View source for Kenan Stadium

{{Short description|Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name        = Kenan Stadium
| nickname            = Kenan
| logo_image          = 
| logo_size           = 50
| image               = Kenan Memorial Stadium.jpg
| image_size          = 250
| caption             = Stadium interior in 2013
| location            = 78 Stadium Drive, [[Chapel Hill, North Carolina|Chapel Hill, NC]] 27514
| coordinates         = {{coord|35|54|25|N|79|2|52|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| pushpin_map         = USA North Carolina#USA
| pushpin_relief      = 1
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in North Carolina##Location in the United States
| broke_ground        = December 1926
| built               = 1926–1927
| opened              = {{start date and age|November 12, 1927}}
| renovated           = 1995–98, 2003, 2007, 2010–11, 2016, 2018, 2020
| expanded            = 1963, 1979, 1987–88, 1995–98, 2010–11
| closed              =
| demolished          =
| owner               = [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina]]
| operator            = [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill|University of North Carolina]]
| surface             = Grass (1927–2018)<br>RootZone 3D Blend [[AstroTurf]] (2019–2024)<br>Natural Grass (2025-)
| construction_cost   = [[United States dollar|$]]303,000<br>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|303000|1927}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| architect           = Atwood & Nash<ref name="google1">{{cite book |last1=Bishir|first1=Catherine W.|last2=Southern|first2=Michael T.|title=A guide to the Historic Architecture of Piedmont, North Carolina|year=2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VxXqAAAAMAAJ&q=kenan+stadium+architect|publisher=University of North Carolina Press|location=Chapel Hill|isbn=0-80782-772-X|access-date=December 19, 2011}}</ref><br>Corley Redfoot Architects, Inc. (renovations 1987–present)
| structural engineer = LHC Structural Engineers (renovations 1979–present)
| general_contractor  = TC Thompson & Co.<ref name="google1"/>
| former_names        =
| tenants             = [[North Carolina Tar Heels]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]])<br />[[North Carolina Tar Heels football|Football]] ([[NCAA]]) (1927–present)
| seating_capacity    = 50,500 (2018–present)
'''Former capacity''':
{{collapsible list|
* 24,000 (1927–1962, expandable to 40,000)
* 48,000 (1963–1978)
* 50,000 (1979–1987)
* 52,000 (1988–1995)
* 48,500 (1996)
* 57,500 (1997)
* 60,000 (1998–2010)
* 62,980 (2011–2016)
* 62,562 (2017)
}}
| dimensions          = {{convert|360|x|160|ft|abbr=on}}
| website = {{URL|https://goheels.com/news/2012/7/15/205498261.aspx|goheels.com/kenanstadium}}
}}
'''Kenan Stadium''' (formerly '''Kenan Memorial Stadium''') is a [[college football]] stadium located on Stadium Drive in [[Chapel Hill, North Carolina]]. Opened in 1927, it is home to the [[University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]]'s (UNC) [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|football team]], which competes in the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]]. The facility replaced [[Emerson Field]], where the school's football program had been based since 1916. Plans for the stadium began as attendance increased. Ground was broken on the stadium in December 1926 and work completed in August 1927. The stadium hosted its first game on November 12, 1927, when the Tar Heels faced the [[Davidson Wildcats football|Davidson Wildcats]], where the Tar Heels won 27–0 in front of 9,000 spectators. On November 24, 1927, the stadium was officially opened and dedicated during a game where the Tar Heels hosted the [[1927 Virginia Cavaliers football team|Virginia Cavaliers]] and won 14–13.

==Background and construction==
===Planning and fundraising===
[[File:Emerson Field in 1915-16.png|thumb|left|Emerson Field (pictured in 1915 or 1916) the original home of the North Carolina Tar Heels football team.]]
The [[North Carolina Tar Heels football|North Carolina football team]] had been playing in Emerson Field since 1916 and by the mid-1920s the stadium, which sat 2,400 was too small for demand.<ref name="WSJ Jun11">{{cite news |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal|title=Proposed University of North Carolina Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal/134282640/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=June 11, 1926 |page=16|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> When the school played their [[South's Oldest Rivalry|annual rivalry game]] against [[1925 Virginia Cavaliers football team|Virginia]] in 1925, 16,000 fans stood on the sideline or sat in wooden bleachers which were not "favorably situated" to view the game.<ref name="WSJ Jun20">{{cite news |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal|title=Proposed New Stadium for the University of North Carolina|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal/134282663/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=June 20, 1926 |page=17|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The issue was so great for some fans that they refused to attend any more football games in Chapel Hill until the seating issue was resolved.<ref name="DTH Nov16-4"/> Captain [[Isaac Edward Emerson]], who was now living in [[Baltimore, Maryland]], offered in late 1925 to give $22,000 to improve Emerson Field.<ref name="WSJ Jun11"/> The ''Winston-Salem Journal'' wrote that the stadium was needed for increasing attendance demand, hosting intramurals, and "the need of the state for a convocation place for large gatherings."<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> At the time the stadium could not seat the entire student body and had the smallest stadium of all regional schools for those with "similar importance."<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> Interest was growing for students to attend athletic events at the time.<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> In addition, the school desired to schedule larger Southern institutions like [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]], [[Georgia Bulldogs football|Georgia]], and [[Tulane Green Wave football|Tulane]], among others.<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/><ref name="DTH Nov16-4"/> At the time larger schools avoided playing smaller schools since the gate receipts were split between teams.<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> Larger teams would avoid smaller schools since they could not afford the difference in gate receipt revenue.<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/>

[[File:Initial proposed New North Carolina stadium 1926.jpg|thumb|left|A drawing of a potential look for the new football stadium for University of North Carolina]]
A meeting was held at Washington Duke Hotel in [[Durham, North Carolina]] on Monday May 24, 1926 to start a fundraising drive to raise money for a new stadium that North Carolina was in "dire need" of to host its athletic events.<ref name="DTH May29-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Plans Being Made For Big Carolina Athletic Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134282470/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 29, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH May29-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Plans Being Made For Big Carolina Athletic Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134282493/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 29, 1926 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> The meeting led to the creation of the Durham Stadium Committee and a sub-committee whose goal was to determine the exact needs for the school and to prepare a report to deliver to a general alumni meeting that will be held at the same hotel on June 4 at noon, with lunch to follow.<ref name="DTH May29-1"/> It was hoped that the meeting would be largely attended since [[commencement]] was to happen around it.<ref name="DTH May29-1"/> In the days preceding the meeting, the stadium plans were rumored to cost around $500,000 and the stadium was planned to seat 35,000 people in a horseshoe shaped venue that was immediately south of Emerson Field in a natural amphitheater.<ref name="WSJ Jun4">{{cite news |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal|title=To Present Plans For Half Million Dollar Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal/134282706/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=June 4, 1926 |page=13|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The plans were readily accepted by the General Alumni Association and Alumni Monogram Club and the meeting confirmed the estimated cost of $500,000, but the seating capacity was estimated to be around 33,500 with an ability to later increase capacity to 55,500.<ref name="WSJ Jun11"/><ref name="WSJ Jun20"/><ref name="WSJ Jun5">{{cite news |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal|title=Carolina Alumni Adopt Plan for Great Stadium|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal/134282687/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=June 5, 1926 |page=6|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The goal was to have the stadium completed by the North Carolina–Virginia game in 1927 on [[Thanksgiving (United States)|Thanksgiving]] Day.<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/><ref name="TCHW Nov26-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Hope To Have Stadium Ready For 1927 Game|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134233514/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 26, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Work on the stadium was to begin once funds were properly secured.<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> Within the first couple days of the plans announced, two people had pledged $5,000 each to the cause and it was thought Emerson would contribute what he offered in 1925.<ref name="WSJ Jun11"/>

