When in Town...
A snapshot of new discoveries in Chapel Hill and Carrboro If the Dean Smith
Center's sports memorabilia room were a book, David Daly '82's new UNC
men's basketball museum is sure to be a hit sequel. Opened in November
in northern Chapel Hill, Blue Heaven serves as a
"complement" to other Tar Heel reme mbrance
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: Not 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 a small 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 is located in Chapel Hill North Shopping Center, near the
intersection of *** —Jessie Tucker & Cynthia Eakes '00 |
