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‘It’s a great time to be in Chapel Hill’
Tar Heel fans talk Carolina tailgating traditions and what they’re most excited about for the 2025 football season.
Published Sept. 10, 2025
Story and photos by Kristen Grant and Jon Gardiner, University Communications and Marketing
It might not feel quite like fall yet in Chapel Hill, but football season has officially arrived at Carolina. Game days are a sea of Carolina Blue on campus, with returning alumni and fans proudly setting up their Tar Heel tents in the same spots they’ve celebrated for years and thousands of students experiencing it all for the first time.
“It was a great atmosphere here for the game. Fans had tremendous energy at the Old Well Walk. It was a great environment.”
Carolina head coach Bill Belichick after the season opener Sept. 1.
“The excitement around this season has really encouraged people to get out and tailgate, enjoy the weather and get excited for football. It’s a great time to be in Chapel Hill. We’ve been coming to this spot to tailgate outside of Ruffin Hall for about seven years, but we have a lot of new people joining us this year, which is awesome.”
Tucker Horne ’24 (MA), Winston-Salem
“This was my first Old Well Walk, and it was a lot of fun. Polk Place is amazing today. It’s really cool to see how the football program has invested in itself and the fans and is spreading that energy beyond Chapel Hill.”
Nick Garcia ’24, Pikeville, North Carolina
“It’s our first game day at Carolina, and we’ve been to a few really fun tailgates so far today. There was a band at the Carolina Inn earlier, and we can’t wait for the concert in Polk Place. We’re all just really excited for Bill Belichick at UNC!”
Caroline Elkinson’29, Lexington, Kentucky
“This is my first football season as an alum, and it’s crazy. It really feels like we’re ushering in a new age and kind of a new culture for Carolina football. I think the football team walking from the Old Well now is really cool … that longer distance might get more fans involved, and hopefully the players will feel everyone supporting them and cheering them on the entire way so they can carry that energy out onto the field.”
Owen Yawn ’25, Banner Elk, North Carolina
“I was in the marching band while I was a student here, and we love to cheer on the Tar Heels in every sport. We’ve been tailgating at this location for about 10 years, but we’re really fired up about the energy and excitement for this season. I’m also so happy the Old Well Walk is coming back. I was here when they used to do it, and I love that they’re starting it up again.”
Eve Pilkington ’95, Clayton, North Carolina
“This is our first season tailgating, and we’re really excited to see the team for the Old Well Walk, the concerts in Polk Place and to have Bill Belichick here bringing new hype for the team.”
Preston Mullins ’29, Moyock, North Carolina
“I’m from Massachusetts, and a lifelong Pats fan, and I’m really excited to see what Bill Belichick will bring to my new school here at Carolina.”
Tommy Guinan ’29, Scituate, Massachusetts
“The level of school spirit today is amazing, especially coming from the U.K. I’m excited for my first football season!”
Isabel Bevan ’29, Bristol, United Kingdom
“The atmosphere is electric, you can tell everyone is so excited to be here. I can’t believe I’m actually here. I’ve been looking forward to this since I was a freshman in high school, I’ve always wanted to come to UNC, and now with Coach Belichick this year I’m looking forward to it even more.”
Addi Hinson ’29, Winston-Salem
“I’m having fun spending time with my friends and excited to watch football. This is awesome to be here for Bill Belichick’s first year. I can’t wait.”
Larissa Seraz ’29, Hickory, North Carolina
“The new kids’ area is great, with tons of fun, free things to do for families. My kids are definitely enjoying themselves!”
Eric Hernandez, Durham
