Battle of the Blues: Duke vs UNC

The rivalry between the Duke University Blue Devils and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heels has permeated all types of playing fields, courts, pitches, and stadiums for decades. It's why students huddle together for warmth in makeshift tents at Krzyzewskiville outside Cameron Indoor Stadium, taking shifts to take showers. It's only during the sweet winter months that we get to see it all play out on the unforgiving hardwood.

In the odd chance that you're not familiar with the rivalry, let's catch you up to speed. Ranked by ESPN as the third greatest North American sports rivalry, this basketball feud traces its roots as far back as the 1960s, arguably reaching its peak in the 80s. Of their 265 games since their first meeting in 1920, UNC has won 145 of them, putting them in the rivalry lead. These cross-town rivals account for a whopping 28% of NCAA championship titles in the last 36 years, with UNC holding six and Duke having won five. Considering the legacy both teams carry with them, it's no wonder such a strong rivalry has carried on over the decades.

People try to joke about it to relieve the inescapable, palpable tension — but it's real. We're not the only ones who acknowledge these tales as far more than those of lore. This history has been told, retold, dissected and argued for quite some time and will continue to be for seasons to come.

Relive the rivalry's storied history, and then pick your side. Every year, every game is sure to be a wild ride; you may as well experience it first hand in the Bull City.
 

They call this the Tobacco Road nemeses. Duke University and UNC sit just eight miles apart and have been playing each other for almost 100 years.

Both schools have supported and cultivated renowned talent. Michael Jordan (a member of the NCAA championship team in 1982) and other Carolina greats like Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, and Rick Fox donned the lighter color blue. But Kyrie Irving, J.J. Redick, Jay Bilas, Shane Battier, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill and Christian Laettner played for the Blue Devils with pride. The list continues, with extraordinary freshman talent adorning Duke's roster this season, and Carolina contending with remarkable players to call their own.

The culture of the schools are different, of course, but the passion of their fans is remarkably similar: it's unquenchable. Southern Living named it "The Most Famous Basketball Rivalry in the South."

You've probably guessed it by now, but tickets for these games are hard to come by. With the Duke vs UNC rivalry being one of the biggest rivalries in college sports, and Cameron indoor's capacity being 9,000, anyone hoping to see the game live needs to lock tickets in very far in advance.

The good news? You're still in good company. The amount of people watching the game outside of the stadium greatly outnumbers the court-side viewers, and just about every bar in town will have the game on. You'll have a harder time finding a bar that isn't playing the game. Pick any one of the 17 sports bars in Durham for a guaranteed good time watching this cross-town rivalry play out.

Maverick's Smokehouse and Taproom

Located at 900 West Main Street downtown, Maverick's features multi-state BBQ, a full bar, and numerous TVs. There’s also is an outdoor patio (equipped with a second bar) and a projector they put to use for the big games, weather permitting, complete with fire pits so you can enjoy the outdoors even if there’s still a chill in the air.

Bull Durham Bar

Located in the Washington Duke Inn at the Duke Golf Club, this is a favorite hangout for Duke fans, and the public is welcome to watch all the games.

Clouds Brewcade + Kitchen

Most breweries are known more for their beer than their television selection, but Clouds’ spacious new location on Main Street is an exception as 33 HD screens line every wall and hang from the ceiling. Throw in a full menu and craft brews; this is a great place to relax and catch some sports.

Durham Beer Garden

Craft beer lovers will feel at home watching the game at the Durham Beer Garden. With indoor and outdoor seating with heaters, there's plenty of space to sit back, enjoy a pint, and watch the Blue Devils dominate on the court. Plan to order dinner from their full-service kitchen to make sure you're seated in time for tip-off.

Dain’s Place

Ranked by Complex magazine as one of the 25 best bars near a college campus, Dain’s, located in the Ninth Street district, is an obvious choice for Duke fans who are looking to join in a cheer with their dark blue brethren. Every game will play on one of four TVs — did we mention more than 80 American microbrews are available?

Devine’s Grill and Sports Bar

Another Brightleaf area hangout, Devine’s has been a favorite for locals since 1978. Enjoy pub favorites like wings and burgers while watching the tournament.

Tobacco Road Sports Café

Tobacco Road serves fresh, local food surrounded by a wall of TVs – all in a location overlooking the Durham Bulls Athletic Park across from the American Tobacco Campus.

Featured image by Reagan Lunn.