Category: Durham Sports Culture

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Durham Sports Culture

A Sports Fan’s Guide to Durham

Ready to get out and explore Durham? We’ve missed the crack of a bat, cheering on hometown teams, and taking in outdoor activities with friends, too. Here are some bucket list must-do’s if you’re a sports fan in Durham. Make sure to check with each destination for COVID-19 operating hours and protocols.

Get the full Bull Durham experience

You can find backdrops and familiar spots from the cult-favorite Bull Durham movie all around Durham. Take yourself out to a Durham Bulls’ ballgame, and then follow this guide to see all the Bull Durham sites put together by our friends at Visit North Carolina.

 

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Catch footy at local favorites

International soccer fan? There are two spots in Durham for you to catch the action. Head downtown to Bull McCabes or head over to the Rockwood neighborhood and check out  The Boot Room. Bull McCabes is a traditional Irish pub with 20 beers on tap and TVs galore. Soccer and sports fans will find something to love about this downtown staple, and families and friends will love the large, expansive patio seating perfect for warmer weather and social distancing. The Boot Room, a sandwich shop, soccer pub, and event space connected to Beer Study, a bottle shop, and barcade, both feature lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. You’ll know you’re in the right place if soccer is playing on multiple indoor and outdoor TVs.

Play a round and find a 19th hole

The greens are finally drying out, and Durham is ready to welcome you to one of its six golf courses! Head over to Duke’s campus for a round at the Duke University Golf Course, followed by drinks at the Bull Durham Bar in the Washington Duke Inn. The Duke University Golf Course is a par 72 public Trent Jones course on the beautiful campus of Duke University and in the shadows of the tranquil retreat that is the Washington Duke Inn. Ready for another round? Hillandale Golf Course, a public par 71 course, hosts an average of 45,000 rounds a year! Wrap up the day with a dozen wings at the new Heavenly Buffaloes location near Erwin Road, or grab a custom popsicle from the famous Locopops!

Let us show you the ropes to climbing

Did you know Durham is home to the largest indoor bouldering space in a five-state radius? Triangle Rock Club offers 90-minute reservations to climb, plus private instruction, group visits, and even a Durham Community League! After you’ve climbed to the rafters, grab a delicious bite from Only Burger or coffee and snack from Bull and the Bean. If pizza is more of your thing, you can build your own pie at Pops Backdoor Restaurant. You’re sure to work up an appetite.

Break out of your routine with an Xtreme adventure

Feeling Xtreme? Make a reservation for paintball, zipline, a ropes course, and more at the most XTREME spot in Durham! Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends, Xtreme Park Adventures has something for every adventure lover.

Get outdoors!

Trails and more trails! Lace-up your shoes and hit the American Tobacco Trail, the Al Buehler Trail, or one of the over 30 miles of trails and greenway maintained by Durham Parks and Recreation. The Durham Bike & Hike Map is available electronically through the Transportation Department.

Category: Durham Sports Culture

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Durham Sports Culture, Press Releases

Durham Sports Commission Celebrates Black History Month with Panel Discussions 

Trip Durham to Facilitate the “DSC Bull Sessions” About Race, Social Justice, and the History of Sports in Durham  

 February 2, 2021 – In recognition of Black History Month, the Durham Sports Commission (DSC) will host two virtual panels this month to explore the accomplishments and impact of Black athletes, coaches, and changemakers from Durham.

The first roundtable discussions, titled “The Impact of Society in College Athletics,” will center on the world of collegiate athletics with participation from respected athletic administrators and national leadership. The taping is linked here. The second panel focuses more on the influence and history of sport in the Durham community with prominent contributors weighing in on various issues. The second recording is linked here.

“We’re always striving to find more innovative ways to reinforce how sports create social impact and can be transformative for the community at large,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “If you appreciate sports and sports history, you know how athletic events and teams often find a way to bring people together, address change head-on, and pave the way for social progress. Black History Month offers an opportunity for us to dive in deeper on complex, timely topics – I encourage sports fans and casual viewers alike to tune in and learn more about the immediate impression sports are having in shaping Durham and communities across the country.” 

