Strong tradition can only do so much to overcome a structure that pales in comparison to those at schools with similarly elite basketball programs.
Reaching today’s standard for premium seating and student seating would be a massive, if not impossible, project with a renovation to the current stadium, and any effort to do so would require a substantial overhaul of the basic structure of the stadium.
Funding will be the most significant obstacle in building a new arena, and this will be a testy issue for the University to navigate, but an upgrade to the facility is imminent. Investing in a new stadium is a more long term solution than a renovation, despite the higher initial cost.
In the likely absence of state funds, this new venue would be largely funded by donors. Similar to those that funded the Smith Center, they should be rewarded with guaranteed seating in the new arena.
However, as opposed to the Smith Center, where these donors take up a lot of the lower level seating, this new arena could offer them club level seating with first rate amenities.
A small section of the lower level could be reserved for some of the most generous donors, but at least half of the lower level could be devoted to student seating, which would create an imposing home court advantage. An emphasis on student seating close to the court would do well to create an electric game day environment that attracts students to every game.
Tar Heel greats such as Michael Jordan and Phil Ford spent their playing days in Carmichael Arena, and the move to the Smith Center did nothing to diminish the legacy they created.
The building might change, but the tradition will always endure.
See the opposing viewpoint, written by Zach Gaver, here: http://bit.ly/1nnCzMG
