North Carolina’s baseball squad, the Tar Heels, will open the 2026 ACC Tournament quarterfinals against Virginia Tech on Friday, May 22, at 11 a.m. The contest is being held at Truist Field in Charlotte, where a storm system is forecast to bring heavy rain.
A storm threatens the tournament schedule
The Tar Heels arrive as the No. 2 team in the USA TODAY Coaches poll, while the Hokies sit at No. 7. Virginia Tech advanced with a 17‑10 victory over Notre Dame in the second round, but the two programs did not meet during the regular season.
Originally slated for a later start, the game time was moved up to beat the expected inclement weather. Forecasts call for a 70 percent chance of rain on Friday and a 90 percent chance on Saturday, prompting organizers to shift several matches forward.
A win would give North Carolina its tenth ACC tournament title and put the team in position to capture back‑to‑back championships for the first time since the early 1980s. The Tar Heels boast a 94‑73 record in ACC Tournament play.
Fans can follow the action on the ACC Network, with live streaming available through Fubo and ESPN Unlimited. Coverage will also be tracked by USA TODAY, which provides up‑to‑date rankings and analysis.