With two storied NCAA Division I programs in Durham, the DSC found it important for the first discussion to concentrate on college athletics. Panelists include Nina King, Senior Deputy Director of Athletics/Administration at Duke University; Troy Austin, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Internal Affairs at Duke University; Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree, Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University; and Stan Johnson, Executive Director of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA). MOAA is under the umbrella of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, an association that aims to provide opportunities and exchange ideas, advocate increased participation and administrative opportunities for minorities in athletics. The panel will focus its discussion on student-athlete welfare, the lack of minority hiring in athletics, the ongoing significance of social justice movements, and trailblazing contributions of John B. McLendon who pioneered basketball’s full court press offense and other strategies as a coach at NCCU (then North Carolina College).  

The second panel discussion concerning the intersection of sports and community will be shared towards the end of the month. Confirmed panelists include Omar Beasley, Chairman of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People; Umar Muhammad, Founder of USports Consulting and Faculty Athletic Representative at Saint Augustine’s University; and Susan Scott, Chief Growth Officer at UNC-TV. Additional panelist(s) are expected to be added as the filming date approaches. This conversation will be centered on sports impact for youth and minority populations, access to facilities and programming, and celebrate the achievements of local past and present Black athletes.  

Both conversations will be facilitated by Trip Durham, founder of 2D Consulting, LLC, and the current public address announcer for Duke Athletics. Durham was previously the President of the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) and the Associate Director of Athletics at Elon University. 

Each discussion is expected to be approximately an hour to 45 minutes in length and will be published across the DSC’s website as well as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. The Black History Month roundtable conversations will be the first installments of “DSC Bull Sessions,” a new storytelling initiative from the sports commission that will showcase and explore various topics that are important to the community.  

Category: Durham Sports Culture

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Durham Sports Culture

Nothing about this fall sports season looks “normal,” but here in Durham, we’re thankful that we HAVE SPORTS! While we are still under local Safer-at-Home ordinances, we wanted to put together your go-to guide for watching college football in a pandemic in Durham. The Bull City offers no shortage of places to experience the excitement of NCAA Football, from modern sports bars with televisions everywhere you look to more intimate local hangouts. If you’re more comfortable staying at home during this time, there are plenty of takeout and curbside options available, too.

While we’d love to be cheering on the Blue Devils from Wallace Wade Stadium, or the Eagles at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, here we’ve outlined your guide to watching sports in Durham this year.

Where to Watch (Safely)

If you’re comfortable with dining in with social distancing or watching on a patio with fresh air here are the spots with go-to sports grub! We encourage you to check in advance each business’s website or social media accounts in advance to make sure you’re aware of what safety precautions are in place.

Located at 900 West Main Street downtown, Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom features multi-state BBQ, a full bar, and numerous TVs. There’s also as an outdoor patio (equipped with a second bar) and a projector they put to use for the big games, weather permitting. The patio is complete with fire pits so you can enjoy the outdoors even if there’s still a chill in the air. Mavericks is currently open for curbside, takeout, catering, and dine-in with social distancing.

Next door to Maverick’s you’ll find Devine’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, a local sports fan’s haven that’s been open since 1978. Find a menu full of all-American favorites, beers on draft, and a large outdoor patio. Devine’s is currently open for dine-in and takeout.

Across the street from Maverick’s and Devine’s you’ll find Clouds Brewing in Brightleaf Square. Most breweries are known for beer first and television selection second, but Clouds spacious new location is an exception as 33 HD screens line every wall and even the ceiling in some places. Throw in a full menu and craft brews and this is a great place to relax and catch the college football action. Along with all other restaurants in Durham, Clouds is operating at 50% capacity and has removed service at the bar and the self-pour beer wall.

Just up from Brightleaf Square along Main Street you’ll find Skewer’s Bar and Grill, which is open for dine-in with limited outdoor seating and takeout. Call ahead to have your wings ready for kickoff

Ranked by Complex magazine as one of the 25 best bars near a college campus, Dain’s Place, located in the Ninth Street district, is an obvious choice for Duke fans who are looking to join in a cheer with their dark blue brethren. Did we mention more than 80 American microbrews are available? Don’t sleep on the tots. Dain’s is open for dine-in and take out with social distancing. Pro tip: before or after be sure to pop into Flying Bull Brewery just a few storefronts away to try out Durham’s latest local brewery. Just around the corner you can also catch a game at The Tavern and spread out across their patio or 6,000 square foot space.

Tobacco Road Sports Café serves fresh, local food surrounded by a wall of TVs – all in a location overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park across from the American Tobacco Campus. You’ll find memorabilia supporting Atlantic Coast Conference teams as well as fans heavily representing the teams in blue. Tobacco Road is open for dine-in and takeout with a patio made for social distanced football viewing!

