UNC marks 100th football season at Kenan Stadium with upgrades, special events

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — As the University of North Carolina football program prepares for the 100th season under the lights at Kenan Stadium later this fall, school officials announced Wednesday a series of major upgrades and commemorative initiatives aimed at enhancing the fan experience while honoring the stadium’s history.

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Among the most noticeable changes are two new videoboards that will be installed above each end zone. According to UNC athletics officials, the new Daktronics displays will measure 31.5 feet high by 106.5 feet wide — a significant increase in size compared to the stadium’s current boards.

The university said the upgraded videoboards will provide fans with “crisp, clear imagery with wide-angle visibility,” while nine new LED ribbon boards will surround the stadium seating bowl, displaying live statistics, graphics and additional gameday content throughout the season.

Kenan Stadium’s sound system will also undergo a complete replacement. UNC described the new speakers as “state-of-the-art,” promising improved vocal clarity and wider audio coverage across the venue.

Additional renovations are planned for the stadium press box, including updated furnishings, modern flooring and an expanded dining area designed to “elevate the overall media and guest experience.”

“The upgraded layout will create a more functional environment for media, broadcasters and guests, with the Koman Family helping make the enhancements possible,” a UNC football spokesperson wrote in a Wednesday news release.

UNC officials said new wall graphics throughout the press box will illustrate the history of Tar Heel football, featuring iconic moments from Kenan Stadium alongside visuals documenting the facility’s evolution since opening in 1927.

As part of the season-long celebration, former Tar Heel players will also be recognized during home games, with some participating in the Old Well Walk and serving as honorary captains. The university added that the program’s retired and honored jerseys will receive a more prominent display throughout the stadium.

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The Tar Heels are also set to debut a throwback uniform honoring the 1980 ACC championship team — the last squad in program history to win a conference title. Led by future Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, the team finished 11-1 and ended the season ranked No. 9 in the Coaches Poll.

The uniforms will showcase the return of the program’s classic stairstep UNC logo on the helmets, though university officials did not announce which game the throwbacks will be worn during the 2026 season.

Since opening on Nov. 24, 1927, Kenan Memorial Stadium has hosted 551 games and remains one of college football’s most recognizable venues. UNC owns a 328-207-16 all-time record at the stadium.

“We are excited to recognize 100 seasons of Kenan Stadium by honoring the program’s alumni, elevating the fan experience from pregame to postgame and enhancing our historic facility,” UNC executive athletics director Steve Newmark said in a statement. “As we cheer on the 2026 Tar Heels, we will also commemorate the past while continuing to build toward the future.”

UNC also confirmed the return of the Chapel Thrill Concert Series, which brings free pregame concerts outside Wilson Library before home football games. Officials said the lineup for the 2026 season will be announced at a later date.

Last year’s concert series included performances from Chase Rice, Ludacris, Collective Soul and Fitz and the Tantrums.

The upcoming season will mark the second under head coach Bill Belichick after the Tar Heels went 4-8 in his debut campaign.

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