Why is Ludacris performing at UNC Saturday? What you need to know before you go
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- UNC schedules Ludacris for 10 a.m. Polk Place concert as part of Chapel Thrill.
- University used promoter, fan surveys and focus groups to select diverse performers.
- Paid parking and shuttle options start three to four hours before kickoff; prices vary.
Before North Carolina fans trek to Kenan Stadium on Saturday to see the Tar Heels face Clemson at noon, they’ll be treated to a free concert from a three-time Grammy Award winner.
Ludacris will perform in front of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Wilson Library on Polk Place at 10 a.m. The concert is part of UNC’s Chapel Thrill Concert Series.
“We definitely gonna play some of your favorites, so you need to get to Polk Place and let’s have some fun before the Tar Heels hit the field against Clemson,” Ludacris said in a video posted to UNC Athletics’ X account.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of the rapper and actor’s performance.
Why is this happening?
The Chapel Thrill Concert Series is part of Chapel Thrill Game Day, a larger initiative to improve the football pregame experience. The university also moved its Modelo Kickoff Club, where fans can buy alcohol, to Polk Place and added a dedicated student tailgate area.
“With the landmark hiring of Bill Belichick and the excitement surrounding Carolina football at an all-time high, we want to provide an exceptional pre-game experience that will help create lasting memories for our fans inside and outside of Kenan Stadium,” Carolina deputy athletics director/chief revenue officer Rick Barakat told UNC News.
How did UNC pick Ludacris?
Ludacris is the third performer UNC has recruited for the concert series. Country singer and former UNC football player Chase Rice performed before the Tar Heels’ season opener against TCU. Another country singer, John Stone, performed ahead of UNC’s game against Richmond.
So Ludacris, an icon in Southern hip-hop known for hits like “Act A Fool,” “Get Back” and “Southern Hospitality,” is a different flavor of artist for the concert series — but also its biggest name.
How did UNC pick Ludacris, then?
UNC Athletics spokesperson Robbi Pickeral Evans said the university uses a third-party promoter to book talent and gets feedback from focus groups and surveys before and after events.
“Our strategy for the Chapel Thrill Concert Series this season is to host a large scope of different music genres and artists — country, hip hop, pop, etc. — to see what resonates with our fans,” Evans said.
How can I get to the concert?
Pre-paid parking is available for $35 at the following lots:
- 440 North Lot
- 700 Hibbard Lot
- Branson St. Lot
- Manning Lot
- South Chiller Lot
- Ambulatory Care Center Lot
Accessibility parking, $40, is available at the Ambulatory Care Center lot. There, shuttles will take fans from the lot to Kenan Stadium Gates 2 and 6, starting three hours before the game (9 a.m.) until 10 minutes before the game.
Gameday parking is available for $40 at Cardinal Deck and Jackson Deck.
Fans can also pay $10 to go aboard the Tar Heel Express Shuttle. The shuttle starts leaving from:
- Friday Center Park and Ride, four hours before the game (8 a.m.)
- Southern Village Park and Ride, 90 minutes before the game (10:30 a.m.)
- Downtown Chapel Hill, Franklin Street, four hours before the game (8 a.m.)
Parking at the Friday Center and Southern Village park-and-rides are free.
This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 2:28 PM with the headline "Why is Ludacris performing at UNC Saturday? What you need to know before you go."
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