Outside of downtown, Bralie’s Sports Bar and Grill have been a longtime local favorite with two locations. Fill up on fresh wings, big burgers, Philly cheesesteaks while catching a game or two.

Not sure if your favorite spot in Durham is open for dine-in service yet? Check out Discover Durham’s helpful webpage where you can search by specific restaurant or sort by restaurants offering dine-in, takeout, or curbside delivery.

Good Eats for the Stay-at-Home Fan

We get it – you might not be ready yet to interact in person yet with others, as much as you want to gather in support of your favorite team. For those of you looking to win the day at home while still supporting local restaurants, here are a few great takeout options.

No football game is complete without wings and nowhere knows wings better than Heavenly Buffaloes. Heavenly Buffaloes is the recipient of the Indy Week’s Best of the Triangle award for Best Wings in Durham County consecutively from 2015-2020 and is open for takeout.

Maybe whole hog barbecue is more of your thing. You can order online from Picnic, a north Durham staple nationally renowned for its hand-pulled ‘que. The Original Q Shack, touted for offering “BBQ tender as a mother’s love,” also offers some stellar special sides, like roasted jalapeno and blue cheese grits. Craving ribs? The Blue Note Grill’s just so happen to fall off the bone and are available to order online.

Where to Snag Your Gear

No matter where you find and devour your gameday food, you better be donning your Duke blue to cheer on the Blue Devils! Here are spots known to have Duke gear for the whole family.

As the largest retail store on campus, the Duke University store offers everything a new or seasoned Duke fan could need for the upcoming football season.

Looking for Durham specific gear for any occasion? Stop by women-owned Hometown Apparel on Ninth Street near Dain’s Place and other local favorites. Their apparel is screen printed in Durham, NC with pieces meant to bring joy to the Durham community.

Yes, sports will look different this year but there will still be college athletes giving their all on the gridiron. We’ll still be the fans cheering, coaching and yelling from the couch, or bench or patio. This season is all about opportunity! The opportunity to watch and cheer from anywhere! Convert that neighbor to the right color blue with your raucous back porch cheering or invite a friend over for social distanced party subs. Tag us in your photos for us to see you showing love and for a chance to be featured across our accounts.

“Duke kicks off its 108th home season of football when it welcomes Boston College on Saturday. Under head coach David Cutcliffe, Duke is 10-2 in home openers ”
Maverick's Smokehouse
Dain's Place
Category: Durham Sports Culture

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Durham Sports Culture

We’re here, and we want to help. We know the past five months have been detrimental to the sports landscape, across the country, not just in Durham. While we’ve been working hand in hand with the events that were scheduled to take place during these past few months, we felt now is the time to connect with all of our event stakeholders and encourage you to spread this message throughout your sports channels. The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is still here and we want to help.

As a reminder, our mission is to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events. The DSC also seeks to maximize the potential of Durham’s sports facilities and venues while providing leadership and guidance to the public and private sectors on the development of athletic facilities and programs that will positively benefit the quality of life of the citizens of Durham. Here are a few ways in which we work towards those goals:

  • Grants and Sponsorships: As always, the DSC’s mission is to create economic and social impact through sports. One of the ways we do that is with grants and sponsorships for event owners who want to host events in Durham. These grant dollars can be used in a variety of ways. During this pandemic crisis, we know these dollars can be of even more use. Does your event need to increase the budget to account for face coverings and hand sanitizer? Has your budget been cut due to a lack of membership dues? We’d like to help. Our goal is to do everything we can to keep these events in Durham and continue building a strong and active sports culture.
  • Prioritizing and Promoting Diversity: We aim to promote and prioritize diversity and improve access to all in local events. Therefore, we want to help you make your event more accessible. Here’s how we can help:
    • Marketing your event to diverse audiences
    • Funding assistance to break down barriers for access
    • Consult with other local organizations to foster engaging partnerships
  • Added value to events: When working with event planners, one of our priorities is to identify how can we make your event bigger and better. This will look different for each event and we’d encourage you to schedule a planning meeting with our team! Some general ways in which we can help raise awareness and impact of your event include:
    • Welcome bags and gifts for attendees & coaches
    • Event signage
    • Staff meal assistance
    • Hotel room block assistance
    • Event marketing
    • Connection with community partners
  • Pandemic specific assistance and guideline guidance: As the thought leader for sports in Durham, we’ve done our best to stay abreast of the most current guidelines and restrictions for local sporting events. We’d be happy to brainstorm and consult with you when your event is in the planning stages and provide our assistance.
    • Safety and cleanliness suggestions
    • Funding assistance to cover the cost of sanitation
  • Consultation and Planning Assistance: We are ALWAYS here to be a sounding board for your event. Our staff takes pride in being the experts on hosting sporting events and would love to assist you early in the planning stages to make your event the most efficient and exciting event possible.

