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Chase Rice | Chapel Thrill Concert Series

Date: Sat, Oct 3, 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 Rice was a linebacker on Carolina's football team from 2005-08 and is returning to Chapel Thrill Game Day to perform for the second straight year. He was a nominee for the ACM Award's New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2016 and CMT Music Award's Digital First Performance of the Year in 2024. 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 Pre-game areas will open four hours before kickoff with the following timeline: Three hours prior to kickoff• Modelo Kickoff Club and tailgating open; Chapel Thrill DJ begins • Coca-Cola Fan Zone opens Two hours prior to kickoff• Old Well Walk begins Two hours and 15 minutes prior to kickoff• Chapel Thrill concert in Polk Place One & a half hours prior to kickoff• UNC Drumline & Marching Tar Heels perform in The Pit One Hour prior to kickoff • Modelo Kickoff Club and Coca-Cola Fan Zone close Fans looking for tickets to any of the Tar Heels' six home games can visit SeatGeek, the official marketplace of Carolina Athletics.

Raleigh Mom Club — Raleigh, NC

Music · Chapel Hill

Chase Rice | Chapel Thrill Concert Series

“Arrive two hours before kickoff to find parking and secure a spot on the lawn.”

When
Oct 3
Sat, Oct 3, 2026
Where
Polk Place
Chapel Hill, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
Free
chapel hillfreefamily friendly

The Chase Rice concert at the Chapel Thrill Concert Series is a free, live music event held on the University of North Carolina campus before the Tar Heels play Notre Dame. Located at Polk Place, this outdoor performance brings country music to the heart of campus as part of the university's pre-game festivities. If you are planning to bring your children, expect large game-day crowds and limited parking near the campus center. The event is entirely free and open to the public, making it a budget-friendly way to experience the campus energy. Because this takes place on a university lawn, strollers are manageable but navigating through tailgaters can be tight. Pack water, snacks, and hearing protection for younger kids, as campus sound systems can be quite loud. This is an excellent weekend option because it allows you to enjoy high-quality live music and the excitement of a major college football Saturday without the commitment or expense of attending the actual game.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a football ticket to attend the concert?
No, the concert at Polk Place is completely free and open to the public, no game ticket required.
Where is the best place to park for the event?
University lots are reserved for game day permit holders, so your best option is to park in downtown Chapel Hill municipal decks and walk to Polk Place.

Last updated

FREE

Oct 3

Directions

Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Chase Rice | Chapel Thrill Concert Series runs Sat, Oct 3, 2026.

Getting There

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

More events at Polk Place →

What to Bring

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

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