The committee decided to allocate 2,500 seats on either side of the stadium around the 50 yard line to be sold to persons willing to donate $100 per seat and receive the seat of choice for 10 years.<ref name="WSJ Jun5"/> Three tiers of donation levels were created: donors giving between $100 and $1000 would be known as "Subscribers", those giving between $1,000 and $5,000 would be "Donors," and those giving above $5,000 would be called "Founders."<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> Any "Founder" would have their name placed on to a bronze tablet in the stadium.<ref name="WSJ Jun5"/><ref name="WSJ Jun20"/> All other donors would get their names placed on plaques with other similar donation levels.<ref name="WSJ Jun20"/>

On November 13, 1926, 1894 graduate [[William R. Kenan Jr.]] donated $275,000 to build a new football stadium on campus in a meeting with then school president [[Harry Woodburn Chase]], Charles T. Woollen, and two members of the fundraising team organized to run a campaign to fund the stadium.<ref name="TNO Nov14">{{cite news |newspaper=The News and Observer|title=William Rand Kenan, Jr., Gives University Memorial Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer/134215603/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 14, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="ACT Nov14">{{cite news |newspaper=Asheville Citizen-Times|title=24,000 People Can Be Seated In Structure|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times/134215705/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 14, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH Nov16-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Stadium Donor is an Alumnus of Prominence|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134215556/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 16, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH Nov16-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Work on Project to Begin Within Next Few Days|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134215556/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 16, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> While at North Carolina, Kenan played for the baseball team all four years and the football team for two.<ref name="DTH Nov16-1"/> Kenan performed research in the summer with Professor [[Francis Preston Venable]] where the two, along with other students, discovered [[calcium carbide]]'s formula and how to make [[acetylene]] gas from it.<ref name="DTH Nov16-1"/><ref name="DTH Nov16-3">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Stadium Donor is an Alumnus of Prominence|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134215584/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 16, 1926 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> At the time of donation, Kenan was a [[chemical engineer|chemical]] and [[electrical engineer]] in [[New York City]] and president of the [[Florida East Coast Railway]].<ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/><ref name="ACT Nov14"/> He made the donation in memory of his parents Mary Hargrave and William Rand Kenan for the stadium to be called Kenan Memorial Stadium.<ref name="TNO Nov14"/><ref name="ACT Nov14"/><ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/> With Kenan's donation, the fundraising campaign was now unnecessary.<ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/> When the donation was made, the exact location of the stadium had not been determined.<ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/> The stadium was to feature 12,000 seats on each side, to seat 24,000 in total.<ref name="TNO Nov14"/><ref name="ACT Nov14"/><ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/> The endzones were to have no seats in order to have no bad seats and allow air to pass through the field.<ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/> A quarter-mile "cinder track" around the field was planned to be used to host the school's track and field events.<ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/> In addition, the stadium will host band concerts, commencement, and other attractions.<ref name="DTH Nov16-2"/> ''[[The Daily Tar Heel|The Tar Heel]]'' wrote that donations had been progressing and Kenan's donation ended the campaign, which was great as the stadium could be finished "in ten months instead of perhaps two or three years."<ref name="DTH Nov16-4">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Gifts to the University|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134281716/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 16, 1926 |page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Work was to begin soon after the donation.<ref name="TCHW Nov19-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Site of New Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134215664/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 19, 1926 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In honor of Kenan's donation, the school annual ''Yackety Yack'' in 1927 was dedicated to Kenan.<ref name="YY Ded">{{cite news |newspaper=The Asheville Times|title=N.C. Annual Honors Kenan for Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-asheville-times/134674724/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=June 12, 1927 |page=3|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="YY Ded2">{{cite news |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal|title=Annual Dedicated|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal/134674793/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=June 12, 1927 |page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>

{{Quote box |quoted=true |bgcolor=#FFFFF0 |salign=center
|width=20%
|align=left
|quote=There will be some, of course, who will say that Mr. Kenan might have given his money for this and that, but no one will argue that, among the things that cannot be obtained through the use of funds appropriated by the Legislature, anything is more badly needed than a stadium that will seat comfortable the large crowds that come to Chapel Hill for the big games.
|source=''[[The Daily Tar Heel|The Tar Heel]]'' in a column on November 16, 1927 commenting on Kenan's donation<ref name="DTH Nov16-4"/>
}}
After Kenan's donation, there was still no decision over where the exact location of the stadium would be.<ref name="TCHW Nov19-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Where the Stadium Will Be|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134215653/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 19, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The Board of Trustees committee on buildings planned to met on Monday November 29, 1926 to determine the location.<ref name="TCHW Nov26-1"/> The location south of campus at the time, a ravine, was highly thought to be the location of choice.<ref name="TCHW Nov26-1"/> It was believed by building in this location would cheapen the construction costs compared to building it on a level ground.<ref name="TCHW Nov26-1"/> The location is covered with dense woods, so clearing the landing will be the first part.<ref name="TCHW Nov26-1"/> It was believed that there still would be several trees that would be left around the stadium, which would allow for some beautiful sights with the changing of the leaves colors.<ref name="TCHW Nov19-1"/> The trees cut were to be fed into the saw mill to provide planks for seating.<ref name="TCHW Nov26-1"/> A steam shovel located in [[Carrboro, North Carolina]] was at the ready to be used once the land was cleared.<ref name="TCHW Nov26-1"/> Engineers in the planning phase felt the whole process would take ten months.<ref name="TCHW Nov26-1"/>

The committee met on the 29th, but adjourned the meeting without making a decision and those planned to meet again the following Monday.<ref name="TCHW Dec3-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Committee Postpones Decision on Stadium Site; Will Meet Monday to Say the Final Word|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134233480/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=December 3, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH Dec4-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Surveyors at Work on Three Sites For New Football Stadium; Rear of Tin Can is Probable Location|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134215641/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=December 4, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The site in the ravine had been ruled out because it was thought that when the university expanded further south that "noisy athletic celebrations would be too near the precincts devoted to scholarly pursuits," in particular a library to be built.<ref name="TCHW Dec3-1"/><ref name="DTH Dec4-1"/><ref name="TCHW Dec3-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Committee Postpones Decision on Stadium Site; Will Meet Monday to Say the Final Word|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134233498/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=December 3, 1926 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The decision was pushed back in part because of President Chase's absence and as one committee member stated "It's too important a question to be settled hastily. The University is growing, and we've got to look a long way ahead."<ref name="TCHW Dec3-1"/> After the meeting two additional sites were being considered: one 400 feet down from the ravine and southeast of the [[Old Chapel Hill Cemetery]].<ref name="TCHW Dec3-1"/><ref name="DTH Dec4-1"/> By December 3, [[surveyor]]s were working on the two new sites, as well as the original proposed location in the ravine, and they were to prepare reports for the committee's meeting the following Monday.<ref name="DTH Dec4-1"/> The site 500 feet down from the ravine was chosen and during the meeting, the committee walked through the future site where areas had been staked marking limits of the field and the stands.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Site In Ravine Is Chosen For Kenan Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134215730/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=December 10, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Woollen, who was on the committee, reaffirmed the prior statements that the stadium would be completed before Thanksgiving 1927.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-1"/>

