UNC football now includes concerts, starting with this country music star

A former UNC football player is making a comeback to kick off the new season. Not to play the game, but to hit the stage with a special pregame concert.

Tar heel alum and popular country star Chase Rice will headline the inaugural pre-game show of the Chapel Thrill Concert Series at the team’s home opener against TCU on Monday, Sept. 1.

As part of the Chapel Thrill Game Day experience during coach Bill Belichick’s first season with the team, every home game will feature a free pregame concert by national recording artists on campus this fall — beginning with one of the team’s very own.

“From the place, to the people and the memories, it’ll be home til the day I’m gone. Can’t wait to be back and see my family again,” the singer/songwriter commented on UNC’s social media post of the announcement.

Chase Rice UNC Chapel Hill

Rice, who grew up in Asheville, was a linebacker on the team from 2005 to 2008. Because of an injury his junior season, he turned to making music, The Charlotte Observer previously reported, specifically a tribute to his time at UNC, “Carolina Can.”

And yes, he teased that the song will be part of his set list for his pregame show.

According to UNC’s athletic department, Rice will take the stage in front of Wilson Library around 6 p.m., two hours before kickoff.

UNC football concerts

The full schedule of performers for the Chapel Thrill Concert Series has yet to be announced.

In a record-breaking sellout for Carolina football, the entire allotment of tickets at Kenan Stadium, both full-season and single-game tickets, was sold out by July, The News & Observer reported — the earliest in all program history.

The department is encouraging fans looking for home game tickets to check out SeatGeek, the official marketplace of Carolina Athletics.

Carolina Wills contributed to this story.

This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 9:59 AM.