Capacity: 77,559
Home Teams: South Carolina Gamecocks (NCAA College Football)
Located in the small city of Columbia on the campus of the University of South Carolina, Williams–Brice Stadium has been home to the South Carolina Gamecocks football team since it first opened in 1934. Despite extensive renovations and expansions over the decades that have brought the official capacity of the stadium up to nearly 78,000, Gamecocks games are always so packed with fans that standing-only tickets have been known to push attendances up over the 85,000 mark. The extent of the popularity of these games is somewhat remarkable given that the Gamecocks, while a fairly competitive team, have never really won much in their history and tend to finish somewhere around the middle of their conference in most seasons. They boast just a single conference title in their 130-plus seasons of existence along with just 10 Bowl victories (for an overall Bowl record of 10-15), with the only real trophy of note being their Liberty Bowl win of 2006. Nevertheless, the Gamecocks have an absolutely rabid fanbase, with Williams–Brice Stadium frequently listed as having one of the best (if not “the best”) atmospheres in college football. This has become a point of local pride, with the phrase "If it ain't swayin', we ain't playin'" (which originated by the upper deck’s somewhat worrying propensity to vibrate or sway due to the liveliness and noise of the crowd) became popular enough among fans to appear on banners and bumper stickers around South Carolina. The parties begin long before the games do, with tailgating spread across the State Fairgrounds that surround Williams–Brice Stadium as well as along the Cockaboose Railroad, a set of decommissioned railway cabooses that can be rented as party spaces. In the stadium, things get rocking with the Darude song “Sandstorm” along with a light show, followed by the Gamecocks team running onto the field to the theme music from 2001: A Space Odyssey, which has been praised as the most exciting team entry in all of college sports. Cocky, the well-known mascot, and the huge Mighty Sound of the Southeast marching band lead the crowd in raucous renditions of "The Fighting Gamecocks Lead the Way" and “Go Carolina” to spur their team on. When the Gamecocks score, fireworks explode over the scoreboard and a rooster’s call echoes through the soundsystem. As well as Gamecocks home games, Williams–Brice Stadium has also hosted an NFL preseason game and there were even talks about the venue being shared with the Carolina Panthers for a time (which didn’t end up happening). Numerous high profile concerts featuring international superstars and some of the biggest bands of all time have taken place at Williams–Brice Stadium as well. For visitors who show up hungry to Williams–Brice Stadium, there are plenty of tasty options, including Jersey Mike’s Subs, Chick Fil-A sandwiches, and Carolina Shrimp and Grits, along with lots of cold beer. To get your hands on some Gamecocks merchandise, check out any kiosk or shop inside Williams–Brice Stadium or around campus.
Williams–Brice Stadium is a huge venue with many different seating options for fans to choose from, though it is almost always sold out. Premium seating areas such as the Champions Club, 200 Executive Club, and 600 Executive Club offer the most comfortable seats in the house along with first-class service and amenities and fantastic views of the on-field action. For those who would prefer to jump right into one of the best crowds in American college football, large swathes of general admission seating fill the rest of the stadium. To find the most affordable tickets to South Carolina Gamecocks games or other events held at Williams–Brice Stadium, head to our TicketX listings and compare prices and locations for different seating options using our handy seating chart.
Visitors can access Williams–Brice Stadium via public transportation or driving their own vehicle.
While there are some local buses that run near Williams–Brice Stadium, dedicated shuttle buses that run from locations across town and campus are far more convenient options on game days. Walking or cycling, or taking a taxi or ride-share, are three other decent fall-back options. The South Carolina Gamecocks website has more information on shuttle routes, pickup locations, and times.
The most convenient way to get to Williams–Brice Stadium on game day is definitely driving your own vehicle, but heavy traffic around the stadium can be a headache. Ensure that you come with a solid route plan and arrive as early as you can (more time to soak up the pregame atmosphere anyway). Visit the South Carolina Gamecocks website for driving directions and maps.
Most on-campus parking near Williams–Brice Stadium is sold out to season ticket holders or already reserved for students and faculty, but there are three lots that sometimes have spots on a first come, first served basis. Failing this, you’ll need to park off campus. Head to the South Carolina Gamecocks website to learn more about your parking options.
Parking on campus on game days, if you can find it, will usually set you back $30-60. Prices off campus are reportedly cheaper. Check out the South Carolina Gamecocks website for on-campus parking prices and general parking information.