===Construction===

By December 9, most of the undergrowth had been removed and some tree felling had started.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-1"/> The tree stumps were to be "grubbed up," dynamited, or removed with the steam shovel.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-1"/><ref name="TCHW Dec17-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Trees Cleared off Site|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134237007/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=December 17, 1926 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Once those were removed, the grading process was to begin.<ref name="TCHW Dec17-1"/> The dynamited earth will be collected and dumped into the lower levels.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=The Stadium Site|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134447962/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=December 10, 1926 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> A brook flowed through the ravine at the time and a concrete culvert was constructed to bypass the stadium.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-2"/> Due to the ongoing construction around the university, a rock crusher was already present around campus was thought to have saved time.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-2"/> The stands made of brick were to be curved slightly in order to center the spectators' view on midfield.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-2"/> In total the stadium was to be 500 feet in length and the distance from the back of each set of stands to the other was 480 feet.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-2"/><ref name="ACT Feb20"/> Parking was planned to be hosted on the open athletic fields as the trees surrounding the stadium were to be kept to "preserve the beauty of the woods," which meant fans would get to the stadium on foot.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-2"/><ref name="CHW Feb25">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Preparation For Shows At Night In New Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134237228/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=February 25, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The underbrush was to be cleared to allow for walkways through the [[Longleaf pine]] and [[oak]] trees to reach the stadium.<ref name="ACT Feb20"/> The site of the new stadium was believed to be roughly 600 feet from the proposed library.<ref name="TCHW Dec10-2"/> Many traveled to visit the construction site when it began.<ref name="TCHW Dec17-1"/>

By February the steam shovel had been joined by three tractors to help move the dirt and crews had started working double shifts with the main goal of building up the northeast end of the field where the land falls away.<ref name="DTH Feb1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=No Title|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134236947/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=February 1, 1927 |page=3|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="CHW Feb11">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=To Plant Field June 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134237245/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=February 11, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="CHW Feb18">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Tractors Are a Show|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134237118/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=February 18, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The playing field was announced to be planted June 1, which then required frequent maintenance to be ready in time for use on Thanksgiving Day.<ref name="CHW Feb11"/> Throughout the construction process many people came to watch the process take place throughout all times of the day.<ref name="CHW Feb11"/><ref name="CHW Feb18"/> Since the start of January, the superintendent of T.C. Thompson & Bros. spoke that since January, the crews had only lost a half a day due to weather.<ref name="CHW Feb18"/>

Prior to receiving the final layer of top soil, the field received an underground wiring system that will allow for flood lighting to be used in the stadium for "night spectacles" and also included telephone and telegraph wires.<ref name="CHW Feb25"/><ref name="DTH Feb26-2"/> Architects Atwood-Nash and Woollen made plans for a covered area for press members to write up reports, use the typewriter and transmit reports by radio.<ref name="CHW Feb25"/> By the end of February, the field was almost completely leveled.<ref name="DTH Feb26">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=New Kenan Memorial Stadium Site is in Furor of Activity As Huge Engine Gnaws at Hillsides|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134237156/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=February 26, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> T. C. Thompson and Bros. started construction once the excavation was finished.<ref name="DTH Feb26"/> In total about 55,000 cubic yards of dirt was relocated and the stadium was projected to have around 4,000 cubic yards of concrete.<ref name="DTH Feb26"/><ref name="ACT Feb20">{{cite news |newspaper=Asheville Citizen-Times|title=Annual Cariolina-Virginia Clash To Dedicate Kenan Stadium Next Thanksgiving|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times/134237138/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=February 20, 1927 |page=D-5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> All of the concrete provided for the project came from the Atlas Portland Cement company.<ref name="DTH Nov2427-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Numerous Firms Labor To Erect Kenan Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134214733/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 24, 1927 |page=5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Final gift total $300,000.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-4">{{cite news |newspaper=Greensboro Daily News|agency=Associated Press|title=Few Outstanding Points On Annual Gridiron Classic|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record/134214787/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 25, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Prior to the concrete being poured on the dirt, it was steamrolled.<ref name="DTH Feb26"/><ref name="DTH Feb26-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=New Kenan Memorial Stadium Site is in Furor|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134237184/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=February 26, 1927 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The stands were planned to have 41 rows of seats.<ref name="DTH Feb26-2"/><ref name="ACT Feb20"/>

In late February and early March, the excavation team led by Teer began to encounter large amount of [[granite]] rock and were forced to [[dynamite]] the blocks and then remove the pieces with chains and Caterpillar tractors.<ref name="TCW Mar18">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Surprising Bulk Of Rock Found On Stadium Site|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134237869/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=March 18, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH May7-1"/> By mid-March, T. C. Atwood felt the excavation was over halfway and the concrete would be laid by June 1 and the stadium was on track be done by their target date.<ref name="TCW Mar18"/> At this point, the playing field's middle section was completed and settling.<ref name="TCW Mar18"/> A group of four students were bombarded with stone following a dynamite blast as they wandered around the southern woods of campus, which led to the crew sounding a horn before firing to alert surrounding areas and people.<ref name="DTH Mar29">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Four Narrowly Escape Stone Pounding; Now Toot Warning|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134237892/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=March 29, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> None of the students were injured.<ref name="DTH Mar29"/> As the excavation stretched into April, it was slowing down.<ref name="TCW Apr8">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Blasts less Violent|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134237909/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=April 8, 1927 |page=8|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The blasts impact broke nearby university windows at [[Old East]], Swain Hall, and the Campus YMCA and nearby private homes' windows and [[Porcelain|fine china]], who began to protest and reach out to the Teer company.<ref name="TCW Apr8"/><ref name="DTH May7-2"/> This led to the reduction in the amount of dynamite being used to lower the blast size.<ref name="TCW Apr8"/><ref name="DTH May7-2"/>

By early May, the blasting was still being performed and superintendent of the excavation T. L. Higgs felt the excavation phase would not be done by July 1.<ref name="DTH May7-1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Kenan Stadium Will Not Be Completed by Thanksgiving Day|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134674246/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 7, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> This would push the targeted finish date to around January 1 from October 1.<ref name="DTH May7-1"/> It was believed ten-fold of the blasting was done relative to initial estimates.<ref name="DTH May7-1"/> The Teer company lost heavily with the contract because greater need for blasting.<ref name="DTH May7-1"/> The company utilized a rock crusher to reduce 6,000 cubic yards of rock and sold it to the Thompson Co. to use for when making the stands.<ref name="DTH May7-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Kenan Stadium Will Not Be Completed by Thanksgiving Day|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134674267/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 7, 1927 |page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Due to the amount of blasting done by the Teer company, some of the excavation workers began calling it "Teer Stadium" as he was believed to have lost around $10,000 by May 1927.<ref name="DTH May7-1"/><ref name="TCW May2227">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Stadium Ready When Carolina Meets Virginia|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134674308/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=Mar 20, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH May2027">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Stadium Will Be Completed By Thanksgiving, Is New Report|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134674287/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 21, 1927 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Within two weeks of this report, the Graduate manager Woollen stated November 1 was the tentative finish date and most of the rock had been blasted away and in total led to a six-week delay.<ref name="TCW May2227"/><ref name="TNO May2227">{{cite news |newspaper=The News and Observer|title=Kenan Stadium Fast Going Up|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer/134674415/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 22, 1927 |page=21|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> This delay also led those to believe that seeding would not take place and instead grass would be brought in and planted.<ref name="TCW May2227"/><ref name="DTH May2027"/><ref name="TNO May2227"/> Concrete was ready to be poured into the wooden formers on the east side of the project.<ref name="TCW May2227"/><ref name="DTH May2027"/><ref name="TNO May2227"/>

