American College Stadiums That Starred in Your Favorite Movies

29. University of North Carolina's Kenan Memorial Stadium – "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1" (2014)

Kenan Memorial Stadium, located at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, appears in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 as part of the film’s larger, dystopian world. Though not a sports-centered film, the stadium’s large, open design serves as an ideal location to portray the vast, desolate atmosphere of the futuristic setting. Its imposing structure and expansive field complement the bleak, tense mood of the film, which focuses on rebellion and the fight for freedom. The filmmakers utilized the stadium to convey the enormity of the Capitol’s power and control over the districts, making the venue more than just a location—it becomes a symbol of the oppressive world that the characters are struggling to escape. Kenan Memorial Stadium’s inclusion adds a layer of authenticity to the setting, grounding the film’s fictional world in real-life locations. The stark contrast between the usual vibrant energy of a football game and the somber, dystopian atmosphere created in the film makes the stadium’s presence even more striking. Kenan Memorial Stadium, with its imposing design, amplifies the film's central themes of resistance, survival, and hope. Location: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina