The University of North Carolina and North Carolina State have officially confirmed a non‑conference showdown set for December 15, 2024, at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro. The game, branded the Tobacco Road Classic, marks the first meeting between the Tar Heels and the Wolfpack since 1979.
Both programs have entered a new era, with Michael Malone now steering UNC and Justin Gainey leading NC State. Their first encounter under the new coaching staff promises a fresh narrative to a rivalry that has defined North Carolina basketball for decades.
A New Chapter in a storied rivalry
Adding intrigue, former Wolfpack forward Matt Able has transferred to UNC, while former Tar Heel Ven‑Allen Lubin is returning to Raleigh for one final season. Their moves have heightened expectations for a holiday clash that could reshape the early‑season landscape.
Tickets will become available to the public on Thursday, September 10, though the tip‑off time has yet to be announced. The matchup is already being billed as a must‑watch event for fans of both schools, who anticipate a competitive and emotionally charged contest.
The rivalry will reconvene a year later in the same city, with a second Tobacco Road Classic scheduled for the 2027‑28 season. The anticipation underscores the enduring significance of the series, now revitalized by new coaches, player transfers, and a renewed sense of competition.