity to do that,” said UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham in a release. “We want to set an example for our students, staff, fans and visitors that we can and should make sustainable choices that have a positive impact on the environment.”

The university’s partnership with Ball continues an emphasis on recycling initiatives at UNC athletic events. This includes pairing trash and recycling bins in each venue, adjusting operations to encourage fans to un-bag recyclable materials during the 2019 football season and beyond, and creating student internship positions in athletic event management and the university’s office of waste reduction and recycling that will focus on recycling efforts in all of UNC’s athletic venues.

“Since launching the aluminum cup in 2019, we are seeing a tremendous response from the sports community,” said Daniel W. Fisher, Ball’s chief operating officer, global beverage packaging. “We are proud to partner with UNC as they take the proactive step of introducing the aluminum cup to make their venues more sustainable.”

Related Stories
‹
UNC Football vs. East Tennessee State (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
UNC will host East Tennessee State in its home opener Saturday at Kenan Stadium. The Tar Heels are looking for their first 2-0 start under head coach Bill Belichick. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how to follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the radio with Jones […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: A Family Tradition
District Court Judge Hathaway Pendergrass and his family have strong ties to Kenan Stadium, and he shared some of his favorite stories.
UNC Volleyball Swept at No. 3 Kentucky, Suffers First Loss of 2026 Season
UNC fell in three sets to No. 3 Kentucky on the road in Lexington Wednesday night, suffering its first loss of the 2026 season. The Wildcats dominated the first set, winning 16 of the final 21 points on their way to a 25-11 victory. Carolina was more competitive in the final two sets, but ultimately […]
After Violations, UNC Football Will Not Host Recruits at East Tennessee State Game
The UNC football program will not host any unofficial or official recruiting visits at its home opener against East Tennessee State Saturday afternoon. A university spokesman confirmed the news, which was first reported by Inside Carolina Wednesday. “Last season we self-reported a violation through our normal university compliance measures,” the spokesman told Chapelboro. “We are […]
UNC Men's Basketball Releases 2026-27 ACC Schedule
The ACC revealed the men’s basketball league schedule for the 2026-27 season Wednesday afternoon. UNC’s league games begin Dec. 30 and end March 6. Mark your calendars 📅 pic.twitter.com/BXaZ7OHdJd — Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) September 9, 2026 The Tar Heels will begin conference play by hosting Cal at the Smith Center Wednesday, Dec. 30. Carolina is […]
The Morning News: CHCCS Bus Snafu, Greenlaw Hall Incident Update
In today's news: CHCCS district officials discuss a glitch that left hundreds of students without bus assignments to start the school year.
After Demolition of Jackson Hall, New UNC Dorm to Keep Former Building's Name
One of the two new residence halls being built on the UNC campus will keep the name of a recently demolished building. The dorm will be named Jackson Hall, taking the name from the old building which housed UNC’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The future and former Jackson Halls were named in honor of Blyden […]
100 Years of Kenan Stadium: Dancing the Night Away
Chatham County Public Information Officer Kara Lusk remembers her first Kenan Stadium performance with the UNC Dance Team in the 1990s.
2026 UNC Football Opponent Preview: East Tennessee State
UNC will host its home opener at Kenan Stadium Saturday when East Tennessee State visits, with kickoff set for 12 p.m. ETSU enters the matchup with a 1-1 record, having dropped its opener vs. Campbell before beating Division 2 side Tusculum 48-14 last weekend. Saturday’s game in Chapel Hill will be the first road game […]
Bill Belichick Remains 'Focused' on Next Game Amid UNC Football Investigation
Prior to UNC head coach Bill Belichick’s press conference at the Kenan Football Center Monday, associate athletic director for football communications Brandon Faber stepped to the podium and said that due to the ongoing investigation of the program, Belichick would not be able to answer any questions on that topic. Once Belichick took the podium, […]
›