The Tobacco Road Classic puts North Carolina against NC State on Tuesday, Dec 15, 2026 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, with a 7 p.m. start. It is the first UNC-NC State regular-season game in Greensboro since the Nov 30, 1979 Big 4 Tournament. Tickets are on sale now; prices are not published on the venue page.
The Game at a Glance
| Detail | What the venue lists |
|---|---|
| Date and time | Tuesday, Dec 15, 2026, 7:00 p.m. |
| Matchup | UNC vs. NC State, college basketball (the venue page calls them two of college basketball’s legendary programs) |
| Place | First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro Complex, Greensboro, NC |
| Presented by | Old Dominion Freight Line; this is the inaugural Tobacco Road Classic |
| Tickets | On sale now through Ticketmaster; prices not published on the venue page |
| Parking | More than 6,000 on-site spaces; fees vary by event; prepaid passes for select events through JustPark; Greensboro Complex is cashless |
Tickets: use the Buy Tickets link on the venue’s event page. We list no price because none is published there.
Getting There and Parking
- Spaces: the Complex says it has more than 6,000 on-site parking spaces, with fees that vary by event.
- Hours: lots open at least 60 minutes before the event and stay staffed until 60 minutes after it ends.
- Payment: unless parking is prepaid or free, the fee is paid when you enter the lots, and the Complex is cashless.
- Prepaid: advance passes for select events are sold through JustPark. We could not confirm that this game is on the list; check the Complex’s parking page.
- No-parking zones: drop-off areas and the spots next to vehicle gates are tow zones.
Road closures, shuttle plans and the exact lot prices for this game are not yet announced; we check weekly.
Bag Policy and Entry
The Complex recommends entering without a bag. If you need one, it allows one small bag: a clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches (does not have to be clear), a medical bag, or a diaper bag up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches when you have a child with you. Medical and diaper bags are inspected. There is no bag check and no lockers, and bags left in lobbies are discarded. The venue also links a prohibited-items list and cashless rules from the event page, which we did not read in full.
Kid and Family Tips
A 7 p.m. start on a Tuesday is a school night, so plan the drive home. Parents can bring a diaper bag that meets the size above. No kids’ ticket policy or age limit has been published; check the event page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Tobacco Road Classic?
Tuesday, Dec 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.
Who plays in the Tobacco Road Classic?
North Carolina and NC State, presented by Old Dominion Freight Line. It is the inaugural Tobacco Road Classic.
Why is this game in Greensboro?
The venue says it is the first time UNC and NC State play in Greensboro in the regular season since they met in the Big 4 Tournament on Nov 30, 1979.
How much are Tobacco Road Classic tickets?
The venue page says tickets are on sale now but lists no price. Use its Buy Tickets link (Ticketmaster).
How much is parking at First Horizon Coliseum?
Fees vary by event and this game’s price is not published. The Complex has more than 6,000 on-site spaces and is cashless.
What is the bag policy?
The Complex recommends no bag. One small clutch up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches is allowed, plus medical bags and diaper bags (up to 12 by 6 by 12 inches) when you have a child. There is no bag check.
Can I pay cash for parking or concessions?
No. Greensboro Complex is a cashless facility.
Sources
- Greensboro Complex, Tobacco Road Classic event page (date, time, history, tickets), checked 2026-10-27
- Greensboro Complex, Bag Policy, checked 2026-10-27
- Greensboro Complex, Directions and Parking, checked 2026-10-27
More Triad events: see Triad events, the Charlotte Invitational guide and all North Carolina events. For drive times between North Carolina cities, see drive times to 20 destinations.
Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “Tobacco Road Classic 2026: UNC vs NC State, Greensboro”, itsnorthcarolina.com/tobacco-road-classic-unc-nc-state-greensboro/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.