Know Before You Go: UNC Football vs. Richmond

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The 2025 North Carolina football team returns to Chapel Hill this weekend against Richmond, presented by Sustainable Carolina. Opening kickoff between the Tar Heels and Spiders from Kenan Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. 

For my information, visit the 2025 Carolina Football Gameday Guide.

Chapel Thrill Presented by Frost Buddy Gameday Timeline

11:30 AM: Modelo Kick Off Club, Coca-Cola Fan Zone and tailgating open

12:30 PM: Old Well Walk begins

1:15 PM: Chapel Thrill Concert Series presented by The Rams Club, John Stone

2:00 PM: Kenan Stadium gates open

2:00 PM: Marching Tar Heels perform in The Pit

3:00 PM: Last call for Coca-Cola Fan Zone and Chapel Thrill

3:30 PM: Kickoff

Chapel Thrill Game Day

Chapel Thrill Game Day, presented by Frost Buddy, returns this Saturday at 11:30 AM. The newly expanded pre-kickoff footprint of opportunities for fans of all ages to enjoy, features the Chapel Thrill Concert Series, presented by The Rams Club. This weekend, John Stone, “The King of Lower Broadway” in Nashville, Tenn., takes the stage in front of Wilson Library.

Stone’s career in country music has spanned over two decades and includes performances for the White House Christmas Party, a 10-year residency on Kid Rock’s Chillin’ the Most Cruise, and 16 years performing at the world famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville.

Old Well Walk

This Saturday at approximately 12:30 PM, the team will walk from the Old Well through Polk Place and around the Bell Tower to the stadium, allowing fans enjoying Chapel Thrill Game Day to cheer them on as they prepare for the game.

Rams Club Pregame Experience

The Rams Club’s pregame presence at Chapel Thrill Game Day experience in Polk Place, gives fans a chance to immerse themselves in the action. Members will be able to pick up their exclusive gameday giveaway and stickers at the Rams Club branded tent each game, while supplies last.

Ticketing/ Entry Updates

Gate 5- Students-Only Entry: The Cook Out Student Entrance at Gate 5, located across from the Bell Tower Deck, will be used as an entrance only for UNC students.  The general public will be asked to enter Kenan Stadium via any other entrance, including at Gates 1, 2, 3, and 6.

Gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

All-In-One Tickets

If you have purchased season tickets for this year, your tickets now feature All-In-One functionality. Fans will only need to download your season tickets to your mobile wallet once, before the season begins. All-In-One will automatically update after each game to display the next game in your season ticket package. Single-game tickets do not feature All-In-One, and must be downloaded for each game.

NFC Scanning

Carolina football digital tickets will now use NFC, or near field communication, technology. When entering Kenan Stadium on gameday, simply display your ticket in your mobile wallet and hold your phone up to the ticket scanner — no need for barcodes or QR codes. This upgrade allows for quicker ingress and adds an extra layer of security to prevent counterfeit tickets.

Digital Ticketing Guide: https://goheels.com/feature/digital-ticketing

Gate 2 Expansion – Merritt’s Grill

Gate 2 of Kenan Stadium has been expanded to include an all-new area in Kenan Pines. The new space will feature Merritt’s Grill cooking up its famous BLTs and banana pudding.  The area will also have a large LED screen and plenty of seating space to enjoy your Merritt’s in the Pines.

Another addition to Gate 2 is the arrival of The Ram Pen, where fans can meet and take photos with UNC’s live mascot, Rameses.  This area will be open throughout the game starting 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Concessions

In addition to the Merritt’s Grill Gate 2 expansion, Serendipity Ice Cream will be available at 10+ locations. Several new concessions items, including Gleezy Double Smoked Brisket Hot Dogs, Frost Buddies, Philly Steak Nachos, Dirty Sodas with your favorite Coca-Cola refreshment, and Donut Ice Cream Sandwiches will be featured around Kenan Stadium this season.  The Modelo Walk-Thru-Bru in Section 104 is a new addition, along with new WTB’s in Sections 111 & 112. Check out the concessions section of the Gameday Guide for more information on food and drink offerings and locations.

Kenan Sky Box

Carolina is offering an exciting new view for the 2025 football season: The Kenan Skybox.  Located on the 5th floor of the Kenan Football Center, this premium space is a social area that holds 200 fans per game. Guests will have access to an outdoor balcony, as well as inclusive food and beverage options, including soft beverages, beer, wine and seltzers. The space also features access to a full bar where additional beverages can be purchased separately.  Fans interested in purchasing tickets to the Kenan Skybox should complete this form and a ticket office representative will send follow-up communication.

Videoboard Messages

Want to share a birthday, anniversary, or other special message at Carolina football game?  Fill out this form to get your special message displayed on the videoboard at any home UNC event this season.

CAROLINA HOSTS RICHMOND SATURDAY ON FAMILY FOOTBALL DAY

Media Central | Tuesday’s Press Conference

FIRST AND TEN

– Carolina is in its 135th season of football (138th year) in 2025.

– Entering the matchup with Richmond, the Tar Heels hold an all-time record of 752-577-54.

– Saturday afternoon’s game between the Tar Heels and Spiders will be live on ACC Network, with Chris Cotter (PxP), Max Browne (Analyst) and Kendra Douglas (Sideline) on the call.

– On December 11th, 2024, Carolina announced the hiring of eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick as the program’s new football coach.

– Belichick became the 40th coach in program history, the 12th to lead the program since joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in 1953.

– Belichick’s ties to UNC date back to his father, Steve, who was an assistant coach for the Tar Heels from 1953-55.

– With the coaching transition, the 2025 Carolina Football coaching staff features more 240 years of combined NFL experience.

– The 2025 roster features 38 returners and 70 newcomers, including 40 transfers and 30 true fresh­men.

– Last Saturday at Charlotte, the Tar Heels earned their first win of the 2025 campaign, a 20-3 verdict.

– Through two games, the Tar Heel defense ranks sixth in the nation in red zone defense (.375), allowing just one red zone touchdown.

THE OPPONENT

– Russ Huesman is in year nine at the helm of Richmond, helping the Spiders make the FCS Playoffs three times.

– As a program, Richmond has made the FCS postseason 14 times, highlighted by their 2008 national championship, with Huesman as the defensive coordinator.

– Last weekend, Richmond collected its first win of the 2025 campaign, a 14-10 victory at Wofford.

– As a team, the Spiders rank ninth in FCS in yards allowed per game, giving up 228.0 yards per game in their first two contests.

TAR HEEL NOTES

A Win Over Richmond Would…

– Be Carolina’s 753rd all-time victory in program history.

– Give Coach Belichick his second win at the college level and his first win at Kenan Stadium.

– Be Carolina’s 13th all-time victory over the Spiders, the Tar Heels’ first since the 1977 campaign.

– Give the Tar Heels their first home victory of the 2025 campaign.

– Be Carolina’s 25th consecutive win over an FCS opponent, a streak that dates back to 2000.

Series History: Richmond

– Saturday is the 15th all-time meeting between the two programs, the first since 1978.

– The Tar Heels lead the matchup, 12-2, including a perfect 8-0 mark in Chapel Hill.

Last Five Meetings:

– Nov. 4, 1978 at Richmond – Loss, 27-18

– Sept. 17, 1977 in Chapel Hill – Win, 31-0

– Sept. 9, 1972 in Chapel Hill – Win, 28-18

– Sept. 11, 1971 at Richmond – Win 28-0

– Nov. 8, 1941 at Richmond – Win 27-0

Recent FCS Matchup History

– Entering the matchup versus the Spiders, Carolina enters on a 24-game win streak versus FCS opponents, a streak that dates back to the 2000 campaign.

Carolina vs. FCS Opponents since 2020:

– Sept. 14, 2024 vs. NC Central – Win, 45-10

– Nov. 4, 2023 vs. Campbell – Win, 59-7

– Aug. 27, 2022 vs. Florida A&M – Win, 56-24

– Nov. 20, 2021 vs. Wofford – Win 34-14

– Dec. 5, 2020 vs. Western Carolina – Win 49-9

From The Notes: Charlotte Recap

-UNC is 33-25-1 against opponents currently in the American Athletic Conference.

-The Tar Heels are 258-127-17 against current Division I opponents from the state of North Carolina.

-Chris Culliver’s 51-yard touchdown catch was his longest reception in his career, and Gio Lopez’s fifth career game with a completion of 50-or-more yards.

-Freshman Demon June tallied nine carries for 52 yards, marking the second-straight season versus Charlotte a true freshman has paced Carolina in rushing yards against the 49ers.

-Greg Smith III and Malcolm Ziglar posted their first career interceptions in the fourth quarter.

-Kicker Rece Verhoff drilled his 39th and 40th career field goals, his 13th career game with multiple field goals.

-With his 55-yard punt in the third quarter, Tom Maginness posted his 10th career punt of 50-or-more yards.

Road Debuts For Belichick

-Head coach Bill Belichick’s first win at all three head coaching stops have come on the road, following the Tar Heels’ victory last Saturday:

– Cleveland Browns: Sept. 8, 1991, 20-0 win at New England

– New England Patriots: Oct. 1, 2000, 28-19 win at Denver

– North Carolina: Sept. 6, 2025, 20-3 win at Charlotte

 Defense At Charlotte

-Last weekend, the Tar Heel defense limited Charlotte to three points on the night, as the 49ers were held to 21 yards on the ground:

– Fewest points allowed versus an FBS opponent since Oct. 20, 2001 at Clemson.

– Fewest points allowed since Sept. 29, 2012 versus Idaho (66-0).

– First game since Sept. 12, 2020 versus Syracuse not allowing a touchdown.