around town

Heavenly Hoops

If the Dean Smith Center's sports memorabilia room were a book, 1982 graduate David Daly's new UNC men's basketball museum is sure to be a hit sequel. Opened Nov. 3, in northern Chapel Hill, Blue Heaven serves as a "complement" to other Tar Heel remembrance rooms, yet offers extended hours on game days and more room for keepsakes dating back to 1911.

Daly served as team manager from 1978­82, wrote a "reunion book" (One to Remember, Down Home Press, 1992), and produced Coach Smith's and Coach Bill Guthridge's television shows, sometimes from within the Smith Center memorabilia room. One day, after yet another fan asked for "more stuff," he realized he could be the one to offer it.

The 3,100-square-foot Blue Heaven provides a broader look at Tar Heel basketball, from five large video screens showing memorable game moments, to jerseys donated by former players, families and staff. The large plaque inside the entrance lists every men's basketball letterman. "We have enough room that we can highlight all of the lettermen, not just a select few," said Daly. "We're taking the team concept: No one player is more important than another."

The museum also offers souvenir hats and shirts with a specially made Blue Heaven logo, as well as refreshments and an intercom constantly announcing game highlights. "When you walk in the door," said Daly, "you see the memorabilia, you smell the popcorn, you hear the crowds cheering...you feel like you walked into an arena."

Blue Heaven charges an admission fee ($5 adults, $3 children) and also rents a banquet room for special occasions. Two of its greatest Carmichael Auditorium keepsakes are the original scoreboard and a 35-year-old backboard. Daly said: "People always say, 'If walls could talk.' Well, if this backboard could talk...just think of all the great shots that have been made on it. Fans have really enjoyed taking their pictures beside it." BLUE HEAVEN, Chapel Hill North Shopping Center: (919) 929­5877.