News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 2008 NCAA Men's Bracket

As Carmichael Auditorium is renovated,  North Carolina's women's basketball program has moved into Koury Natatorium and will play in the Smith Center this season.

UNC coach Sylvia Hatchell said that's just fine with her. The court is the same. The basket is the same. Just go play.

Still, as the No. 6-ranked Tar Heels open their season tonight against Western Carolina in the first round of the WNIT, players may still be adjusting to the larger venue. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. 

"It's a lot bigger and that has taken some getting used to, but we're looking forward to playing here," UNC senior guard Heather Claytor said. "The size of the Smith Center is kind of like the heat in Carmichael, it was something we were used to and it became an advantage for us." 

Hatchell is always looking for an advantage. She said the arena that can hold a capacity crowd of 21,750 just may intimidate opponents, especially if they can fill the bottom bowl with fans.

"They walk in here and they are like, "Wow,'" she said of opponents. "It's actually an hour or two later that the wow is just starting to wear off, which hopefully by that time we've already got a good lead."

The Heels own a 17-9 record when playing in the Smith Center since their first game there in 1987.   

 Listen below to Hatchell talk more about moving into the Smith Center and playing there this season.