It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas; college basketball season! While a great season for the Tar Heel men’s and women’s basketball teams can be exciting, there are also some things to remember in order to stay safe while celebrating in Downtown Chapel Hill. Here are some tips for staying safe and having fun from your friends at the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership, the Campus & Community Coalition, the Town of Chapel Hill, and UNC Student Wellness.
Do: Follow local laws and safety regulations.
This is always an exciting day in Chapel Hill, but we want everyone to stay safe. Be conscientious about celebrating within the context of Chapel Hill and NC laws. This includes respecting others and their property, including businesses and town signage. Please follow all local laws regarding open containers, vandalism, fires/fireworks, and safe assembly. Click here to review a list of prohibited items.
Don’t: Celebrate alone.
Basketball is a team sport and so is watching basketball! Find your “team” and stick together. You’ll cherish the memories of watching the big game with friends. Always walk in a group and take care of one another. Be aware that other students (and community members) may be overly excited and not always conscious of the impact of their own or others’ actions. Community safety is a shared responsibility. So keep an eye open for safety, and call for additional support if needed. If you or someone else does overdo it, remember the Medical Amnesty policy allows one to call for medical or other support without fear of getting in trouble with legal or campus officials.
Do: Enjoy responsibly.
We don’t mean to brag, but we have some incredible local bars and restaurants. Okay, we did mean it. But remember: you don’t have to drink to celebrate a big win. Great memories are often best kept with a clear mind at the time. Many of our local spots have non-alcoholic options. Snacks are a must for game day, so sample the food menu alongside your beverage. If you do choose to consume alcoholic beverages, be intentional about consuming at a rate and quantity that is best for you personally. Be conscious of the potential for the wave of excitement to push you to consume more than you plan to or may be safe for you. Worried about traffic, parking, or getting home safely? Make use of FREE public transit or the rideshare of your choice.
Do: Stock up on gear.
Grab a friend and get your gameday gear downtown! There are plenty of shops selling gear for Tar Heels of all ages. Chapel Hill Sportswear, Classic Carolina, Johnny T-Shirt, and Alumni Hall have everything you need to cheer on the Tar Heels. Shrunken Head Boutique will give out free “Beat Duke” pins while supplies last. Looking for something a little more versatile than a t-shirt or ball cap? Julian’s and Uniquities also have stylish options on that famous Carolina Blue!
Don’t: Forget to plan ahead.
Couldn’t snag a ticket to the game? No problem! Snag a table at a downtown business and join the community game-watching experience. Fair warning: many of our downtown spots take reservations or will fill up quickly on the day of the game. So have a plan before you go. Check the bus schedules and coordinate travel with your friends. If you plan to drink, settle on the Designated Driver beforehand or have a rideshare plan in place. For parking information, check the Park on the Hill website.
