North Carolina boy, lifelong Tar Heel basketball fan and country music superstar Eric Church has canceled a Texas concert in order to watch the NCAA Men’s Final Four, he announced to his fans on March 29th. His Tar Heels will be playing the Duke Blue Devils, who are also from North Carolina. It’s one of the most bitter rivalries in college sports and they have never met in the Final Four before.

Eric broke the news to his fans through this statement on Ticketmaster:

“This Saturday, my family and I are going to stand together to cheer on the Tar Heels as the team has made it to the Final Four. As a lifelong Carolina basketball fan, I’ve watched Carolina and Duke battle over the years but to have them match-up in the Final Four for the first time in the history of the NCAA Tournament is any sports enthusiast’s dream. This is also the most selfish thing I’ve ever asked [my fans] to do . . . to give up your Saturday night plans with us so that I can have this moment with my family and sports community.  However, it’s that same type of passion felt by the people who fill the seats at our concerts that makes us want to be part of a crowd at a game of this significance.”

His decision has drawn mixed reactions. Some calling it selfish and insensitive to his fans, especially since he didn’t reschedule. Others have respected how blunt and honest he was with his reasoning.

How will this effect his fanbase long term? Only time will tell.