Just by their name (which essentially refers to roosters/cocks, albeit of the fighting variety) the South Carolina Gamecocks do not sound like the fiercest of opponents, and if one were to look only at results over the years, the name might not seem too misleading, perhaps. While a fairly competitive team, more or less, over the years, the Gamecocks have won little throughout their history, generally finishing around the middle of their conference in most seasons. With just a single conference title to their name in their 130-plus seasons of existence along with just 10 Bowl victories (and the 2006 Liberty Bowl being the only big one), one might be forgiven for assuming that a trip to Williams–Brice Stadium must be a tepid experience for fans and walk in the park for strong opponents. This could not be further from the truth, however. The Gamecocks have one of the liveliest crowds in all of America, with Williams–Brice Stadium often claimed to have the single best atmosphere in college football. Perhaps in part due to the team’s lack of success, this has been seized upon as a point of local pride, with the phrase "If it ain't swayin', we ain't playin'" (which comes from the upper deck’s somewhat worrying propensity to vibrate or sway when the crowd gets rockin’) appearing on banners and bumper stickers around the state. The fun kicks off long before the game does, with the State Fairgrounds surrounding the stadium providing ample space for tailgating along with the Cockaboose Railroad, a line of old railway cabooses available as party spaces. Things really get going in the stadium, however, with the Darude song “Sandstorm” accompanied by a light show, followed by the Gamecocks team running onto the field to the theme music from 2001: A Space Odyssey, praised as the most exciting game opening in all of college sports. Cocky, the well-known mascot, is dramatically (and humorously) revealed during the song as well. The massive Mighty Sound of the Southeast marching band forms an honor guard for the players before leading the crowd in rousing renditions of "The Fighting Gamecocks Lead the Way" and “Go Carolina” to get behind the team. fireworks erupt above the scoreboard and a rooster’s call reverberates throughout the stadium every time the Gamecocks score. 

South Carolina Gamecocks Rivalries

The South Carolina Gamecocks’ fiercest rivalry, against fellow South Carolinians, the Clemson Tigers, was already intense in the early years of the 20th century. Reportedly, after the Gamecocks defeated the Tigers in 1902, fans paraded a poster around with a rooster driving a tiger by its tail, sparking fisticuffs that reputedly involved some brass knuckles and more than a few hospitalizations, followed by a similar brawl the next time the banner was unfurled. Eventually, the Gamecocks agreed to burn the banner in an effort to reduce the violence, but the rivalry has remained heated ever since. Clemson holds the all-times series lead at 73-43-4, though the series has been slightly more balanced in recent years, with South Carolina winning 8 games since 2001. The Gamecocks’ other main rivals are the Georgia Bulldogs, Missouri Tigers, and North Carolina Tar Heels. 

Finding South Carolina Gamecocks Football Tickets

Getting a ticket to any South Carolina Gamecocks game is difficult. Virtually all games at the 77,559-seat Williams–Brice Stadium are completely sold out, to the extent where standing-room only tickets often extend the capacity up to 85,000. Conference or playoff deciders, Bowl games, or rivalry matchups (see above…the Clemson game is the biggest annual ticket seller in South Carolina) are particularly difficult. TicketX is your best hope of finding affordable South Carolina Gamecocks tickets to the most exciting games at rockin’ Williams–Brice Stadium. Check our TicketX listings and use our helpful stadium seating chart to compare seat prices and locations.