Beer, wine will soon be served at UNC home basketball games. Here’s what we know

When North Carolina’s No. 9-rated men’s basketball team opens the season Monday night against Elon, alcoholic drinks will be available at Smith Center concession stands for the first time.

UNC announced Thursday it is adding beer and wine sales at its indoor athletic venues, including the Smith Center for men’s basketball games and Carmichael Arena, where the women’s basketball team and other Tar Heels Olympic sports teams play.

The university previously had limited sales of alcoholic beverages to its outdoor venues, like Kenan Stadium for football or Boshamer Stadium for baseball. That policy became legal in 2019 when the General Assembly and Gov. Roy Cooper reversed the previous state law that prohibited alcohol from being sold at college athletic venues.

Now, the school is further expanding the practice.

“Many of our fans have asked for us to expand alcohol sales to our indoor events, and after five years, we think the time is right,’‘ said UNC director of athletics Bubba Cunningham said in a statement. “Not only is it consistent with many other events around the country, including NCAA championships and ACC tournaments, but it also adds a key financial stream as we prepare for revenue-sharing with student-athletes.”

Beer and wine will be available at 20 locations at the Smith Center. At Carmichael Arena, up to six locations will be available, depending upon the event.

Sales will begin when the doors open and will stop when the event is three-quarters complete. That means sales stop with 10 minutes remaining the second half of men’s basketball games and after the third quarter for women’s basketball.

As has been the case with outdoor venues, the school said it will closely monitor student seating areas for compliance. State law dictates no more than two alcoholic beverages can be purchased per customer per transaction.

While sales begin for men’s basketball when the first regular-season game is played, the exact date for beer and wine sales at Carmichael Arena has not been finalized. UNC only said it would begin “later in November.”

The Tar Heels women’s basketball team opens its season Monday at 11 a.m. against Charleston Southern before playing a home game on Thursday at 7 p.m. against UNC-Wilmington.