My Blue Blood Story

Blue Blood Story

A right of passage as a student at the University of North Carolina is getting to rush Franklin Street after a Carolina Basketball victory against Duke. Every year, the battle is highly contested. As a lifelong Tar Heel, I remember the hours of anticipation leading up to the games each year. I know in my heart that Carolina will always bring their best effort and play with conviction. 

I have a personal connection to the BlueBlood Rivalry as both my parents were student-athletes at UNC. We never miss a game, whether it’s home or away. I have been lucky to attend multiple games both at the Dean Dome and at Cameron Indoor. Both experiences are incredibly different, but are always exciting. 

My parents tapped into the documentary production experience and made a film about the best rivalry in sports: Duke-Carolina The Blue Blood Rivalry. They spent several years bringing this film together, to encapsulate all the thoughts and emotions that come to life on game day. They have interviews with players, coaches, and fans from all over. Although I was not a part of the production, it feels good to know that my parents have contributed a valuable piece in the rivalry.

Fast forward to freshman year, I was hosting our women’s soccer recruit, Sam Meza, on her official visit at UNC and we got her tickets to the game to cap off their weekend. I spent days raving about how much of a thrilling experience it would be. We even attended the ESPN Game Day show that occurred during the day. Since I am friends with some of the players, I was able to help my recruit walk on the court, meet the players, and take pictures. 

Even though the Dean Dome is over 1.5 miles from Franklin Street, everyone bursts with joy as we sprint from the game to the celebration. So many different fans from different walks of life come together to spread joy and cheer for their beloved Tar Heels. This is what it means to have the true Carolina experience and be part of the BEST rivalry in sports.

Hassan and Meleata Pinto during a Duke Basketball Game - Meleata graduated with her MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business in 2011 

Hassan, Hass, Brianna, and Malik after a Carolina win. 

Sam Meza (UNC W Soccer Class of 2024) and Brianna Pinto at the ESPN College Game Day event before the Duke-Carolina game in 2019.

Brianna Pinto and Sam Meza on Franklin Street after a Carolina victory over Duke