1. Sandstorm

There is nothing better than cheering on your fellow Gamecocks with 84,000+ screaming fans in Williams Brice Stadium, and Sandstorm will truly inspire the revelry. As the music swells, Gamecock spirit overflows!

2. Chicken Finger Wednesday

Though the origin of this tradition is a bit of a mystery, Gamecocks flock to the dining halls each week to participate in Chicken Finger Wednesday. It’s not really about the food, it’s about the fellowship – a time set aside each week to gather with friends.

3. Cocky’s Call

Cocky’s Call is a signature event for freshmen to kick off their South Carolina experience. After move-in, freshmen, along with upperclassmen gather on the historic Horseshoe to join Cocky in their first official “Gamecock” chant.

4. Tiger Burn

The rivalry between South Carolina and Clemson dates back over a century! The idea for burning Clemson’s mascot was sparked after the 1902 rivalry football game. Today, it takes 50 engineering students more than 40 hours to construct a 30-foot tall tiger. Tiger Burn is a night for the entire Gamecock community to showcase its unrivaled pride.

5. Take a photo with Cocky

Cocky is the beloved mascot of the University of South Carolina. He was “born” on October 16, 1980 when he took over the duties from his father, Sir Big Spur. Nothing marks your initiation as a Gamecock like taking a photo with Cocky!

Honorable Mention: Tripping on the bricks of the historic Horseshoe

While maybe not an official campus tradition, like leaving your legacy with a personalized Horseshoe brick, tripping on the bricks of the historic Horseshoe is certainly a rite of passage. You may feel like a fool, but now – you’re a Gamecock!