All in all, this is meant to be a simple reminder that we’re still here and ready to assist.  The sports landscape may look different but the Durham Sports Commission is working to help bring it back here in Durham. Please contact us with any questions or if we can be of any assistance.

 

Welcome tables and giveaways
Services can vary by event
Signage at events brings more excitement
Category: Durham Sports Culture

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Durham Sports Culture

We know you’re heard of Panera and Jimmy Johns, but what about the distinctly Durham tastes you haven’t yet discovered?

We’ve got places you should try that are close to the all the action, unforgettably famous, and perfect for celebrating a track and field personal best.

Bull City Staples

Don’t you dare go home without tasting these culinary delights in Durham.

First Place: Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Find your favorite comfort food pairing at the original Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, where crispy, Southern fried chicken meets fluffy and sweet European waffles. The golden waffles are served with their signature “shmears,” made of whipped sweet crème butters that are flavored with natural ingredients like Strawberry Crème, Maple Pecan, or Chocolate Hazelnut. Not a waffle fan? Dame’s also serves classic southern brunch dishes like shrimp and grits and blackened salmon.

In the press: Eater recognized Dame’s as one of Durham’s 10 indispensible restaurants.

Travel Tip: There is often a line out the door but it is worth the wait. Make sure your entire party is available so you’ll be seated.

Second Place: True Flavors Diner

It’s hard to snag a seat at the cozy True Flavors diner on the weekends (now with a new location in the Lakewood neighborhood!) but the inventive menu is truly worth the wait. You’re served a hot, buttermilk biscuit the second you sit down (try not to inhale it), and the menu is filled with delicious dishes like slow roasted duck hash with roasted red peppers, thyme, shallots, and eggs, or the creamy four-cheese shrimp and grits with peppers, onions, fresh corn, sausage, and eggs on the side.

In the press: The News & Observer is just as excited about another location for these delights.

Travel Tip: This is perfect for the entire family; but come early to leave happy. Take a slice of pound cake to go!

Third Place: Saltbox Seafood Joint

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Didn’t think it was possible to get fresh seafood this far from the coast? You haven’t visited Saltbox Seafood Joint. Classically trained Chef Ricky Moore has worked in restaurants in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, but in 2012 he gave it all up to open a walk-up seafood stand in downtown Durham. Diners now line the street for Moore’s nationally-acclaimed soft-shell crabs, oysters, and of course, fried fish.

In the press: USA Today recognized Saltbox as a seafood shack worth a stop, and Eater recognized Saltbox as one of 10 indispensable Durham restaurants.

Travel Tip: The menu varies daily. You can find the day’s specials posted on Facebook, written on a chalkboard outside the downtown location, and inside the recently opened second location in Lakewood, Saltbox Seafood II.

Barbecue for the win: Picnic Durham

We’re not even paying attention to the podium on this one… we’re just going to award a trophy. The local meats and produce featured on the plates at this family-friendly restaurant are exactly the kind to call home about. Are you wondering where to win on the barbecue front? Picnic is it, offering staple pulled pork and brisket over cheesy fries, as well as fried chicken sandwiches, baked beans, and warm sweet potato hash before serving delightful desserts.

In the press: Indy Weekly covered Picnic’s whole hog restaurant, praising the simple, unpretentious, hearty barbecue soaked in smoke and sauce folks keep coming back for.

Travel tip: Don’t even wear a belt — at the very least, be prepared to loosen it.

Prizes for Proximity

We know convenience is key when you’re spending a few days at a stadium competing to the best of your ability. Here are the top three places to visit that are within a short distance of Durham County Memorial Stadium.

First Place: Super Taqueria

North Durham’s Super Taqueria offers a mouth-watering selection of sopes, tacos, burritos, and gorditas, plus a loaded salsa bar. Pair your food with an agua fresca for a stellar meal.

