CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The College of Charleston will take on defending national champion North Carolina at the Carolina First Arena on January 4, the school announced on Wednesday. The arrival of Coach Roy Williams’ team marks the first time in school history that the current NCAA men’s basketball champions will play at the College of Charleston.

“I am thrilled to have the Tar Heels coming to play us in the Carolina First Arena," said Charleston coach Bobby Cremins, who led the Cougars to a 27-9 record last season.   "Roy Williams is a long time friend and we look forward to playing the defending champs in front of our home crowd.”  

The Cougars are 2-3 all-time versus North Carolina, including a stunning 66-64 win over the third-ranked and unbeaten Tar Heels in 1998. 

Demand for tickets to this game is expected to be very strong. Season ticket holders and Cougar Club members will have first priority in purchasing tickets for North Carolina and other home contests. Based on season ticket renewals and new purchases, there are currently less than 1,000 tickets remaining for this game.

 “Based on the amount of early interest, we believe we may be sold out well before we would ever get to a public sale of single game tickets for North Carolina” stated Joe Hull, Director of Athletics.

This game vs. North Carolina follows a Cougars’ home contest against South Carolina last year. Clemson and Tennessee are also slated to visit the Carolina First Arena over the next two seasons.