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UNC has released its concert schedule and list of performers for the 2026 college football season, which includes an appearance from Shaquille O’Neal in Chapel Hill.
Dubbed “Chapel Thrill Game Day” and presented by The Rams Club, the pregame party returns to Polk Place ahead of each of the six home football games for the Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium. The schedule was announced on Monday, Aug. 3.
“After experiencing tremendous success and receiving overwhelmingly positive fan feedback, we are thrilled to be launching Chapel Thrill Game Day 2.0 this coming football season,’’ UNC Deputy Athletic Director Rick Barakat said in a school-issued statement.
“Once again, we have assembled an impressive lineup of artists, partners and sponsors -- offering hospitality and entertainment options for all ages to enjoy. We remain committed to providing fun and memorable experiences before, during and after every home football game at Carolina.”
Chapel Thrill Game Day will open three hours before kickoff of every home game with performers taking the stage in front of Wilson Library beginning two hours prior to kickoff. It's a free event for all fans, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Here’s a breakdown of the concert schedule for the 2026 season.
Here are the six performers for UNC's concert series during the 2026 season.
The Tar Heels are starting with a bang ahead of their home opener against East Tennessee State, which is scheduled for a noon kickoff at Kenan Stadium. That means Shaq will be on stage in front of Wilson Library around 10 a.m. to entertain the audience as DJ Diesel. A Hall of Famer on the basketball court, O’Neal is a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players in NBA history. He started his music career in 1993, but began spinning tracks as an athlete at LSU in the 1980s.
For the second year in a row, Chase Rice will be a part of pregame festivities. A former linebacker for the Tar Heels from 2005-08, Rice is known for his work as a country artist. He was a nominee for Male Vocalist of the Year in 2016 and CMT Music Award’s Digital First Performance of the Year in 2024. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. Notre Dame has yet to be announced.
A country music band from Parmele, which is roughly a two-hour drive from Chapel Hill, Parmalee has produced six Billboard No. 1 hits since its inception in 2001. The group features brothers Matt Thomas and Scott Thomas, along with their cousin Barry Knox and longtime friend Josh McSwain. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. Syracuse has yet to be announced.
An alternative rock band from Utah, Neon Trees is known for its 2010 hit “Animal,” which vaulted to No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative charts and won top alternative song at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. “Everybody Talks” is another well-known hit by the group, which features Chris Allen, Tyler Glenn, Elaine Bradley and Branden Campbell. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. Miami has yet to be announced.
A four-time BET Hip Hop Award nominee, Waka Flocka Flame rose to fame as a rapper during the 2010s, winning an award in 2011 for his single, “No Hands.” His songs, including 2009 hit “O Let's Do It,” play across stadiums during every sports season. Kickoff time for UNC’s homecoming game vs. Louisville has yet to be announced.
The concert series will wrap up with 38 Special ahead of the home finale against rival N.C. State. The southern rock band has sold more than 20 million albums since 1974. Known for hit songs “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You,” the group is headlined by Don Barnes. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. N.C. State has yet to be announced.
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Shaq among performers set for UNC football concert series in 2026 season
Continue reading...
Dubbed “Chapel Thrill Game Day” and presented by The Rams Club, the pregame party returns to Polk Place ahead of each of the six home football games for the Tar Heels at Kenan Stadium. The schedule was announced on Monday, Aug. 3.
“After experiencing tremendous success and receiving overwhelmingly positive fan feedback, we are thrilled to be launching Chapel Thrill Game Day 2.0 this coming football season,’’ UNC Deputy Athletic Director Rick Barakat said in a school-issued statement.
“Once again, we have assembled an impressive lineup of artists, partners and sponsors -- offering hospitality and entertainment options for all ages to enjoy. We remain committed to providing fun and memorable experiences before, during and after every home football game at Carolina.”
Chapel Thrill Game Day will open three hours before kickoff of every home game with performers taking the stage in front of Wilson Library beginning two hours prior to kickoff. It's a free event for all fans, with food and drinks available for purchase.
Here’s a breakdown of the concert schedule for the 2026 season.
2026 UNC football concert series schedule
Here are the six performers for UNC's concert series during the 2026 season.
Shaquille O’Neal (DJ Diesel), Sept. 12 vs. East Tennessee State
The Tar Heels are starting with a bang ahead of their home opener against East Tennessee State, which is scheduled for a noon kickoff at Kenan Stadium. That means Shaq will be on stage in front of Wilson Library around 10 a.m. to entertain the audience as DJ Diesel. A Hall of Famer on the basketball court, O’Neal is a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest players in NBA history. He started his music career in 1993, but began spinning tracks as an athlete at LSU in the 1980s.
Chase Rice, Oct. 3 vs. Notre Dame
For the second year in a row, Chase Rice will be a part of pregame festivities. A former linebacker for the Tar Heels from 2005-08, Rice is known for his work as a country artist. He was a nominee for Male Vocalist of the Year in 2016 and CMT Music Award’s Digital First Performance of the Year in 2024. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. Notre Dame has yet to be announced.
Parmalee, Oct. 24 vs Syracuse
A country music band from Parmele, which is roughly a two-hour drive from Chapel Hill, Parmalee has produced six Billboard No. 1 hits since its inception in 2001. The group features brothers Matt Thomas and Scott Thomas, along with their cousin Barry Knox and longtime friend Josh McSwain. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. Syracuse has yet to be announced.
Neon Trees, Oct. 31 vs Miami
An alternative rock band from Utah, Neon Trees is known for its 2010 hit “Animal,” which vaulted to No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative charts and won top alternative song at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. “Everybody Talks” is another well-known hit by the group, which features Chris Allen, Tyler Glenn, Elaine Bradley and Branden Campbell. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. Miami has yet to be announced.
Waka Flocka Flame, Nov. 14 vs Louisville
A four-time BET Hip Hop Award nominee, Waka Flocka Flame rose to fame as a rapper during the 2010s, winning an award in 2011 for his single, “No Hands.” His songs, including 2009 hit “O Let's Do It,” play across stadiums during every sports season. Kickoff time for UNC’s homecoming game vs. Louisville has yet to be announced.
38 Special, Nov. 28 vs NC State
The concert series will wrap up with 38 Special ahead of the home finale against rival N.C. State. The southern rock band has sold more than 20 million albums since 1974. Known for hit songs “Hold On Loosely” and “Caught Up in You,” the group is headlined by Don Barnes. Kickoff time for UNC’s game vs. N.C. State has yet to be announced.
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Shaq among performers set for UNC football concert series in 2026 season
Continue reading...
