The football stadium is my favorite spot on campus. And trust me, I know there is probably one of two thoughts going through your head right now. The first being “oh nice one, super basic” and the second being “you are aware of our football team’s record right?” Kenan Memorial Stadium is my favorite spot on campus for a lot of reasons, including but not limited to the super basic.
Name another spot on campus that has the ability to fit 51,000 people at one time. Name another spot on campus that has more Carolina blue in sight. Name another spot on campus that still fills up a student section on a Saturday night despite not being a “football school.” Name another spot on campus that can make this University with thousands of strangers feel like home because you put your arms around your neighbor and screech Hark the Sound.
Kenan Stadium reminds me why I chose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Something about the presence of thousands of blue seats that match the sky reminds me of how special this school is. This is my favorite spot on campus — yes, of course, during Saturday football games, but honestly, this is my favorite spot on campus in between classes, when I am stressed and just need a break.
This is my favorite spot on campus walking back from the library at night after hours of studying. This is my favorite spot on campus when my friends come visit, and I get to show my school off to them. It amazes me that something so big, chaotic and fun can also be so personalized, serene and reflective, and maybe that is why it is my favorite.
Sitting in the stands of an empty stadium, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be able to call this place home. Standing in the middle of the field, I am reminded of why I continue to fall in love with this University. Kenan Stadium is a spot on campus that bleeds Carolina blue and embodies what it means to be a Tar Heel, a spot on campus that makes an unfamiliar face feel like family and a spot on campus that makes a new place feel more like home each day.