By mid-June, the seats were being made at a rate of 500 per day which is the amount of seats in one section, the stadium was to hold 48 all together.<ref name="TCW Jun1727">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Building Stadium Seats at a Rate of 500 Per Day|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134674767/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=June 17, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In addition, the excavation was completed and the steam shovel was removed.<ref name="TCW Jun1727"/> The progress made by the crews allowed the university to move the completion date up to October 15.<ref name="TCW Jun1727"/> Sand and topsoil were brought in over the next few weeks and laid across where the playing field would be.<ref name="TNR Jul1127"/> The final stands of the east section were poured on July 9.<ref name="TNR Jul1127">{{cite news |newspaper=The News and Record|title=Finished East Stands of Kenan Stadium At Chapel Hill Saturday|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record/134675265/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 11, 1927 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="WSJ Jull1127">{{cite news |newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal|title=Portion of Kenan Stadium Poured; Seats Being Put In|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal/134675278/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 11, 1927 |page=8|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="TCN Jul1127">{{cite news |newspaper=The Charlotte News|title=One Section of Seats In Big Stadium Complet; Begin on Other Today|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-news/134675317/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 11, 1927 |page=12|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> At this point, it was confirmed there wer plans to erect a building to house lockers, showers, and fitting rooms for both teams on the south side of the project.<ref name="TNR Jul1127"/><ref name="WSJ Jull1127"/><ref name="TCN Jul1127"/> In addition, the playing field was near ready for planting after hundreds of truckloads brought a total of 10,000 cubic yards of sand and topsoil.<ref name="DTH Nov2427-1"/><ref name="TNR Jul1127"/><ref name="WSJ Jull1127"/> A [[parapet]] was constructed 15 feet behind the eastern stands.<ref name="DTH Jul1427">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Concrete Being Poured on West Side of Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134675300/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 14, 1927 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> This building was expected to be completed in early September.<ref name="DTH Aug427">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Stadium Will Be Ready Far Ahead Of Schedule Time|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134675619/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 4, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The west stand was to house at the top of the press box, while the edge of the field would have [[telephone]]s placed so that reporters can have exact yardage, plays, penalties, and more relayed to them.<ref name="TCW Jul1527">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Wiring the Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134675345/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 15, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH Jul 2127">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Wiring the Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134675397/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 21, 1927 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="TNO Jul2527">{{cite news |newspaper=The News and Observer|title=Plan Big League Stuff At Carolina|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer/134675478/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 25, 1927 |page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The south end zone housed the score board,<ref name="TCW Jul1527"/><ref name="DTH Jul 2127"/><ref name="TNO Jul2527"/> while the east stands housed the Governors Box at te top.<ref name="DTH Aug427"/><ref name="TCN Jul2927">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill News|title=Planting the Field|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134675415/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=July 29, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> On July 27, two tons of [[fertilizer]] was spread over the field, with the grass previously sowed, it was estimated the grass would sprout by the middle of August.<ref name="TCN Jul2927"/><ref name="DTH Aug427"/> T. C. Thompson used a [[Bermuda grass]] and lawn grass which was found best for football fields at the time.<ref name="DTH Nov2427-1"/>

The stadium was completed on August 6, when the last of the eastern stands were poured and only some minor finishing touches remained.<ref name="TCO Aug727">{{cite news |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|title=Kenan Stadium Finished 3 Months Ahead of Time|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/134675699/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 7, 1927 |page=13|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="THS Aug727">{{cite news |newspaper=The Herald Sun|title=Kenan Stadium At The University Completed|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/134675710/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 7, 1927 |page=18|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="TCN Aug727">{{cite news |newspaper=The Charlotte News|title=Big Stadium To Be Ready For VA Game|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-news/134675738/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 7, 1927 |page=12|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In total it was completed three months prior to the original finish date, with construction taking seven months total.<ref name="TCO Aug727"/><ref name="TCN Aug727"/> Around the middle of August, the grass in the center of the field was reportedly off to a "good start" believed to be due to the soil used and a "vigorous fertilizer."<ref name="TCW Jul1927">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Many Visitors Come to See Kenan Stadium; the Grass Pleases Them|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134676020/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 19, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The Washington [[Douglas fir]] wooden seats half the width of the concrete steps were next to be installed and Douglas were chosen for their durability.<ref name="TCW Jul1927"/><ref name="TGR Aug2427">{{cite news |newspaper=Greensboro Daily Record|title=Finishing Up U.N.C. Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-greensboro-record/134676049/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 24, 1927 |page=13|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH Aug2527-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Kenan Memorial Stadium Nears Completion; Will Seat 24,000|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134676095/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 25, 1927 |page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="TCW Aug2627">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=To Place Stadium Seats|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134676127/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 26, 1927 |page=6|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The seats were painted once before being installed and received a second coat after being placed into the concrete with iron brackets.<ref name="TCW Aug2627"/> Four restrooms were to be placed behind each set of stands.<ref name="TCW Jul1927-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=Many Visitors See|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134676038/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 19, 1927 |page=6|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DTH Aug2527">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Kenan Memorial Stadium Nears Completion; Will Seat 24,000|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134676081/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 25, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The whole stadium area was surrounded by a wire fence from Charlotte's General Equipment company and concrete pillars were constructed on the north end in the valley between entry gates.<ref name="DTH Nov2427-1"/><ref name="TCW Jul1927-2"/><ref name="TGR Aug2427"/> It was confirmed that the Carolina–Virginia game would be where the stadium is dedicated.<ref name="DTH Aug2527-2"/>

In the week preceding the Davidson game, the goal posts were placed and painted white and the pedestrian walkways around the stadium were covered in [[gravel]].<ref name="TCW Nov1127">{{cite news |newspaper=The Chapel Hill Weekly|title=A Game in the Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/134908126/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 11, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The field house's scaffolding was removed and the red tile roof was placed.<ref name="TCW Nov1127"/>

==History==

As the stadium's first game approached, Woollen stated that "Orders for seats are now pouring in at a rate of 500 a day..." for the upcoming match against Virginia.<ref name="DTH Nov1227">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Stress Comfort At Holiday Game|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134908322/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 12, 1927 |page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The tickets were planned to be first be mailed out on November 15.<ref name="DTH Nov1227"/> Plans were being made at this time for a large police force to be present for the Virginia game to hep with traffic and directing the spectators.<ref name="DTH Nov1227"/> Kenan Memorial Stadium opened for the first game on November 12, 1927, when the Tar Heels faced the [[Davidson Wildcats football|Davidson Wildcats]] at 2 PM local time where tickets were $1.50.<ref name="TNO Nov1127">{{cite news |newspaper=The News and Observer|title=Tar Heels Will Take In Contest|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer/134214837/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 11, 1927 |page=10|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="DMH Nov1127">{{cite news |newspaper=Durham Morning Herald|title=Football!|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/134908201/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 11, 1927 |page=14|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Around 9,000 spectators attended the event which saw the Tar Heels win the game 27–0.<ref name="DTH Nov1527">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Tar Heels Christen New Stadium by Impressive 27-0 Win Over Wildcats; Carolina Launches Diversified Attack|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134908617/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 15, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="ACT Nov1327">{{cite news |newspaper=Asheville Citizen-Times|title=Tar Heels Show Reversal of Form To Win; Davidson Is Halted On One-Yard Line|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times/134908551/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 13, 1927 |page=2-D|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="GDN Nov1327">{{cite news |newspaper=Greensboro Daily News|title=Carolina Takes To Air To Crush The Davidson Eleven By 27-0 Count|author=Lenoir Chambers|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record/134908397/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 13, 1927 |page=|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Edison Foard scored the new stadium's first touchdown six minutes into the game.<ref name="DTH Nov1527-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Tar Heels Christen New Stadium|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134908617/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 15, 1927 |page=Section 4 Page 1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="ACT Nov1327"/>