Second Place: Pelican’s Snoballs

Post competition, take athletes and the whole family to Pelican’s, a short five-minute drive away from the stadium. You can order New Orleans-style sno-balls in flavors like tutti frutti and cherry cola. If you really want to go for gold, try all 100 flavors and win a free t-shirt!

Third Place: Golden Crust Caribbean Bakery and Grill

Oxtail? Check. Jerk Chicken? Check. You won’t find Caribbean fare in more savory condition than here.

Celebrate here when you win your #majormoment

Go on, splurge, you deserve it! You’ve worked hard, and so have your family and friends while getting you to optimal performance shape. Here are a few places to cap off a great competition week.

First Place: Guglhupf Bakery, Cafe & Restaurant

Sample German fare on the weekend brunch cafe menu at this European-meets-Southern eatery. Familiar brunch items like eggs benedict over Westphalian ham and nutella on grilled brioche bread mix with traditional German cuisine, such as schnitzel and house-made bratwurst. Don’t leave before popping into the attached bakery for an almond schnecke pastry.

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Second Place: Piedmont

Specializing in hyperlocal cuisine, brunch visitors to Piedmont will find menu items from some of their favorite nearby purveyors, like the Loaf Bakery brioche French toast served with poached apples, candied pecans, and bourbon-maple syrup, or the barbecue pork shoulder with root vegetable hash, a fried egg, and Pig Whistle BBQ Sauce.

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Third Place: M Tempura

The newest restaurant from Chef Michael Lee, M Tempura opened in the former Scratch Bakery location on Orange Street. This cozy, traditional omakase-style tempura restaurant offers a brand new dining experience where each piece is enjoyed as it comes out, served warm after being lightly battered and fried. Chef Lee’s sister restaurants, M Sushi and M Kokko, are just down the street, and while the concepts are all unique, they are equally delicious.

Bonus: Nourish your body and treat your taste buds

Don’t sacrifice flavor at the hands of your diet at Happy + Hale, Pokeworks, or Souly Vegan Cafe. Munch on scrumptious salads, good-for-you grain bowls, and more. For a protein packed post-workout smoothie, stop by Xpert Nutrition. Don’t forget to stock up on healthy snacks from the bulk bins at the Durham Co-op Market and Bulldega.

You can also treat yourself to the good stuff — locally grown produce, hormone-free meats, artisanal cheeses, and more at Durham’s three, year-round farmers’ markets. Hours are dependent on the season, so check their websites for details:

For more information on Durham travel, check out this map of Durham, or learn more about Durham attractions and events.

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The Bull City offers no shortage of places to experience the madness that is the NCAA Division I basketball tournament, from modern sports bars with televisions literally everywhere you look to more intimate local hangouts.

The Bull City offers no shortage of places to experience the madness that is the NCAA Division I basketball tournament, from modern sports bars with televisions literally everywhere you look to more intimate local hangouts. It’s no surprise or coincidence that Durham, NC was ranked the very best city for college basketball fans in 2021 by WalletHub.com.

The following is a rundown of some of the best places in Durham to catch the action. Before visiting any of these Durham establishments, please check in advance with each directly about COVID-19 safety precautions as well as updated hours and offerings. Please also be sure to follow the 3 W’s and keep our community safe while visiting.

Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom

Located at 900 West Main Street downtown, Maverick’s features multi-state BBQ, a full bar, and numerous TVs. There’s also as an outdoor patio (equipped with a second bar) and a projector they put to use for the big games, weather permitting, complete with fire pits so you can enjoy the outdoors even if there’s still a chill in the air.

Bull Durham Bar

Located in the Washington Duke Inn at the Duke Golf Club, this is a favorite hangout for Duke fans, and the public is welcome to watch all the games.

Carolina Ale House

Situated prominently on U.S. 15/501 on the way to Chapel Hill, Carolina Ale House draws its share of basketball fans, and with more than 50 TVs you won’t miss anything during the frenetic opening rounds when multiple games are being played simultaneously.

Clouds Brewing

Most breweries are known more for their beer than their television selection, but Clouds’ spacious new location on Main Street is an exception as 33 HD screens line every wall and even hang from the ceiling. Throw in a full menu and craft brews and this is a great place to relax and catch some sports.

