Kenan Memorial Stadium: SeatGeek’s Complete Guide to Events at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Tucked away among the tall pines on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan Memorial Stadium is one of college football’s most picturesque venues. Home to the North Carolina Tar Heels football team, the stadium has been a centerpiece of Carolina athletics for nearly a century, blending rich tradition with modern upgrades. Known for its scenic setting, passionate fanbase and signature Carolina blue, Kenan Stadium offers one of the most unique game-day experiences in college football.

About Kenan Memorial Stadium

• Location: 104 Stadium Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

• Opened: 1927

• Capacity: ~51,000

• Primary Tenant: North Carolina Tar Heels football (NCAA ACC)

• Surface: Natural grass

Kenan Memorial Stadium is located in the heart of campus, surrounded by Carolina’s academic buildings and the natural beauty of Chapel Hill. Its intimate size compared to other Power 5 football stadiums makes it both accessible and atmospheric, with nearly every seat offering a great view of the field.

A Look Back at Kenan Memorial Stadium’s History

• First Game: The stadium opened in 1927 with a seating capacity of about 24,000.

• Named For: William R. Kenan Jr., a UNC alumnus whose family contributed significantly to the stadium’s funding.

• Expansion: The stadium has undergone multiple renovations, most notably in 2011 when luxury boxes, club seating, and modern amenities were added to the west end.

• Historic Moments:

  • Hosting legendary Tar Heel players like Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers and Sam Howell.

  • Numerous storied matchups against rivals like NC State, Duke and Virginia.

  • A 1997 game against Florida State, nicknamed the “Stadium Game,” which brought unprecedented national attention to Chapel Hill.

Getting to Kenan Memorial Stadium

By Car: Chapel Hill is accessible via I-40 and US-15/501. On game days, designated parking lots around campus are available but often require permits. Public parking decks in downtown Chapel Hill and surrounding areas offer shuttle services.

Shuttle Service: UNC runs Tar Heel Express shuttles from several local lots and park-and-ride areas. This is often the most convenient way to reach the stadium.

Public Transit: Chapel Hill Transit operates fare-free buses that run throughout the town and campus.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft drop-off/pick-up zones are located near South Road, within walking distance of the stadium.

Seating at Kenan Memorial Stadium

Kenan Memorial Stadium offers a variety of seating options, each with its own game-day perks:

• Lower Bowl Sidelines: Closest to the action and filled with UNC students, alumni and die-hard fans.

• End Zones: Great value seats with solid sightlines, particularly in the north end zone.

• Blue Zone (West End): Premium club seating and suites with chairback seats, private concessions and climate-controlled lounges.

• Upper Deck: Offers panoramic views of both the field and the surrounding campus scenery.

The relatively modest size of Kenan compared to other ACC stadiums means there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Food & Drink at Kenan Memorial Stadium

Concessions at Kenan Stadium blend traditional stadium fare with local Carolina favorites:

• Classic Game-Day Food: Hot dogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn and pretzels.

• Local Flavors: BBQ sandwiches, fried chicken and pulled pork sliders showcase North Carolina cuisine.

• Drinks: Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer/wine options for fans of age.

• Premium Club Options: Expanded menus, including gourmet snacks and specialty cocktails.

Atmosphere at Kenan Memorial Stadium

Kenan Memorial Stadium is famous for its balance of tradition and charm:

• Scenic Beauty: With pine trees bordering the east end zone and the Carolina blue skies above, it’s often ranked among the most beautiful stadiums in college football.

• Tailgating: Campus and surrounding areas fill with Tar Heel fans before kickoff, with Franklin Street serving as a central gathering point.

• Rivalry Games: Matchups against Duke, NC State and Virginia bring out the loudest and most passionate crowds.

• Traditions:

  • Ramses the Mascot: The live ram has been part of UNC football since 1924.

  • “Hark the Sound”: The school song plays proudly during pre-game and post-game celebrations.

  • Bell Tower Walk: The Tar Heels football team walks from the Bell Tower to the stadium, greeted by cheering fans.

Stadium Policies

• Bag Policy: Clear bags only (12” x 6” x 12” or smaller).

• Cashless Payments: Most concessions and retail are cashless.

• Prohibited Items: Outside food/drinks, large umbrellas, drones and artificial noisemakers.

• Re-Entry: Not permitted once you exit the stadium.

Notable Events at Kenan Memorial Stadium

• 1997 vs. Florida State: A top-10 showdown that drew national attention and ESPN’s College GameDay.

• U2 Concert (2011): The stadium hosted a massive stop on the band’s 360° Tour.

• ACC Classics: Decades of memorable rivalry games against Duke, NC State and Virginia.

• UNC Football Stars: Legendary players like Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, Lawrence Taylor and Mitch Trubisky have all made their mark here.

Nearby Attractions

Chapel Hill and the surrounding Triangle region offer plenty to explore before and after the game:

• Franklin Street: The hub of Chapel Hill dining, nightlife and Tar Heel spirit.

• Ackland Art Museum: Located on campus with rotating exhibits.

• Morehead Planetarium: A UNC landmark and one of the oldest planetariums in the country.

• Local Breweries & BBQ: Carolina Brewery, Top of the Hill and Allen & Son BBQ are local favorites.

Why Kenan Memorial Stadium Stands Out

Kenan Memorial Stadium is more than just a football venue—it’s a cultural landmark for UNC fans and the Chapel Hill community. With its blend of history, beauty and modern amenities, it delivers one of the most distinctive atmospheres in college sports. Whether you’re a lifelong Tar Heel or a visiting fan, a Saturday in Kenan is an unforgettable experience.

Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek

From ACC rivalries to special concerts and community events, Kenan Memorial Stadium is a must-visit destination for sports and entertainment in North Carolina. Use SeatGeek to compare tickets, explore seating charts and plan your perfect visit to this iconic stadium.