DUKE/UNC Rivalry


A long, long time ago I remember the first basketball game between these two schools
Back in the year 1920
When college sports didn’t bring in the money
They played for The Battle of the Blues

It’s one of the most intense rivalries
A fight for Tobacco Road boundaries
Only eight miles apart
They play the game from the heart

And so it begins again this year
A fight for honor that will bring one of them tears
It’s time to raise our voices to cheer
To the game we hold so dear

Welcome to the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the place to be
Painted dark Devil Blue for the world to see
It’s the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
On ESPN nationally

In the early years it was just a local scene
And we were a college called Trinity
Growing into our basketball shoes
With players Hip Martin and Big Jennie Binn
This is where the history did begin
A small college who started to pay our dues

Then in 20’s we played North Carolina
Who knew that the game would catch on fire
We showed the other schools we were no fluke
When we changed our name to Duke

Now every year we mark the date
And until then we just can’t wait
As we put on our Blue Devil Face there’s no debate
The day, that means , the world to me
I started singing

Welcome to the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the place to be
Painted dark Devil Blue for the world to see
It’s the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
On ESPN nationally

So many games, now where do I begin
Let’s start with that triple overtime win
Back in 68 when the Duke coach was Vic Bubas
When Lewis went down , Lind stepped up to rock
With 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocked shots
After the game they carried him to the main quad

Some say 74 was the greatest come back game
Followed in 75 with something almost the same
Then in 79 the game was so vital
It tied us with UNC for the ACC title

That century helped us to establish the name
Of the Duke/ UNC Rivalry game
College basketball would never be the same
The day that means the world to me
We started singing

Welcome to the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the place to be
Painted dark Devil Blue for the world to see
It’s the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
On ESPN nationally

In 81 began the Coach K age
The season was rough until UNC was upstaged
With Gene Banks in a tux throwing roses to the crowd
The decade gave us the time to grow
And it reflected in how the rankings showed
We weren’t a school that would ever let you down

The 90’s showed we were ahead full steam
And let our fans live out their NCAA dream
We showed the world what we had become
When we were finally ranked #1

It just goes to show you what you can do
With determination and persistence too
We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you
The day that means the world to me
We started singing

Welcome to the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the place to be
Painted dark Devil Blue for the world to see
It’s the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
On ESPN nationally

And the rivalry is still strong and alive
Watching center court makes us all thrive
In college hoops is still the game to beat
The battle is hard-fought every year
As Coach K never shows them any fear
He keeps his cool when the two of them compete

He goes to work like a business man
Spending his time on the right game plan
He’s our king whose is dressed to kill
And all his subjects live in K Ville

And lately we’ve had our ups and downs
But you will always hear that deafening sound
Of all the Blue Devils in the round
The day that means the world to me
We started singing

Welcome to the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the place to be
Painted dark Devil Blue for the world to see
It’s the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
On ESPN nationally

In 2009 it wasn’t meant to be
After the loss when Cameron was empty
I sat alone in the stands and cried
Then a voice from the shadows said it was okay
As I lifted my head, I saw it was Coach K
He said everything has a reason and here’s why

Along as you give the game your best
And the Cameron Crazies do the rest
Don’t hang your head down low
Cause there’s one thing I do know

It’s who we are, not what or when
And if we live our lives right and don’t pretend
That will make us survive to 2010
So join, me now, in song
Coach K and I sang

Welcome to the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the place to be
Painted dark Devil Blue for the world to see
It’s the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
On ESPN nationally

Welcome to the DUKE/UNC Rivalry
Cameron Indoor Stadium is the place to be
Painted dark Devil Blue for the world to see
It’s the DUKE/UNC Rivalry