University of North Carolina Athletics

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Tar Heel Blue, a fan-focused platform designed to deepen engagement and strengthen the connection between Tar Heel fans and North Carolina's athletic programs, officially launched Tuesday.

Designed to provide enhanced access and unique experiences for Carolina fans, Tar Heel Blue will feature exclusive insider content, behind-the-scenes storytelling with Carolina programs and student-athletes, unique opportunities to hear from UNC coaches, special events and other experiences intended to bring members closer to UNC Athletics.

"We're always looking for new and innovative ways to tell the story of our incredible student-athletes and coaches," said UNC Athletic Director Steve Newmark. "Tar Heel Blue is a unique platform for our passionate fans to connect with Carolina Athletics, while also creating meaningful NIL commercial opportunities for our student-athletes."

"Tar Heel Blue represents another evolution and priority initiative for Carolina Athletics," deputy athletic director and Chief Revenue Officer Rick Barakat said. "We are excited to forge this new relationship with Tar Heel Blue and RallyTown, while offering creative innovations for our loyal fans and incredible student-athletes."

Commented RallyTown CEO Chris Reynolds: "We are thrilled to launch Tar Heel Blue with the University of North Carolina and welcome them to the RallyTown family. Carolina's storied history and passionate fanbase will power Tar Heel Blue and help UNC and its athletic department add to its 63 national championships."

Membership opportunities and benefits include:

Members-only tailgates and hospitality experiences

Exclusive and custom merchandise plus special programs

Access to select practices and team activities

Premium access to events involving North Carolina student-athletes

Additional opportunities available exclusively through Tar Heel Blue

In addition to expanding access to unique content and deepening fan engagement, Tar Heel Blue is designed to support North Carolina student-athletes and roster development by creating additional commercial opportunities throughout the year.

Former Tar Heel football and baseball student-athlete Bryn Renner will spearhead Tar Heel Blue as its general manager. Renner was a quarterback at UNC from 2009-13 and served as the starting quarterback from 2011-13. He is also a key part of the Tar Heel radio crew, serving as its sideline reporter.

"Ever since I committed to play quarterback at Carolina, it has been my mission to give back to the university that has given me so much," Renner said. "The opportunity to come home and lead Tar Heel Blue is incredibly special. I'm excited to connect the past, present and future of Carolina Athletics with the greatest fans in the country. Carolina has always led the way, and our goal is to build something that brings Tar Heels together and continues to set the standard for what's possible in college athletics."

For more information about Tar Heel Blue, including membership levels and available benefits, visit www.TarHeelBlue.com.

For more information about RallyTown, visit www.RallyTown.com.

Benefits, events, student-athlete participation and availability may vary by membership level and are subject to applicable approvals, capacity limitations and program terms.

Click here to read article