Dean E. Smith Center Best Seats
Find the best seats, views, and ticket options for your next event.
- 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
- Capacity: 21,750
Looking for the best seats at Dean E. Smith Center? The ideal seating depends on the type of event, with different sections offering better views for concerts, basketball, hockey, and other performances. Compare seating sections, views, and ticket prices to find the best seats for your budget and event type.
- Updated: November 13, 2026
- 15 Upcoming Events
- $12 Tickets From
- Arena Venue Type
- 2026–2027 Current Schedule
- Next Event Starts In:
- North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Georgia Bulldogs
- Nov 13 · 7:00 PM · Chapel Hill, NC
- View tickets · From $29
Dean E. Smith Center Seating Maps
Best Seats & Seating Guide at Dean E. Smith Center
Best Seats at Dean E. Smith Center by Event Type
Best Seats for Concerts
- Lower bowl near center stage → best overall view
- Floor seats → immersive but limited visibility
- Side lower sections → good value and angle
- Upper-level center → full view at lower cost
Best Seats for Basketball Games
- Center court sections in the lower bowl provide the most balanced view
- Mid-level seating offers a wider perspective of the game
- Courtside seats provide premium proximity but at a higher cost
Best Seats for Hockey Games
- Center ice sections offer the best visibility of the full rink
- Lower bowl seats provide the most immersive experience
- Higher sections offer better full-ice perspective for strategy viewing
Seating Levels at Dean E. Smith Center
Lower Bowl (100 Level)
- Closest to the action
- Best for concerts and premium experience
- Higher ticket prices
- Most immersive seating with the best proximity to the stage or court
Club & Premium Seating
- Enhanced comfort and amenities
- Access to lounges and premium services
- Ideal for VIP experience
Upper Level (300 Level)
- Most affordable seating
- Full view of the venue
- Best for budget-conscious visitors
Best Seat Comparison at Dean E. Smith Center
Compare the best seats at Dean E. Smith Center by price, view, and experience to choose the right section for concerts and events.
Choosing the best seats at Dean E. Smith Center depends on your budget and the type of event. Some sections offer the best overall experience, while others provide better value or premium comfort. The table below compares seating options to help you decide quickly.
For most events at Dean E. Smith Center, lower bowl center sections provide the best overall experience, while upper-level seats offer the best value. Premium and VIP seating delivers the closest views and added comfort, while some side or obstructed sections may offer lower prices but reduced visibility.
Dean E. Smith Center Schedule 2026-2027
Browse the complete schedule of upcoming events, including concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, and family performances.- Nov 13, 2026, 7:00 PM Fri — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Georgia Bulldogs at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats,
300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $26, Avg. price ~ $128, Tickets Available: 240. Select Seats - Nov 20, 2026, 9:00 PM Fri — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL, Best Value: North Carolina Tar Heels Vs. Marshall Thundering Herd at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $15, Avg. price ~ $125, Tickets Available: 957, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Nov 23, 2026, 8:00 PM Mon — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Monmouth Hawks at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $18, Avg. price ~ $97, Tickets Available: 772, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Dec 01, 2026, 7:30 PM Tue — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL, High Demand: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Arkansas Razorbacks at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $53, Avg. price ~ $370, Tickets Available: 799, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Dec 06, 2026, 3:00 PM Sun — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL, Weekend Event: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Butler Bulldogs at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $51, Avg. price ~ $240, Tickets Available: 550, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Dec 21, 2026, 8:00 PM Mon — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. The Citadel Bulldogs at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $32, Avg. price ~ $182, Tickets Available: 402, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Dec 30, 2026, 4:00 PM Wed — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. California Golden Bears at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $71, Avg. price ~ $210, Tickets Available: 61, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Jan 09, 2027, 12:00 PM Sat — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL, Weekend Event, Pay Later Available: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $118, Avg. price ~ $497, Tickets Available: 59, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Jan 16, 2027, 2:15 PM Sat — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL, Weekend Event: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Stanford Cardinal at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $81, Avg. price ~ $264, Tickets Available: 55, VIP Packages. Select Seats
- Jan 19, 2027, 9:00 PM Tue — College (Div I-A and Div I-AA) BASKETBALL: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Virginia Cavaliers at Dean E. Smith Center • 21750 seats, 300 Skipper Bowles Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, US. From $51, Avg. price ~ $256, Tickets Available: 68, VIP Packages. Select Seats
Dean E. Smith Center Location
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seats at Dean E. Smith Center?
If you’ve never been, don’t overthink it — center sections usually win. Lower bowl for games feels great, but for concerts, a little higher up can actually look better. Too close isn’t always better here.
Are floor seats worth it for concerts?
Sometimes yes, sometimes not. If you’re right near the stage, it’s awesome. If you’re a bit back, you might just be staring at people’s heads the whole time. That’s why a lot of people skip floor and go one level up.
Where should I sit for a good view without overspending?
Middle sections, a few rows up. That’s usually the sweet spot. You’re not paying top prices, but you still see everything clearly without weird angles.
What are the cheapest seats like?
Upper level, usually. They’re higher, obviously, but most arenas are built so you can still follow the action. Totally fine if you just want to be there and not spend a ton.
Any seats I should avoid?
Yeah — sharp side angles, anything behind the stage, or “limited view” sections. Those can be hit-or-miss, and sometimes just not worth the discount.
Do seats feel different depending on the event?
100%. A basketball game, a concert, and a comedy show all hit different. The same seat can feel great one night and just okay the next, depending on the setup.