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38 Special | Chapel Thrill Concert Series

Date: Sat, Nov 28, 2026

Time:

Venue: Polk Place, Chapel Hill

Price: Free

Category: Music

Chapel Thrill Game Day, a fun and family-friendly event that brings together Tar Heel fans before every home football game, will return to the University of North Carolina this fall.Located in the heart of campus on Polk Place and presented by the Rams Club, the pre-game party will feature a talented slate of national recording artists and performers for a free concert series featuring various genres of electronic dance music, country, alternative pop, hip-hop and rock. Sept. 12 vs. East Tennessee State – DJ Diesel (Shaquille O'Neal) Oct. 3 vs. Notre Dame – Chase Rice Oct. 24 vs. Syracuse – Parmalee Oct. 31 vs. Miami – Neon Trees Nov. 14 vs. Louisville – Waka Flocka Flame Nov. 28 vs. NC State – 38 Special Since 1974, 38 Special has sold over 20 million albums and produced more than 15 albums of guitar-driven southern rock. Known for hit songs "Hold On Loosely" and "Caught Up in You," the band posted numerous top 40 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Music · Chapel Hill

38 Special | Chapel Thrill Concert Series

“Arrive four hours before kickoff to enjoy the full pre-game fan zone.”

When
Nov 28
Sat, Nov 28, 2026
Where
Polk Place
Chapel Hill, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
chapel hillfreefamily friendly

The 38 Special Chapel Thrill Concert Series is a free pre-game musical performance held on the University of North Carolina campus before the football game against NC State. What to Know: This event takes place outdoors at Polk Place and is open to the public for free. The concert begins two hours and fifteen minutes before kickoff, but the surrounding pre-game areas, including the Coca-Cola Fan Zone, open four hours before the game starts. You can also catch the Old Well Walk two hours before kickoff and the UNC Drumline performing in The Pit ninety minutes before the game. This is a solid weekend option if you want to experience the energy of a Chapel Hill game day and hear classic hits like Caught Up in You without needing a ticket to the stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the concert free to attend?
Yes, the concert series on Polk Place is free to the public.
When does the concert start?
The concert begins two hours and fifteen minutes prior to the football kickoff.
What other activities are available before the game?
The pre-game festivities include the Coca-Cola Fan Zone, the Old Well Walk, and a performance by the UNC Drumline in The Pit.

Last updated

FREE

Nov 28

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

38 Special | Chapel Thrill Concert Series runs Sat, Nov 28, 2026.

Getting There

Polk Place is at 201 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC. Open in Google Maps.

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What to Bring

Nothing but the kids — this one's free, with no tickets to buy.

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