[[William Chambers Coker|Dr. William Chambers Coker]], who was a [[botanist]] and had previously worked with trees and shrubbery around campus, helped out with enhancing the appearance of the new stadium.<ref name="DTH Nov2427-2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Tar Heel|title=Dr. Coker Sets Out Plants To Beautify Field|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/134214733/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 24, 1927 |page=5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> On November 24, 1927, the stadium was officially opened and dedicated during a game where the Tar Heels hosted the [[1927 Virginia Cavaliers football team|Virginia Cavaliers]] for their 31st annual meeting.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-1">{{cite news |newspaper=Greensboro Daily News|first=Lenoir|last=Chambers|title=Captain Morehead's Extra Point Crushes His Team's Old Foe|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record/134214787/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 25, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The stadium was completely full, 28,000<ref name="GDN Nov2527-4"/>-30,000<ref name="GDN Nov2527-2">{{cite news |newspaper=Greensboro Daily News|author=W. T. Bost|title=Presentation of New Stadium At Carolina By John Sprunt Hill|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record/134214787/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 25, 1927 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> fans attended the matchup, which meant over 3,000 had to stand to view the game or peer through fences.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-1"/><ref name="GDN Nov2527-4"/> While honoring Kenan, approximately 200 students wearing blue and white spelled out "K-E-N-A-N" on the field and said "We thank you" three times as they had nine rahs.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-2"/> John Sprunt Hill presented the stadium to [[Governor of North Carolina]] [[Angus Wilton McLean]] and the board of trustees in a speech that talked of the Kenan family generosity over the years including the formation of the Kenan trust and the starting of the first university [[power plant]].<ref name="GDN Nov2527-2"/><ref name="GDN Nov2527-3"/> McLean spoke, accepting the new stadium and made similar remarks towards Kenan Jr.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-3"/> Kenan did not make a speech at the event.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-2"/> The entire dedication was broadcast on the radio as the teams warmed up before the start of the game.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-2"/><ref name="GDN Nov2527-3">{{cite news |newspaper=Greensboro Daily News|author=W. T. Bost|title=Presentation of New Stadium at Carolina By John Sprunt Hill|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record/134214817/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=November 25, 1927 |page=8|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The game started five minutes late.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-3"/> North Carolina won in large part due to an extra point by Captain Garrett Morehead who made both extra points after each score.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-1"/> The game notably saw Carolina's Jimmy Ward and Virginia's George Taylor tried to fight and were expelled from the game as the game was close to ending.<ref name="GDN Nov2527-4"/>

[[File:Kenan Memorial Stadium 1959.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Kenan Memorial Stadium in 1959]]
The original stadium—the lower level of the current stadium's sideline seats—seated 24,000 people.  However, temporary bleachers were added to the end zones to accommodate overflow crowds, allowing Kenan to accommodate over 40,000 people at times.  This happened fairly often over the years, especially during the [[Charlie Justice (halfback)|Choo Choo Justice]] era of the late 1940s. At the time it was built, it was located on the far southern portion of campus, but expansions over the years have resulted in the stadium now being near the center of campus. Local architect TC Atwood designed the stadium; he would later design [[University of Georgia|Georgia]]'s [[Sanford Stadium]] along lines similar to Kenan.

The largest crowd to see a game at Kenan—and the largest to see a game on-campus in the state of North Carolina—was a standing-room-only throng of 62,000 when the Tar Heels hosted the Florida State Seminoles in 1997.  The largest paid crowd was a crowd of 62,000 that saw the Tar Heels face Duke in 2013.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} The 1991 season opener versus Cincinnati and the Clemson game, which was televised nationally by ESPN, were UNC's first true night home games in school history.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

The Tar Heels football team sold out every game from 1992 to 1999, and also sold out all but one game of [[Butch Davis]]'s tenure.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} Most of the west end zone and three sections of the south stands are reserved for students.  The [[student section]] of the west end zone is popularly known as the "Tar Pit"—a name applied to the entire stadium during the late 1990s.

From 2007 to 2010, fireworks were shot from atop Kenan Field House whenever the Tar Heels took the field, as well as after every score and win.  They were removed in 2011, but reinstated in 2012 after [[Larry Fedora]]'s arrival, and for the next three seasons were shot off behind the west end zone.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

[[File:Kenan Memorial Stadium 1971.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The stadium in 1971]]
The stadium was first expanded in 1963, when Kenan (who died in 1965) donated $1 million to double-deck the sideline seats and add permanent bleachers to the end zones, expanding capacity to 48,000.  A seating adjustment in 1979 boosted capacity to 50,000.  In 1988, the old press box and chancellor's box were replaced by 2,000 seats between the 40-yard lines, expanding capacity to 52,000.

Part of the 1987-88 project were a permanent lighting system, a chancellor's lounge on the north side of the field and a football lettermen's lounge on the south side. The lights are part of a General Electric low-mount system which minimizes the height of the lightpoles. Cost of the entire project was $7 million. It was funded by private gifts and bonds.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

The stadium's biggest renovation project to date took place from 1995 to 1998.  Head coach [[Mack Brown]] wanted a better facility to showcase a resurgent football program, which had gone from consecutive 1–10 seasons in 1988 and 1989 to a run of success not approached since the 1940s. The stadium was lacking in many areas. For instance, Kenan was one of the few Division I stadiums not to have permanent seating in at least one end zone; the only end zone seats at the time were the portable bleachers added in 1963.  Also, the locker rooms were somewhat cramped by 1990s standards.

Several generous gifts resulted in the addition of a new playing field and a brand-new facility for the football team, the Frank H. Kenan Football Center, named for the great-grandson of the stadium's original benefactor.  The Kenan Center included a memorabilia section showcasing the football program's history. The most visible addition, however, was 8,000 new seats in the west end zone, which turned the stadium into a [[horseshoe]].  Also added was a "preferred seating box" atop the north stands.  Due to state law, only 6,000 of the new end zone seats were available in 1997.  Capacity dropped to 48,500 in 1996, but leaped to 57,800 in 1997.  The other 2,200 seats were added in 1998, bringing the stadium to a capacity of 60,000, not eclipsed until the 2011 season. In 2003, a modern scoreboard with video capability was added in front of Kenan Field House. The next addition came before the 2007 season, when the old matrix boards on the sidelines were replaced with ribbon boards.
[[Image:Kenan1.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The West End Zone addition in 1998 created a [[horseshoe]].]]

