2017 Final Four

March 31, 2017 |

Our Tar Heel Men’s Basketball team is returning to the Final Four for a record 20th time this weekend.  The semi-final game against Oregon will be played on Saturday and the National Championship game is slated for Monday.  Victories in these games will undoubtedly be cause for celebration.  Please review the information below so that everyone can enjoy a safe celebration.

Safety First

No one wants to see a Tar Heel victory marred by personal injury or damage to property.  The North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center has treated 79 people for burn injuries related to bonfires over the past four years.  The average length of stay in the Burn Center for those victims was eight days.  With the potential for thousands of people in such close quarters on Franklin and Columbia Streets, the risk of injury from burns is significant.  In addition, the risk to our local first responders increases when they must respond in such large crowds.  For these reasons, bonfires are not permitted and are in violation of town regulations.  Illegal fires will be extinguished as quickly as possible.  Please do your part to keep our Tar Heel celebration fun and safe.

Safety is important to everyone and a few Tar Heels have an important message for you as well.  Watch:  https://youtu.be/w5JrUQNuYsY

Alcohol

Alcohol checkpoints will be in place in and around downtown as well as DWI enforcement.  If alcohol is consumed prior to attending the event, limit intake so to remain alert and in control at all times while amid the crowds of people.  Intoxication is a primary reason for the injuries that can occur.

Prohibited Items:

  • Alcohol will not be permitted.  All other state and local laws pertaining to alcohol will be enforced as usual.
  • Town ordinances and State statutes prohibit the following items in the closed area:
  • Alcoholic Beverages   
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Glass Bottles 
  • Paint
  • Fireworks and Explosives 
  • Flammable Substances
  • Animals        
  • Coolers

Residence Halls, Greek Houses, and Off Campus Homes:  There may be an increased number of non-student visitors to the area. It is important that students ensure their homes and cars are secured at all times.  For residence halls, it is imperative that students avoid “tailgating” or letting non-residents into the halls.  We can all work to decrease the opportunity for crime and property damage that can occur at such times.

For off-campus residents living near downtown, be aware that traffic and parking may be restricted in and around your neighborhood.  Illegally parked vehicles are subject to being ticketed and towed.

 

UNC Transportation and Parking Information: On-campus parking rules will change for this weekend.  Please read the posted information from Transportation and Parking to avoid getting ticketed or towed.  In addition, several streets may be temporarily inaccessible during any celebrations.  For complete campus parking and transportation information, visit the Transportation and Parking website at http://move.unc.edu/events/final-four/.

 

Winston Crisp

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

 

Jeff McCracken

Chief of Police and Director Public Safety

Sharing and printing options: