UNC Basketball memories of first game at Smith Center might surprise some Tar Heels

Posted Jan 18, 2026
It’s been 40 years since UNC Basketball played its first game at the Smith Center. On Jan. 18, 1986, the No. 1 Tar Heels had a dazzling debut against No. 3 Duke with a 95-92 victory in front of a crowd of 21,000 fans. Steve Hale had a career-high 28 points. But that matchup against the Blue Devils isn't what he remembers most about opening the new arena. (Yahoo! Sports)

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