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ArenaChapel Hill, NCNorth Carolina basketball games at the Dean E. Smith Center

Dean Smith Center Entry Rules: Bags, Water, Food and Cameras

Checked Source: Smith Center entry policies page (goheels.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC

Short answer

The Dean Smith Center allows clear bags up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches, including gallon freezer bags, and small clutch purses up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches. Backpacks, coolers, food and drinks, folding chairs, signs and banners are banned, and no items are checked. The policy page dates from December 2017.

Every rule at Dean Smith Center

An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.

Bag policy in detail

Fans are encouraged to leave bags at home. Any clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, including gallon freezer bags, and small clutch purses are allowed. Backpacks and large bags are on the prohibited list. Purses larger than a clutch bag are prohibited. Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches are allowed.

  • Bag: Clear 12 x 6 x 12 in, gallon bags, small clutch
  • Backpack: Not allowed
  • Water bottle: Containers and beverages banned
  • Outside food: Not allowed
LETTER PAPER8.5 x 11 in12 in12 in6 in
The Clear 12 x 6 x 12 in limit drawn to scale. Width by depth by height.

Food and drink

Food and beverages and coolers or containers are on the prohibited list. Food and beverages are on the prohibited list. Coolers or containers are on the prohibited list.

Cameras and electronics

Point-and-shoot cameras are permitted, and flash photography is prohibited during game play. Video cameras may only be used during pre-game and halftime. The pages do not mention camera lenses, tripods, drones, laptops, tablets and power banks.

Strollers and family items

Large strollers and baby seats are on the prohibited list. The page says nothing about small strollers. Necessary medical items are allowed after inspection at the entry gates.

Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items

The pages do not mention umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.

Signs, flags and fan items

Banners and signs are on the prohibited list. Fans are still allowed to carry items such as phones, binoculars and cameras into the arena. The pages do not mention flags.

Medical needs and accessibility

The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.

Security screening and arrival

All guests and their belongings are subject to screening by entry personnel. Re-entry on an already scanned ticket is prohibited.

Bag storage and lockers

No items will be checked in, so leave everything at home or in your vehicle.

North Carolina basketball games

The page is dated December 2017 and was written for the 2017-18 season, and it is the page UNC links for the policy. Doors open 90 minutes before tip-off.

Prohibited items

From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.

  • Backpacks
  • Water bottles
  • Outside food
  • Coolers
  • Signs
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Artificial noisemakers
  • Balloons and beach balls
  • Explosives and fireworks
  • Folding chairs
  • Laser pointers
  • Pets other than service animals
  • Weapons of any kind

Questions about Dean Smith Center

  1. Fans are encouraged to leave bags at home. Any clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, including gallon freezer bags, and small clutch purses are allowed.

  2. Backpacks and large bags are on the prohibited list.

  3. Food and beverages and coolers or containers are on the prohibited list.

  4. Food and beverages are on the prohibited list.

  5. Coolers or containers are on the prohibited list.

  6. Large strollers and baby seats are on the prohibited list. The page says nothing about small strollers.

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Sources

Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.

Change log

  1. First check: 21 rules read against the Smith Center entry policies page, dated December 2017.

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