Local

Fans rejoice across the Carolinas after UNC captures NCAA title

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina fans packed Franklin Street overnight, celebrating after Monday night's National Championship victory.

The Town of Chapel Hill reported that an estimated crowd of 55,000 people rushed Franklin Street immediately following the victory, at which time the streets were closed to traffic.

Those streets were cleaned and reopened to regular traffic just after 2 a.m. and officials reported that seven people suffered injuries during the celebrations, four of whom suffered burns.

Town officials also extinguished and cleaned several bonfires on Franklin Street.

Crowds erupted across the Carolinas, especially in Charlotte, where hundreds gathered at Moo and Brew in Plaza Midwood, where the restaurant held the city's official watch party.

Fans were on edge, hoping for redemption after the teams’ loss last year to Villanova at the buzzer. But after the big win, fans couldn't contain their joy, and even Mayor Jennifer Roberts was caught dancing.

“It feels amazing,” said one fan. “I feel like last year was taken from us at the last moment and this is just, it feels great -- so excited.”

Dick's Sporting Goods in the SouthPark Mall opened immediately after the game and Channel 9 was there as the store laid out the official championship shirts.

Dick’s will re-open at 7 a.m. Tuesday to offer the gear to the public.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will hold a welcome home reception for the team at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Dean E. Smith Center.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

0

Most Read