Leaders of Davidson will decide to rename the I-77 exit in honor of Steph Curry

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Davidson leaders are expected to vote Tuesday on renaming the Exit 30 interchange on Interstate 77 after Davidson College alumni and NBA superstar Steph Curry.

Both the town and college staff are supportive of the request, but any renaming falls under the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s jurisdiction. The Davidson Town Board first discussed the issue in mid-October. If approved, the Griffith Street exit on I-77 would be renamed the Stephen Curry Interchange.

The exit number matches Curry’s jersey number, which he’s worn his entire career.

Curry put Davidson basketball in the spotlight during his historic career. After breaking the NCAA record for most three-pointers made by a freshman, the Charlotte native led Davidson to the Elite 8 in 2008 with wins over Gonzaga, Georgetown and Wisconsin. He was a first-team All-American during his final season at Davidson before being drafted by Golden State in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft.

“Stephen Curry is widely considered to be the greatest shooter and one of the greatest players in NBA history,” the town’s resolution says. “He is credited with revolutionizing the game of basketball by inspiring teams, from high school to the NBA, to regularly use the three-point shot.”

Curry completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology at Davidson in May 2022. He became the first player in school history to have his number retired in a ceremony last August. Curry has led Golden State to four NBA championships and two MVP awards during his illustrious career which also includes nine All-Star Game appearances. Curry was also presented with the key to the city by Charlotte leaders last September.

Exit 30 in Davidson is where Griffith Street crosses over I-77. The intersection is under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which is why the town must request renaming it and can’t just make the call without the state’s approval. NCDOT said the town must provide an opportunity for public feedback and a resolution of support before it will grant the request.