Forty years ago, the Dean Smith Center opened its doors, forever changing the landscape of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball. This milestone prompts reflection from two figures deeply intertwined with its history: Steve Hale, a senior player during its debut, and Jeff Lebo, then a freshman and now an assistant coach. Their recollections offer a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of that pivotal moment, revealing how a grand new arena struggled to immediately feel like 'home' for some, while for others, it quickly became a symbol of a new era. The narratives underscore the profound impact of Coach Dean Smith's steadfast leadership and the enduring bonds forged within the Tar Heels' fraternity, transcending the physical spaces where they played.
Reflecting on the Dean Smith Center's Inaugural Game
On a momentous January 18, 1986, the newly constructed Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill hosted its first official game, a high-stakes showdown between the top-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels and their fierce rivals, the third-ranked Duke Blue Devils. UNC triumphed with a dazzling 95-92 victory before a crowd exceeding 21,000. Steve Hale, a senior guard for the Tar Heels, delivered a career-high performance, scoring 28 points, alongside five assists, four rebounds, and three steals. Yet, his primary memory isn't the intense rivalry or his personal achievement, but rather a profound sense of unfamiliarity. Having practiced and played predominantly at Carmichael Auditorium throughout his collegiate career, Hale found the vastness of the Smith Center disorienting. He recalled getting lost in its maze-like lower levels, feeling detached from the court, and noting the diminished crowd noise compared to the intimate atmosphere of Carmichael. For Hale, who now resides in Vermont as a seasoned pediatrician, Carmichael Auditorium remained his true 'home' court, despite his appreciation for the new facility named after his revered coach. His sentiment was rooted in the sudden mid-season transition, which disrupted familiar routines and made the inaugural game feel more like an away fixture due to the new surroundings.
Jeff Lebo, who was a freshman on that same 1985-86 squad and is now an assistant coach for UNC, echoes Hale's sentiments regarding the unique circumstances of that first game. Lebo vividly remembers the immense pressure of opening a new arena, especially against Duke, and with the added significance of the building bearing Coach Smith's name. The transition from Carmichael's compact, fervent environment to the expansive Smith Center raised questions among the players about maintaining their home-court advantage. Unlike Hale, Lebo spent the majority of his college career playing at the Smith Center, and as an assistant coach, he has further deepened his connection to the venue. He fondly recalls the excitement of moving into the modern facility with its improved amenities, noting how quickly it began to feel like home after just a few games. However, his most striking memory of that opening night isn't just Hale's stellar play or Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski's technical foul, but the immediate post-game rush to catch a flight for an afternoon game against Marquette the very next day – a testament to the relentless schedule and Coach Smith's unwavering focus.
The narratives of Hale and Lebo offer a compelling dual perspective on the Smith Center's beginnings. Hale's initial estrangement highlights the emotional connection athletes develop with their familiar stomping grounds, while Lebo's eventual embrace underscores the allure of progress and improved facilities. Both accounts, however, consistently laud Coach Smith's ability to keep his team grounded and focused amidst monumental changes, ensuring that the team's commitment to excellence remained paramount, regardless of the venue.
The stories shared by Steve Hale and Jeff Lebo offer a profound insight into how significant institutional changes can impact individuals, even within a high-performance environment like collegiate sports. Hale's enduring attachment to Carmichael Auditorium reminds us that 'home' is often less about physical grandeur and more about deeply ingrained memories, routines, and a sense of belonging. His experience highlights the human tendency to find comfort in the familiar, and how even positive advancements can initially create a feeling of displacement. On the other hand, Lebo's quick adaptation and eventual embrace of the Smith Center reflect the adaptability of youth and the excitement that new beginnings can bring. Their differing perspectives underscore the varied emotional responses to change. Ultimately, both narratives converge on the powerful legacy of Coach Dean Smith, whose steadfast leadership and emphasis on core values allowed the team to navigate such a monumental transition without losing sight of their collective purpose. This tale serves as a timeless reminder that while infrastructure evolves, the true essence of a team, and the 'home' it creates, is built on shared experiences, mentorship, and an unwavering focus on the game itself.