In December 2006, the Chapel Hill Town Council approved changes to UNC's development plan that included at least 8,800 additional seats for Kenan Stadium.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plan to Expand Kenan Excites UNC's Davis|first=Robbi|last=Pickeral|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/122/story/647326.html|newspaper=[[The News & Observer]]|location=Raleigh|date=July 24, 2007|access-date=July 24, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016132503/http://www.newsobserver.com/122/story/647326.html|archive-date=October 16, 2008}}</ref>

In October 2007, athletic director [[Dick Baddour]] announced plans for extensive renovations to Kenan Stadium.  Plans called for a new academic support center in place of Kenan Field House, plus anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 additional seats.  The new seats would be added in the east end zone, turning the stadium into a bowl.  Plans would have to be approved by the chancellor and the board of trustees, and would almost certainly require a fundraising effort by the Rams Club.  No specific timetable was set, but Baddour said that he hoped to begin construction within 18 months.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kenan Expansion Planning 'On Target'|first=Robbi|last=Pickeral|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/734/story/730550.html|newspaper=[[The News & Observer]]|location=Raleigh|date=October 9, 2007|access-date=October 9, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081016132643/http://www.newsobserver.com/734/story/730550.html|archive-date=October 16, 2008}}</ref>

This "masterplan" was divided into two phases; phase one covering the west end zone and two covering the east end zone.  The first phase consisted of adding a fifth floor (for recruiting and media space) along with remodeling the existing offices and team spaces in the Kenan Football Center.  Approved on July 23, 2008, by the board of trustees for $50 million, Phase I renovations were completed on August for the 2009 Football Season.<ref>{{cite news|title=Economic Woes Halt Addition to Kenan Stadium |first=Robbi |last=Pickeral |url=http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/unc/football/story/1432297.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140905144730/http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/unc/football/story/1432297.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 5, 2014 |newspaper=[[The News & Observer]] |location=Raleigh |date=July 23, 2008 |access-date=July 23, 2008 }}</ref>

A third and final phase of the project was also planned. This includes new club-level seats around the perimeter of the stadium, a new suite level above the club seats, a much larger press box, and a brick facade encircling the outside of the stadium. Construction of this phase has not been scheduled, however, due to budgetary constraints.
<!-- deleted file removed [[Image:XXMOQTSJQEHIOLJ.20090930164046.jpg|300px|left|thumb|Drawing of Phase II East End addition fully enclosing Kenan Stadium]] -->
[[File:McCorkle Center.JPG|thumb|left|The Loudermilk Center in the east end zone, which turned the stadium into a bowl. Includes the Blue Zone.]]

On May 27, 2010, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees approved the immediate commencement on construction of the "Carolina Student-Athlete Center for Excellence", a $70 million expansion that would replace Kenan Field House. The entire project was funded by private donations and the selling of club seats and individual suites. This facility would be a combination of an academic center, "Carolina Leadership Academy", Olympic sports' strength and conditioning center, and visitor lockers within a span of two floors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kenan Ready for Phase I Expansion|url=http://unc5corners.blogspot.com/2008/07/kenan-stadium-ready-for-phase-one-of.html|publisher=Fifth Corner|date=July 28, 2008|access-date=October 3, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214135009/http://unc5corners.blogspot.com/2008/07/kenan-stadium-ready-for-phase-one-of.html|archive-date=December 14, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kenan Expands|first=Samuel|last=Spies|url=http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/1151325.html|newspaper=[[The News & Observer]]|location=Raleigh|access-date=July 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080804212020/http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/1151325.html|archive-date=August 4, 2008}}</ref>

However, the most significantly visible portion of the renovation was the addition of 2,980 seats. The additional seats in the end zone, named the Blue Zone, would be "1,836 seats in the Concourse Club just a few feet from the field, 824 seats in the Upper Club/Loge on the fourth floor and 320 seats in 20 suites on the fifth floor". The individual suites, each of which has 16 seats, will sell for $50,000 per year. Each seat in the club levels range from $750 to $2,500 per season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Board of Trustees Approve Carolina's Student-Athlete Center For Excellence|url=http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=667864&SPID=12962&DB_LANG=C&SITE=UNC&DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=205496014|publisher=University of North Carolina Athletic Department|date=May 27, 2010|access-date=May 27, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503142316/http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=667864&SPID=12962&DB_LANG=C&SITE=UNC&DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=205496014|archive-date=May 3, 2015}}</ref> Furthermore, the construction of a new concourse in front of the Carolina Student-Athlete Center for Excellence would allow fans to move around the entire perimeter of Kenan Stadium for the first time.  The exterior of the new section is similar in appearance to the Bell Tower.

The 2011 renovation and expansion fully enclosed the stadium for the first time in its history. This facility houses the Loudermilk Center for Student Excellence as well as 3,000 additional premium club, suite seating and lounge areas in the east end zone, bringing total stadium capacity to 63,000.  As part of this addition, [[high-definition video|HD video]] boards were installed on each end of the stadium. In 2016, new ribbon boards and updated concessions were added.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=211147792|title=Exciting Upgrades At Kenan This Fall - University of North Carolina|website=University of North Carolina|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024160707/http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=211147792|archive-date=2016-10-24}}</ref>  In 2018, the metal bleachers that had been in place for almost half a century were replaced with individual seats, reducing capacity to 50,500.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://goheels.com/news/2018/1/7/football-individual-seats-coming-in-kenan-stadium.aspx|title = Individual Seats Coming in Kenan Stadium}}</ref> The stadium switched the playing surface from natural grass to a RootZone synthetic grass surface manufactured by [[AstroTurf]] for the 2019 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://goheels.com/news/2019/3/25/football-north-carolina-to-install-synthetic-grass-in-kenan-stadium.aspx|title = North Carolina to Install Synthetic Grass in Kenan Stadium}}</ref> For the 2025 season the stadium will be switching back to natural grass with a synthetic turf perimeter.<ref name="chapelboro.com">{{Cite web|url=https://chapelboro.com/sports/kenan-stadium-returning-to-natural-grass-turf-for-2025-season |title=Kenan Stadium Returning to Natural Grass Playing Surface for 2025 Season |date=27 January 2025 }}</ref>

William R. Kenan, to whom (along with his wife) the stadium was dedicated since its construction in 1927, was involved with the [[white supremacist]] [[Red Shirts (United States)|Red Shirts]] who conducted the [[Wilmington insurrection of 1898]].<ref>{{cite news|title=UNC will remove plaques at Kenan Stadium honoring Kenan family member who had ties to Wilmington massacre|newspaper=WRALsportsfan ([[WRAL-TV]])|date=October 3, 2018|url=https://www.wralsportsfan.com/unc-will-remove-plaques-at-kenan-stadium-honoring-kenan-family-member-who-had-ties-to-wilmington-massacre/17891899/|access-date=October 12, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kenan Memorial Stadium: racism and white supremacy are hidden beyond a dedication plaque|date=September 28, 2018|first=Hannah|last=McClellan |newspaper=[[Daily Tar Heel]]|url=http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2018/09/kenan-stadium-wilmington-massacre-0927}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|title=UNC's Football Stadium: Memorial to the Leader of a White Supremacist Massacre
|date=September 19, 2018|first=Craig|last=Calcaterra|url=https://www.craigcalcaterra.com/blog/uncs-football-stadium-memorial-to-the-leader-of-a-white-supremacist-massacre
|access-date=October 12, 2018}}</ref>
In 2018, the university removed the dedication plaque and renamed the venue '''Kenan Stadium''' in honor of Kenan Jr. who made the original donation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Folt announces recontextualization of Kenan Memorial Stadium|date=October 3, 2018|newspaper=[[Daily Tar Heel]]|first1=Bailey|last1=Aldridge|first2=Chris|last2=Hilburn Trenkle|url=http://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2018/10/kenan-stadium-name-change-breaking-folt-rename-unc-football-chapel-hill-wilmington-massacre}}</ref>

