For many of you, Saturday’s football game against Old Dominion will be your first Williams-Brice gameday experience.
First, let’s make sure you’re there. Check out the Cockpit, the hub for all things Gamecock football, to learn about ticket requests and access. For home games, ticket requests open at 10 a.m. Friday the week before the game and close at 3 p.m. Tuesday of game week. Remember that tickets are awarded based on Cockpit Reward points, so you should attend other athletic events to better your chances of securing a football ticket.
Second, we decided to ask old pros — upperclassmen — about things you can’t miss and should do to make your first gameday experience something to crow about.
Before kickoff, pre-game right on campus at the Golden Spur Sports Restaurant in Campus Village, where you can watch TVs throughout the restaurant or even sit outside to enjoy a meal. There is also the Tailgate on Greene Street event before home games, where you can enjoy free food, games and fun with other fans.
After you tailgate, you should head to the stadium for the Gamecock Walk to cheer on the football players as they enter the stadium. The walk happens 2.5 hours before kickoff, so you’ll have to get there early. This is also the best time to take gameday photos as our live mascot, Sir Big Spur, will be there to take pictures with fans.
When you are ready to head to the stadium — affectionately known as Willy B — remember there’s a whole list of things you cannot bring — including bookbags. If you need something to carry your stuff in, bring a clear plastic bag.
Here are some more tips from upperclassmen to get you ready to Sandstorm.
Use provided transportation
“Use all the resources that you have available to you, such as Uber Discounts or the
Gameday Shuttles. Using these can make all the difference during your gameday experience
and keep you safe as well.”
—Courtney Tkacs, junior public health major and student body vice president
USC offers a free shuttle system from various campus locations to Williams-Brice Stadium on gamedays. Pick up locations include the Russell House, Lincoln Street and Campus Village on Bull Street. After the game, you should meet the shuttle where it dropped you off inside the Fairgrounds. If you Uber to the stadium, be sure to use USC’s student discount to save money.
Keep digital tickets handy
“Save your tickets to your wallet app to be ready to enter the stadium.”
—Emma Davenport, junior mechanical engineering major
Saving your digital ticket to your phone in advance can help you avoid any Wi-Fi or internet access issues at the stadium; also remember to have it ready to scan to save time in the line.
Rally towels
“USC is rated again and again as one of the best atmospheres for college football.
And a big thing about that is Sandstorm with the rally towels. Everybody's getting up and getting hyped, jumping around.
It's a good time.”
—Michael Côté, senior visual communications major
Grab a rally towel in the lower student section or at the roundabouts as you enter the stadium and get ready to chant. You can keep the towls as souvenirs.
Keep your phone charged
“Use the portable chargers located throughout the stadium.”
—Courtney Tkacs, junior public health major and student body vice president
Have a full charge when you leave home and if you use up your battery during the game, there are charging devices available for rent at the stadium. Remember, you can’t Uber home if you don’t have a phone.
Don’t leave early …
“It's a big thing to stay to the end of the games. The Carolina Band plays a couple
of really good songs at the end. It's a big moment and all the football players are
into it.”
—Michael Côté, senior visual communications major
Staying to the end of the game shows your true team spirit. You are rewarded for your dedication with special songs from the Mighty Sound of the Southeast and extra points on your student ticket account.
Wondering what to wear?
“There’s a bunch of different Gamecock shops all around Columbia. I always recommend
shopping secondhand, because you can find some really cool Gamecock gear at the thrift
stores.”
—Michael Côté, senior visual communications major
If you want to be recognized as a fan, you gotta dress the part. Carolina swag is available at the USC bookstore, Barefoot Campus Outfitter, Miss Cocky, major clothing retailers and even local thrift stores.