The Battle for Host Sites in the NCAA Triangle Region: NC State, UNC, and Duke
The NCAA tournament is an event that unites college basketball fans across the nation in anticipation of a thrilling series of matchups. For some universities, hosting games within their home arenas provides an opportunity to play in front of a home crowd, boosting team morale and offering a unique advantage on the court. This year, three powerhouse teams from the state of North Carolina are vying for the coveted host sites in the NCAA’s Triangle Region: NC State, the University of North Carolina (UNC), and Duke University.
The “Triangle” region of the NCAA tournament refers to the Raleigh-Durham area, located in central North Carolina. The area, known as the Research Triangle due to the presence of three prominent research universities — NC State, UNC, and Duke — is a hotbed of college basketball talent and passionate fanbases. As the No. 9 NC State Wolfpack, the No. 8 UNC Tar Heels, and the No. 16 Duke Blue Devils all hope to claim the prestigious host sites for their respective schools, the competition between these schools adds another layer of intensity to an already high-stakes event.
This article explores the factors that make each of these institutions deserving of a host site, as well as the rich history of basketball in the Triangle region, the competition between these universities, and what this means for the future of college basketball in North Carolina.
NC State: A Rich Tradition and Growing Promise
NC State, ranked No. 9 in the country, is no stranger to success in NCAA basketball. With a rich basketball history dating back decades, the Wolfpack have cemented their place among the elite programs in the country. NC State has won two NCAA championships, one in 1974 and the other in 1983, under the legendary guidance of Hall of Fame coach Jim Valvano.
But it’s not just the historical success that makes NC State an attractive candidate for hosting NCAA tournament games. The team is currently experiencing a renaissance under coach Kevin Keatts, who has rejuvenated the program and built a competitive team that has made a strong case for hosting the tournament. The Wolfpack are not only competitive in the ACC but also in the national conversation, ranking within the top 10 as they continue to make a push for NCAA tournament glory.
The atmosphere in Reynolds Coliseum, NC State’s home arena, is electric, especially during big games. The arena has been a staple of the university’s basketball legacy, hosting many memorable moments over the years. Though NC State plays most of its home games at PNC Arena, which is located near downtown Raleigh, Reynolds Coliseum remains a point of pride for the university and its basketball community. Hosting NCAA games in either of these venues would be a significant advantage for the Wolfpack, as the crowd would undoubtedly be an added source of motivation for the players.
Moreover, NC State’s proximity to Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, makes it a prime location for hosting NCAA games. Raleigh’s well-developed infrastructure, hotels, and accessibility via major highways and airports would make it easy for fans, teams, and media members to access the games. The city has long been a hub for basketball in North Carolina, and the Wolfpack would relish the chance to showcase their talent in front of a home crowd.
UNC: Legacy, Passion, and Championship Pedigree
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) boasts one of the most storied basketball programs in NCAA history. With a staggering six NCAA championships, UNC ranks among the best schools in the country when it comes to basketball success. Under the legendary guidance of coaches such as Dean Smith and Roy Williams, the Tar Heels have maintained an elite level of excellence for decades, producing numerous NBA stars, All-Americans, and Hall of Famers along the way.
UNC currently sits at No. 8 in the country, a testament to the continued excellence of the program. Despite experiencing a coaching change in recent years with Hubert Davis taking the reins, the Tar Heels remain one of the most dangerous teams in the nation, consistently competing at a high level in the ACC and beyond. With a strong roster and an ever-present winning culture, UNC is always a threat to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
While Chapel Hill may not have the historical ties to NCAA tournament hosting that Raleigh has, the Dean E. Smith Center, also known as the “Dean Dome,” stands as one of the most iconic basketball arenas in the country. The facility is known for its passionate fans, who fill the arena to capacity for every home game. The energy and enthusiasm of UNC’s student body and alumni create an unmatched atmosphere during games, making it one of the most feared places to play in college basketball.
Additionally, UNC’s location in Chapel Hill — just a short drive from the city of Durham — offers another logistical advantage. The area is easily accessible from major transportation hubs, such as the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), ensuring that teams, fans, and media members can travel with ease. The sheer number of fans and alumni that call North Carolina home would provide a powerful home-court advantage for the Tar Heels, making them a top contender for hosting tournament games.
