The Carolina–Duke sports rivalry is a fierce competition between the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke University Blue Devils, mainly in the game of basketball. It is widely regarded as one of the most intense rivalries in the history of American sports. A 2000 poll by ESPN ranked it as the third greatest North American sports rivalry. Furthermore, in its November 18, 2003 issue, Sports Illustrated on Campus named it the #1 "Hottest Rivalry" in college basketball and the #2 rivalry overall. The rivalry's intensity is heightened by numerous factors, including the schools' close proximity, situated only ten miles apart along U.S. Highway 15–501 (also known as Tobacco Road) or eight miles apart in straight-line distance. Additionally, Duke is a private university, while Carolina is a public school, contributing to their differing funding structures and cultures. The biggest reason for this rivalry, however, is their basketball programs. Both schools are almost always contenders for the national championship every year. Authentic work of art ©2023 Vintage Brand.