The Triangle is about to witness a weekend of sports history, nostalgia, and fan excitement as two of the most celebrated athletes in North Carolina’s rich sports legacy — Duke basketball legend Grant Hill and UNC football/basketball icon Julius Peppers — prepare to headline the grand opening of Dick’s House of Sport at The Streets at Southpoint mall in Durham. For fans of both the Blue Devils and Tar Heels, this event is not just a store opening. It’s a chance to stand face-to-face with legends, relive championship memories, and feel the energy of Carolina sports greatness all under one roof.
A Star-Studded Grand Opening
The highly anticipated Dick’s House of Sport in Durham, located in the former Sears space at Southpoint, will officially open its doors on October 10–12, 2025. The store, spanning nearly 100,000 square feet, is more than just a shopping destination — it’s an experience. Customers can expect climbing walls, state-of-the-art golf bays with TrackMan simulators, and even a multi-sport cage that brings the action of baseball, softball, lacrosse, and soccer directly to the public.
But the crown jewel of opening weekend won’t just be the giveaways or the high-tech sports demos. It will be the opportunity to meet two of the most recognizable names to ever put on a Duke or UNC jersey.
Grant Hill, the electrifying forward who led Duke to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1991 and 1992 under the legendary Coach K, will make his appearance on Friday, Oct. 10, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Julius Peppers, the multi-sport Tar Heel phenom who dominated on both the football field and basketball court before becoming a Hall of Fame-worthy NFL defensive end, will appear on Sunday, Oct. 12, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Both athletes will be signing exclusive player cards provided by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Fans should take note: no outside memorabilia will be allowed. This ensures that every customer leaves with an official keepsake from the event.
Grant Hill: The Blue Devil Who Redefined College Basketball
To speak of Duke’s basketball glory in the early ’90s is to speak of Grant Hill. Known for his poise, versatility, and winning mentality, Hill became the cornerstone of Duke’s golden era. Alongside teammates like Christian Laettner and Bobby Hurley, Hill helped cement Duke as a powerhouse in college basketball, cutting down the nets in 1991 and 1992.
His famous alley-oop slam in the 1991 title game against UNLV remains etched in the memory of Blue Devil fans forever. That moment, symbolic of his athletic brilliance, turned Hill into not just a Duke hero but a national star.
Later, he would go on to become a seven-time NBA All-Star, an Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most respected voices in the game of basketball. But for Duke fans, Hill will always be remembered for those early moments in Cameron Indoor and on championship stages where he wore the Blue Devil blue with pride.
Now, fans in Durham have the chance to shake hands, grab a picture, and relive those glory days when Hill steps back into the Triangle this October.
Julius Peppers: The Tar Heel Giant Who Conquered Football
On the other side of Tobacco Road, few athletes have left a mark as massive as Julius Peppers. A freak of nature in size, strength, and athleticism, Peppers wore the Carolina blue on both the football field and the basketball court.
At UNC, he became a household name with his jaw-dropping defensive play, later being selected second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. What followed was one of the most decorated careers in NFL history:
9-time Pro Bowl selection
2002 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Hall of Fame All-2000s Team
Over 150 career sacks, ranking among the most dominant defensive ends to ever play the game
But even before all the NFL accolades, Carolina fans loved him for his versatility — from slamming dunks in the Dean Dome to delivering bone-crushing tackles on the gridiron at Kenan Stadium. Peppers represents the very best of UNC athletics: talent, resilience, and dominance.
His appearance at Dick’s House of Sport is more than just a signing event. For Tar Heel fans, it’s a chance to stand before one of the greatest to ever represent their university and relive a legacy that still inspires players today.
How to Meet the Legends
Meeting Hill or Peppers won’t be automatic. Fans will need to secure wristbands, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at the store on the respective days of their appearances.
Wristbands for Grant Hill will be available beginning Friday morning, Oct. 10, when the store opens at 9 a.m.
Wristbands for Julius Peppers will be distributed starting Sunday morning, Oct. 12, when doors open.
Because supplies are limited, fans are encouraged to arrive early to maximize their chances.
More Than Just Autographs: Giveaways & Experiences
Beyond the legendary meet-and-greets, opening weekend promises a carnival-like atmosphere for sports fans:
Gift card giveaways worth various amounts.
Stanley Quencher bottles, a hot commodity among fans and athletes alike.
Soccer ball giveaways for kids and families.
Interactive sports demonstrations where customers can test new equipment in live settings.
The store itself is designed to blur the line between shopping and sports participation. Whether you’re climbing a wall, testing your swing in a golf simulator, or shooting goals in the multi-sport cage, Dick’s House of Sport is built to be an athlete’s playground.
A Tradition of Athlete Appearances
This isn’t the first time Dick’s House of Sport has rolled out the red carpet for athletic royalty. When its Fayetteville location opened in 2023, appearances included Duke women’s basketball coach Kara Lawson, former UNC star Armando Bacot, NBA legend Alonzo Mourning, and Panthers great Thomas Davis.
Durham’s grand opening looks to keep that tradition alive — perhaps even surpass it with Hill and Peppers headlining the weekend. And with Raleigh’s own Dick’s House of Sport set to open soon at Crabtree Valley Mall, the trend of turning store openings into community sports festivals seems likely to continue.
🌟 Why This Event Matters
Sports in North Carolina are not just entertainment — they’re identity. The Duke–UNC rivalry has defined college athletics for decades, creating heroes who live forever in fans’ hearts. Bringing together legends from both programs under one roof is more than a marketing stunt; it’s a celebration of shared history, community pride, and the unifying power of sports.
For the young fans, this might be the first chance to meet legends they’ve only heard about. For longtime supporters, it’s a chance to revisit the golden days and reconnect with the athletes who gave them unforgettable memories.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 → Meet Grant Hill (6:00–7:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 → Meet Julius Peppers (12:00–1:30 p.m.)
Both appearances will be at Dick’s House of Sport, The Streets at Southpoint, 6930 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC.
🎤 Final Word
The opening of Dick’s House of Sport in Durham is shaping up to be more than a retail launch — it’s a sports festival, a chance to meet heroes, win prizes, and experience sports like never before. Whether you bleed Duke blue or Tar Heel blue, one thing is certain: October’s grand opening weekend is one you don’t want to miss.
Two legends. One weekend. One unforgettable celebration of North Carolina sports.