Duke: A Dynasty and the “Cameron Crazies”
Duke University, ranked No. 16, rounds out the three Triangle region schools vying for NCAA host site status. The Blue Devils, led by legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski for over 40 years, are widely regarded as one of the most successful programs in NCAA basketball history. Duke has won five NCAA championships under Krzyzewski and produced a long list of NBA stars, including Grant Hill, Kyrie Irving, and Zion Williamson.
Duke’s basketball program is synonymous with success, and even with Krzyzewski’s retirement in 2022, the Blue Devils continue to be one of the premier programs in the country. Under new head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke remains a powerhouse in the ACC and nationally, and its position as the No. 16 team in the country is evidence of the continued excellence of the program.
One of the most distinctive features of Duke basketball is the energy and fervor of the “Cameron Crazies,” the student section at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Known for their passion, creativity, and intimidating presence, the Cameron Crazies create an electric atmosphere that has helped propel Duke to countless victories over the years. The stadium itself, with its intimate seating arrangement, is one of the most iconic arenas in college basketball. The closeness of the fans to the court amplifies the experience for both players and spectators, making it a highly coveted venue for NCAA tournament games.
However, Duke’s proximity to the other Triangle schools — NC State and UNC — presents a challenge in terms of competing for host sites. Given that the Blue Devils share the region with two other programs of equal prestige, it’s not certain that Duke will be selected as a host site, despite its storied history. Nevertheless, the tradition of excellence, the intensity of the fanbase, and the historical significance of Cameron Indoor Stadium would make Duke a strong contender.
The Triangle Rivalry: NC State, UNC, and Duke
The competition between NC State, UNC, and Duke is about more than just basketball — it’s a matter of pride. These three universities are fierce rivals, with a long-standing history of intense competition across various sports. Whether it’s the “Tobacco Road” rivalry between UNC and Duke, the heated matchups between NC State and Duke, or the state-wide battle for dominance between NC State and UNC, the rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to any game.
Basketball, in particular, is where these schools’ rivalries come to life. Each matchup is highly anticipated, and the atmosphere in the arenas is often electric. The teams’ fanbases are some of the most passionate in college sports, and the games are always filled with drama, intensity, and incredible plays. Whether they are battling for a spot in the NCAA tournament or fighting for bragging rights in the ACC, these three schools consistently provide thrilling moments for basketball fans.
For NCAA tournament purposes, this rivalry becomes even more significant. As NC State, UNC, and Duke each vie for a chance to host games in their home region, the stakes are raised. The schools not only want to prove that they are worthy of hosting NCAA tournament games — they want to do so in front of their own fans, in their own arenas, and in their own backyard.
What Does This Mean for the Future of College Basketball in North Carolina?
As the battle for the Triangle region’s NCAA tournament host sites heats up, it is important to recognize the broader implications of this competition. North Carolina has long been a hub for college basketball, with the Triangle region serving as the epicenter of the state’s rich basketball tradition. The rivalry between NC State, UNC, and Duke ensures that North Carolina remains a dominant force in the college basketball landscape.
The selection of a host site in the Triangle region would bring significant attention to North Carolina’s basketball programs, showcasing the state’s commitment to the sport. With each of these schools having a strong case for hosting, the tournament would undoubtedly provide thrilling matchups and incredible fan support. As the Triangle continues to nurture basketball talent and foster passionate fanbases, it is clear that North Carolina will remain a central figure in the world of college basketball for years to come.
In conclusion, the battle for host sites in the NCAA Triangle region between NC State, UNC, and Duke is more than just a contest for home-court advantage. It’s a reflection of the state’s rich basketball history, the fierce rivalries between these institutions, and the immense pride each university has in its basketball program. With each school offering unique strengths and advantages, the competition is sure to make for an exciting and unforgettable NCAA tournament. Whether it’s NC State, UNC, or Duke hosting the games, one thing is for certain: basketball fans in North Carolina are in for a treat.