Greensboro has hosted some of the biggest moments in ACC and NCAA basketball, and this December the spotlight is back as UNC and NC State meet at First Horizon Coliseum for the inaugural Tobacco Road Classic.
A historic rivalry game returns to Greensboro
For the first time since 1979, UNC and NC State will play a regular-season game in Greensboro, NC, renewing one of college basketball’s greatest rivalries at First Horizon Coliseum. The inaugural Tobacco Road Classic, presented by Old Dominion Freight Line, tips off on December 15, 2026, with a rematch already scheduled to bring the rivalry back to Greensboro in 2027.
“UNC–NC State is one of the great rivalries in college basketball, and we’re thrilled to bring it to Greensboro,” said Scott Johnson, General Manager of First Horizon Coliseum. Greensboro Sports Foundation President Richard Beard called it “exactly the type of college basketball matchup that has helped make Greensboro a true Tournament Town.”
New coaches, new eras, same intensity
Both programs enter the season with new leadership and high expectations.
UNC is led by first-year head coach Michael Malone, an NBA championship-winning coach with the Denver Nuggets, coming off a 24–9 campaign and the program’s 55th NCAA Tournament appearance.
NC State begins a new era under first-year head coach and former Wolfpack captain Justin Gainey, with a roster featuring leading scorer Paul McNeil Jr. and nation-leading shot-blocker Kyle Evans.
“This is exactly the type of college basketball matchup that has helped make Greensboro a true Tournament Town.”
Richard Beard, President, Greensboro Sports Foundation
Tickets, parking, and what to know
Tickets for UNC vs. NC State – Tobacco Road Classic go on sale Thursday, September 10 at Ticketmaster.com and at the First Horizon Coliseum Ticket Office. Standard Coliseum parking will be in effect; plan to arrive early to allow time for traffic and security screening.
Accessible seating is available throughout the arena; guests needing accessible seating or services should contact the First Horizon Coliseum Ticket Office in advance. Standard Coliseum bag policy will be in place for this event—please review current guidelines before you arrive.
For more on the venue, visit our Facilities & Campus page. For ticketing details and pricing, visit Ticketmaster.com.
Where it happens
First Horizon Coliseum
Competition floor · all sessions
Special Events Center
Team practice courts, media workroom, and ancillary spaces as assigned