North Raleigh Today

Any time the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels and Duke University Blue Devils are scheduled to play hoops, things heat up in the Triangle area.

This year, though, things are being taken up a notch as the teams are squaring off for the first time ever in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament.

In a win-or-go-home format, that means this is for all the bragging rights, as the teams meet Saturday in the Final Four in New Orleans, with the winner getting a chance to play for the title on Monday. That has Triangle sports fans looking forward to what's being hailed as a historic matchup.

"What a time to be alive as a collegiate fan in the Triangle,” Holly Currie, one of those fans, told WRAL News. “It makes it a lot more fun than watching on your couch.”

The Triangle is home to several universities with big-time sports programs. You can add the NC State Wolfpack to the fray, especially during football season. 

When any of the in-state rivals come to town for hoops, things get exciting, regardless of which school is hosting the visit.

"When State is doing well and plays Carolina, it’s definitely a big crowd,” Sammy's Tap & Grill owner David Harris told WRAL News. "Sales are up probably 30%. When Carolina plays Duke, we’re probably up 40%. That’s a big game.”

The proximity among the three schools, and the fact that they all play in the Atlantic Coast Conferences, adds to the natural rivalry. In some cases, if a person’s favorite school is not in the running, they might pull for another out of conference loyalty — though you would be hard-pressed to find a Duke fan or Carolina fan saying that right now. 

Regardless of which of the three is having a good year, especially if they appear to be post-season bound, it’s a boost for business.

"When we have our local teams winning, it puts us in a better position,” Dennis Edwards of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau told WRAL News. “I think from a competitive standpoint, to help book some of these other events that are related to that particular sport. And hopefully, book some additional events here in the market.”

When fans are excited, they’re also more willing to spend money. It’s the sports version of trickle-down economics.

"If the teams are winning, then it’s good for the restaurants, all the way down to the servers,” Currie said. “Everyone benefits, definitely.”