===Performance at Kenan Stadium===

Through the [[2022 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|2022 season]] the Tar Heels have played 95 seasons at Kenan Stadium earning a record of 317–198–16 (0.612) during that period.{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=92}} In that time, the Tar Heels won two [[List of Southern Conference football champions|Southern Conference football championship]]s ([[1946 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1946]] and [[1949 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1949]]) and five [[List of Atlantic Coast Conference football champions|Atlantic Coast Conference football championship]]s ([[1963 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1963]], [[1971 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1971]], [[1972 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1972]], [[1977 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1977]], and [[1980 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1980]]).{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=160}} After the ACC divided into two divisions, the Atlantic and Coastal, North Carolina won the Coastal division twice in 2015 and 2022, but failed to win the [[ACC Championship Game]] each time.{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=160}} North Carolina's football team has gone undefeated at home eight times: [[1927 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1927]] (2–0), [[1935 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1935]] (4–0), [[1939 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1939]] (5–0), [[1972 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1972]] (6–0), [[1974 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1974]] (6–0), [[1980 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1980]] (7–0), [[1996 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1996]] (5–0), and [[2015 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|2015]] (7–0).{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=92}} Including ties, the Tar Heels had an additional four seasons with an undefeated home record: [[1930 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1930]] (3–0–2), [[1942 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1942]] (3–0–1), [[1946 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1946]] (4–0–1), and [[1948 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1948]] (4–0–1).{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=92}} The most home victories obtained in one season is seven in the [[1980 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1980]] and [[2015 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|2015]] seasons.{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=92}} The most home losses in one season is six in the [[2002 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|2002]] and [[2017 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|2017]] seasons.{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=92}} In total there have been two winless seasons: [[1952 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|1952]] (0–4) and [[2002 North Carolina Tar Heels football team|2002]] (0–6).{{sfn|Timm|Sharpe|2023|p=92}}

{{Panorama
|image   = File:Kenan Memorial Stadium Panorama.jpg
|height  = 250
|width   = 
|alt     = 
|caption = A panoramic photograph of Kenan Memorial Stadium in 2014
|dir     = 
}}

==Other uses==
Aside from hosting college football events the stadium has been used for several purposes. It serves as the venue for the spring [[commencement]] ceremonies for the school.<ref name="KenanLib">{{cite news |title=Majestic Kenan Stadium, A Priceless Gem|url=https://blogs.lib.unc.edu/morton/2009/09/24/majestic-kenan-stadium-a-priceless-gem/|author=Jack Hilliard|work=A View to Hugh|publisher=UNC University Library|date=September 24, 2009|access-date=July 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115173013/https://blogs.lib.unc.edu/morton/2009/09/24/majestic-kenan-stadium-a-priceless-gem/|archive-date=November 15, 2023}}</ref>

[[President of the United States|United States Presidents]] [[John F. Kennedy]] and [[Bill Clinton]] both spoke in the stadium in 1961 and 1993, respectively.<ref name="KenanLib"/> On October 12, 1961, Kennedy spoke in a fourteen minute speech to a crowd of around 32,000 in Kenan Stadium as he accepted an honorary law degree from the university.<ref name="JFKVis1">{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|title=The President's Visit in Pictures|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/135258172/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=October 13, 1961 |page=2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="JFKVis2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel|title=JFK Accepts Degree With Somber Speech |first=Wayne|last=King|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/135284125/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=October 13, 1961 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> President Clinton spoke before a crowd of over 50,000 on Tuesday night October 12, 1993 where he urged the passage of the [[Brady Bill]], while also discussing health care reform and family medical leave, among other topics.<ref name="ClintVis">{{cite news |title=Crowd Can Say: "I Was There"|url=https://greensboro.com/crowd-can-say-i-was-there/article_fcdf1666-62e2-54fa-84d6-72e63d5518d3.html|author=Maria Johnson|newspaper=Greensboro News & Record|date=October 12, 1993|access-date=July 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115212736/https://greensboro.com/crowd-can-say-i-was-there/article_fcdf1666-62e2-54fa-84d6-72e63d5518d3.html|archive-date=November 15, 2023}}</ref>

Following the deaths of US Presidents [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] and Kennedy, memorials were held in their honor at Kenan Memorial Stadium.<ref name="KenanLib"/> Roosevelt's service was held on April 14, 1945 where over 6,000 people attended and [[List of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill leaders|university President]] [[Frank Porter Graham]] spoke regarding the deceased.<ref name="FDR Mem">{{cite news |newspaper=Greensboro Daily News |title=University Community Salutes Fallen Leader |agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record/135258084/ |access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=April 15, 1945 |page=Section 2 - Page 7|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="FDR Mem2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Durham Herald-Sun |title=6,000 At Carolina Attend Memorial Service for F.D.R. |url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/135257985/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=April 15, 1945 |page=5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> The service in honor of Kennedy was held on May 17, 1964 and was held in part to raise money for the Kennedy Memorial Library on [[Harvard University]]'s campus.<ref name="JFKMem">{{cite news |newspaper= Winston-Salem Journal|title=Graham Praises Kennedy's Impact on Race Relations |agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/winston-salem-journal/135257819/ |access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 18, 1964 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="JFKMem2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Durham Sun |title=Set Example|agency=Associated Press |first=Melvin|last=Lang|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun/135257698/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=May 18, 1964 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Over 10,000 people attended and paid $10 a ticket to hear former University President Graham, Kennedy's brother and [[United States Senate|United States Senator]] [[Ted Kennedy|Ted]], and Kennedy's mother [[Rose Kennedy|Rose]] speak.<ref name="JFKMem"/><ref name="JFKMem2"/>

Between 1963 and 1971, the university held festival at the end of the spring term called Jubilee and as the event grew several performances took place in Kenan Stadium in 1969 and 1970.<ref name="UNC Jub">{{cite news |title=UNC Jubilee Performers: A List|url=https://blogs.lib.unc.edu/uarms/2019/01/28/unc-jubilee-performers-a-list/|work=UNC Library|date=January 28, 2019|access-date=July 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109202527/https://blogs.lib.unc.edu/uarms/2019/01/28/unc-jubilee-performers-a-list/|archive-date=November 9, 2023}}</ref> Aside from the Jubliee, Kenan Stadium has hosted several concerts throughout its history: [[Jimmy Buffett]] (1979),<ref name="1979SF">{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel |title=Springfest '79|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/4085592/|access-date=November 25, 2023 |date=April 23, 1979 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> [[The Spinners (American group)|The Spinners]] (1979),<ref name="1979SF"/> [[The Beach Boys]] (1980),<ref name="1980SF">{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel |title= Muted Praise|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/135879943/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |date=April 21, 1980 |page=6|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> [[Joan Jett#Joan Jett and the Blackhearts|Joan Jett and the Blackhearts]] (1982),<ref name="1982JJ">{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel |title=18,000 Jam Kenan for Concert|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/135880178/ |access-date=November 25, 2023 |date=April 22, 1980 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> [[U2]] (1983),<ref name="1983Certs">{{cite news |newspaper=The Daily Tar Heel |title= Rain erodes concert profits|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel-u2stationcom-clippin/106215680/|access-date=November 25, 2023|author=Tom Conlon |date=April 25, 1983 |page=1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> [[Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five]] (1983),<ref name="1983Certs"/> and [[Bruce Springsteen]] (2003),<ref name="2003BS">{{cite news |newspaper=The News & Observer |title=Springsteen Rises To The Occasion |author=David Menconi|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer/135880618/|access-date=November 25, 2023 |date=September 15, 2003 |page=B1|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> among others.  Following the [[North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball|men's basketball team]] following their victory in the [[1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game|1982]] National Championship game, the stadium hosted a welcome home celebration for the team where over 20,000 fans attended.<ref name="82Natty">{{cite news |newspaper=The Herald Sun|title=Fans Salute the Return of the Heels|first=Kip|last=Coons|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/134970256/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=March 31, 1982 |page=2B|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Following the school's victory in the [[1993 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game|1993 national championship game]], a victory celebration was planned to be hosted in Kenan,<ref name="1993Ken">{{cite news |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|title=Tar Heels celebrate|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/134971300/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=April 6, 1993 |page=16|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref><ref name="1993Ken2">{{cite news |newspaper=The Herald Sun|title=Tar Heels|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/134970975/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=April 6, 1993 |page=A2|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> but was instead held at the [[Dean Smith Center]] because of rain.<ref name="1993DSC">{{cite news |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|title=Fans party amid the downpour|author=Greg Trevor|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/134970918/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=April 8, 1993 |page=4F|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> For several years Kenan hosted a [[fireworks]] display on July 4, but this was moved away from the stadium in 2019 because of increased costs to protect the stadium's artificial turf.<ref name="4thJulFW">{{cite news |work=The Daily Tar Heel|title=Fourth of July fireworks won't be in Kenan. Here's where to celebrate in Chapel Hill|author=Brent Van Vliet|url=https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2019/06/town-fireworks-changes-location|access-date=October 25, 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115172613/https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2019/06/town-fireworks-changes-location|archivedate=November 15, 2023 |date=June 11, 2019}}</ref> In addition, there were some safety concerns after one fireworks was deflected off the stadium's barrier walls, but none were harmed.<ref name="4thJulFW"/>

===Other football games===
The stadium hosts a couple football division championships of the [[North Carolina High School Athletic Association]] each year.<ref name="KenanLib"/>

On August 11, 1990 an event called "Carolina Kickoff II" was held in the stadium by future owner and founder of the [[Carolina Panthers]] [[Jerry Richardson]].<ref name="KenanLib"/> It was done to help show the Carolinas could support a professional team in the [[National Football League]].<ref name="KenanLib"/> The contest was between the [[Atlanta Falcons]] and the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]], where the Falcons won 31–27.<ref name="KenanLib"/><ref name="1990ATLWAS">{{cite news |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|title=Falcons beat Redskins, 31-27, after trailing 17-0|author=Vito Stellino|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun/135246220/|access-date=October 25, 2023 |date=August 12, 1990 |page=13C|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref>

===Soccer===
On July 19, 2023 Kenan hosted a [[Friendly (sport)|friendly]] between [[Chelsea F.C.]] and [[Wrexham A.F.C.]] as a part of the [[2023 Florida Cup]], where Chelsea won 5–0.<ref name="2023Soccer">{{cite news |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer|title=Chelsea dominates Wrexham in FC Series match |author=Shelby Swanson|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/135880820/ |access-date= November 27, 2023 |date=July 21, 2023 |page=B5|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> In 2024, Kenan hosted a friendly between [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] which Manchester City lost 4-3.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ticket-details-for-manchester-city-usa-summer-tour-20240223-WST-491352.html | title=Ticket details for Manchester City USA summer tour | date=23 February 2024 }}</ref> On June 10, 2025, Kenan hosted an international friendly between [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]] and [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! style="text-align:center;{{CollegePrimaryStyle|North Carolina Tar Heels}};|Date
! style="text-align:center;{{CollegePrimaryStyle|North Carolina Tar Heels}};|Team #1
! style="text-align:center;{{CollegePrimaryStyle|North Carolina Tar Heels}};|Result
! style="text-align:center;{{CollegePrimaryStyle|North Carolina Tar Heels}};|Team #2
! style="text-align:center;{{CollegePrimaryStyle|North Carolina Tar Heels}};|Tournament
! style="text-align:center;{{CollegePrimaryStyle|North Carolina Tar Heels}};|Spectators
|-
|July 19, 2023||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]]||style="text-align:center;"| 5–0 ||{{fbaicon|Wales}} [[Wrexham A.F.C.|Wrexham]]||Friendly<br>[[2023 Florida Cup]]||50,596
|-
|July 23, 2024||{{fbaicon|ENG}} [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]||style="text-align:center;"| 3–4 ||{{fbaicon|Scotland}} [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]||Friendly<br>[[2024 Florida Cup]]||30,000
|-
|June 10, 2025||{{fb|MEX}}||style="text-align:center;"| 1–0 ||{{fb|TUR}}||International Friendly||25,606
|}

==See also==
* [[List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums]]

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite journal|title=The Yackety Yack 1928|journal=North Carolina Yearbooks |editor-last=Allison|editor-first=John O.|publisher=Publication Union of the University of North Carolina|year=1928|url=https://lib.digitalnc.org/record/27827?ln=en#?xywh=-367%2C1330%2C3060%2C1775|via=North Carolina Digital Heritage Center {{Open access}}|volume=XXXVIII}}
*{{cite book |url=https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/unc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2023/7/26/2023_UNC_Media_Guide.5.pdf |title=2023 Carolina Football Media Guide |year=2023 |editor-last1=Timm|editor-first1=Tyler|editor-last2=Sharpe|editor-first2=Jeremy|publisher= UNC Athletic Communications Office|location=Chapel Hill, North Carolina|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011191016/https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/unc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2023/7/26/2023_UNC_Media_Guide.5.pdf|archive-date=October 11, 2023|url-status=live }}
*{{cite book |url=https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/unc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2012/6/22/history2001.pdf |title=2001 Carolina Football Media Guide |chapter=History |year=2001 |editor-last1=Best|editor-first1=Kevin|publisher= John D. Lucas Printing|location=Baltimore, Maryland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011192249/https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/unc.sidearmsports.com/documents/2012/6/22/history2001.pdf|archive-date=October 11, 2023|url-status=live |pages=235–84}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website}}
* [https://maps.google.com/maps?q=chapel+hill&ll=35.906780,-79.047961&spn=0.004441,0.007298&t=h&hl=en Satellite photo of Kenan Memorial Stadium]

{{North Carolina Tar Heels football navbox}}
{{University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill}}
{{Atlantic Coast Conference football venue navbox}}
{{North Carolina college football venues}}
{{Triangle sports venues}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:College football venues in North Carolina]]
[[Category:College lacrosse venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Lacrosse venues in North Carolina]]
[[Category:North Carolina Tar Heels football]]
[[Category:North Carolina Tar Heels sports venues]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1927]]
[[Category:1927 establishments in North Carolina]]
[[Category:Brick buildings and structures in North Carolina]]