The Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball game between the University of North Carolina and NC State University scheduled for this evening (Saturday, Jan. 7) has been postponed to Sunday (Jan. 8) at 1 p.m. due to the likelihood of dangerous and worsening road conditions later this evening.
The governor of North Carolina has declared a State of Emergency, and forecasts for this evening indicate the threat of continued sub-freezing temperatures that will create hazardous driving and pedestrian conditions.
“Considering the travel conditions we are not comfortable with the idea that thousands of people, from the players, coaches and officials to fans of both teams and the hundreds of people that staff the Smith Center for the game, would be leaving the arena tonight after 10 p.m.,” said Carolina Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham. “Everyone attending the game on Sunday will still need to use extreme caution in getting to and from the game, but we think there is a huge difference between driving in the daylight as opposed to this evening, when conditions are expected to be treacherous.
“The ACC policy of playing if the teams and officials can get to the arena also takes into consideration all the appropriate people getting home safely as well, and when you weigh the risks associated with people being on the roads late tonight versus playing tomorrow afternoon, the correct decision is to postpone the game.”
Tickets for tonight’s game will be honored on Sunday. Doors to the Smith Center will open for fans at 11:30 a.m. The Carolina Basketball Museum will be closed on Sunday.
ESPN will broadcast the game on Sunday at 1 p.m.