North Carolina is expanding beer and wine sales to the Smith Center and Carmichael Arena this season, the athletic department announced Thursday.
The school has been selling beer and wine at outdoor sports venues, including Kenan Stadium, since 2019.
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Sales will start at the Smith Center on Monday when the men's basketball team opens its season against Elon. Sales at Carmichael Arena, home to the Tar Heels' women's basketball team and several Olympic sports teams, will begin later in November.
North Carolina athletics director Bubba Cunningham said the "time is right" and that many fans have asked the school to expand alcohol sales to indoor venues.
He also cited another reason.
"Not only is it consistent with many other events around the country, including NCAA championships and ACC tournaments, but it also adds a key financial stream as we prepare for revenue-sharing with student-athletes," Cunningham said.
Beginning next season, schools, including UNC, are expected to share as much as $22 million in direct payments to its athletes as the result of a settlement in a lawsuit.
It has sent schools searching for additional sources of revenue. Tennessee announced an additional 10% "talent fee" for 2025 football season tickets.