Dain’s Place

Ranked by Complex magazine as one of the 25 best bars near a college campus, Dain’s, located in the Ninth Street district, is an obvious choice for Duke fans who are looking to join in a cheer with their dark blue brethren. Every game will be on one of four TVs. Did we mention more than 80 American microbrews are available?

Devine’s Grill and Sports Bar

Yet another Brightleaf area hangout, Devine’s has been a favorite for locals since 1978. Enjoy pub favorites like wings and burger while watching the tournament. They have an outdoor patio with seating around a TV screen, too.

Fullsteam Brewery

Fullsteam’s big screen will be tuned to March Madness all week, while you enjoy a homegrown Durham brew. The Humidity Pale Ale, the Rocket Science IPA, and the PayCheck Pilsner are always on tap in addition to seasonal specials made with local ingredients.

Rookie’s

If you don’t want to venture to downtown, Rookie’s is the only sports bar in Research Triangle Park. Rookie’s has 26 televisions, 12 beers on tap, and both indoor and outdoor viewing areas.

Tobacco Road Sports Café

Tobacco Road serves fresh, local food surrounded by a wall of TVs – all in a location overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park across from the American Tobacco Campus.

Heavenly Buffaloes

Durham wings and sports fans now have a dine-in option right off Duke’s West Campus! With a new expanded menu; as well as, indoor and outdoor dining options, the options are endless for this new location.

The Tavern

Located in Durham’s Ninth Street District, across from Duke’s East Campus, the Tavern is a great spot to shoot pool, throw darts or watch games and hang out with other sports fans. A family-owned bar and restaurant with an extensive menu is a great stop for catching one of the NCAA games this season.

Honeysuckle at Lakewood

The Honeysuckle at Lakewood has ample TVs, online ordering and ½ acre of outdoor dining! Grab a table in the spacious indoor-outdoor venue and try one of Chef Mark’s farm-inspired menu focuses on classic American plates with a bold twist.

Bull McCabes

Back downtown, Bull McCabes has great patio seating and multiple indoor-outdoor tv viewing options. An incredible location and traditional Irish bar with burgers, pub staples and 20 beers on tap!

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Durham Sports Culture

Even if you live far outside of the boundaries of Durham/Orange County, you’d better figure out which blue you bleed, and quick.

The rivalry between the Duke University Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels has permeated all types of playing fields, courts, pitches, and stadiums for decades. It’s why students huddle together for warmth in makeshift tents outside Cameron Indoor Stadium, taking shifts to take showers. It’s only during the sweet winter months, however, that we get to see it all play out on the unforgiving hardwood.

Even if you live far outside of the boundaries of Durham/Orange County, you’d better figure out which blue you bleed, and quick.

The rivalry between the Duke University Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels has permeated all types of playing fields, courts, pitches, and stadiums for decades. It’s why students huddle together for warmth in makeshift tents outside Cameron Indoor Stadium, taking shifts to take showers. It’s only during the sweet winter months, however, that we get to see it all play out on the unforgiving hardwood.

 

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People try to joke about it to relieve the inescapable, palpable tension — but it’s real. We’re not the only ones who acknowledge these tales as far more than those of lore. This history has been told, retold, dissected, and argued for quite some time, and will continue to be for seasons to come.

Relive the rivalry’s storied history, and then pick your side. Every year, every game is sure to be a wild ride; you may as well experience it first hand in the Bull City.

 

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They call this the Tobacco Road nemeses. Duke University and UNC sit just eight miles apart and have been playing each other for almost 100 years. At the start of last season, UNC was No. 3 on the all-time wins list. Duke was No. 4. The two schools have combined for 38 of the 65 ACC tournament titles and 50 regular season crowns, made it to 36 Final Fours and claimed 11 national championships. All this after the series between the two began in the 1919-20 season.

Both schools have supported and cultivated renowned talent. Michael Jordan (a member of the NCAA championship team in 1982) and other Carolina greats like Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, and Rick Fox donned the lighter color blue. But Kyrie Irving, J.J. Redick, Jay Bilas, Shane Battier, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, and Christian Laettner played for the Blue Devils with pride. The list continues, with extraordinary freshman talent adorning Duke’s roster this season, and Carolina contending with remarkable players to call their own.

The culture of the schools are different, of course, but the passion of their fans is remarkably similar: it’s unquenchable. Southern Living named it “The Most Famous Basketball Rivalry in the South.”

What to wear

If you need something in a royal blue, you can find everything you might need at Duke University Stores.

When and where the action will happen

The Duke men’s basketball team will take on Carolina on March 7 at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and the game will be televised on ESPN.

We all wish we had a crystal ball. Check out this matchup predictor to dissect the odds.

Don your best Duke or Carolina hue and pack your venue of choice with the best places in Durham to catch the action.

Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom

Located at 900 West Main Street downtown, Maverick’s features multi-state BBQ, a full bar, and numerous TVs. There’s also is an outdoor patio (equipped with a second bar) and a projector they put to use for the big games, weather permitting, complete with fire pits so you can enjoy the outdoors even if there’s still a chill in the air.

Bull Durham Bar

Located in the Washington Duke Inn at the Duke Golf Club, this is a favorite hangout for Duke fans, and the public is welcome to watch all the games.

Carolina Ale House

Situated prominently on U.S. 15/501 on the way to Chapel Hill, Carolina Ale House draws its fair share of Tar Heel fans, and with more than 50 TVs you won’t miss anything during the frenetic opening rounds when multiple games are being played simultaneously.

Clouds Brewing

Most breweries are known more for their beer than their television selection, but Clouds’ spacious new location on Main Street is an exception as 33 HD screens line every wall and hang from the ceiling. Throw in a full menu and craft brews; this is a great place to relax and catch some sports.

Dain’s Place

Ranked by Complex magazine as one of the 25 best bars near a college campus, Dain’s, located in the Ninth Street district, is an obvious choice for Duke fans who are looking to join in a cheer with their dark blue brethren. Every game will play on one of four TVs — did we mention more than 80 American microbrews are available?

Devine’s Grill and Sports Bar

Another Brightleaf area hangout, Devine’s has been a favorite for locals since 1978. Enjoy pub favorites like wings and burgers while watching the tournament.

Fullsteam Brewery

Fullsteam’s big screen will be tuned to March Madness while our teams play and you enjoy a homegrown Durham brew. The Humidity Pale Ale, the Rocket Science IPA, and the Paycheck Pilsner are always on tap in addition to seasonal specials made with local ingredients.

Mattie B’s Public House

This southern Durham neighborhood pub will show the biggest games on one of Durham’s biggest TVs, a 120-inch projection screen. There is also a rotating, eclectic mix of 11 beers on tap.

Tobacco Road Sports Café

Tobacco Road serves fresh, local food surrounded by a wall of TVs – all in a location overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park across from the American Tobacco Campus.

Learn more about Durham sports here.

Featured image by Reagan Lunn.

Category: Durham Sports Culture

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Durham Sports Culture

Durham is a great place for sports – one of its names is City of Champions.

Durham is home to national championships, hall-of-fame coaches, the site of the first interracial basketball game, more state high school basketball titles than any other community in the state, and the backdrop for the best sports movie of all time according to many outlets.

The Duke University Blue Devils compete in 25 NCAA Division I sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), but the Duke men’s basketball team and its home arena, Cameron Indoor Stadium, are the most notable. That team’s resume includes four NCAA championships, 10 NCAA championship games, 15 Final Fours, 11 national players of the year, and 71 players selected in the NBA draft.

The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, founded in 1902, is the Triple-A baseball affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays and is the most famous minor league baseball team in the country thanks to Bull Durham, the best sports movie of all time according to Sports Illustrated. The team plays 72 of 144 regular season home games at the 10,000 seat Durham Bulls Athletic Park. In 2009, the Bulls won their first Triple-A national championship and in 2011 earned their 6,000th win in franchise history.

The North Carolina Central University Eagles compete in 14 men’s and women’s NCAA sports as members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). In 2012, NCCU completed a five-year transition to the NCAA Division I (Football Subdivision), which will bring even more national recognition to the historically black university.

With so many great sports teams, it’s easy to cheer for a hometown favorite. Sports enthusiasts can get tickets to local or home games and view the action live and in person!

Category: Durham Sports Culture

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Durham Sports Culture

All we do is win.

Home to beloved championship teams like the Durham Bulls Baseball Club, the Duke University Blue Devils, and the North Carolina Central University Eagles, Durham offers plenty of opportunities to take in high-level sporting events. Check out the listings below to find the teams that match your interests. You can also browse the event calendar to find upcoming events.