A guide to the Gamecock’s 2024 college football season

College football is back — here’s how to stream the games, tailgate like a pro, and cheer on the Gamecocks this 2024 season.

203164447_500209871182428_8464196996027501090_n

The first game of the season will kick off at 4:15 p.m. against Old Dominion. | Photo by @premierdroneography

Table of Contents

It’s game week. With Carolina’s season opener this weekend, it’s time to get excited about college football + prepare for a Saturday in South Carolina. Whether you’re a game day pro, or have no idea what to cock-a-doodle-doo, we’ve got your guide to game days.

giphy.gif

Footage of us running into Williams-Brice this weekend. | Video by @gamecockfb

Experience

Line up along Gamecock Walk around 2:15 p.m. for the pregame pep rally, where you can see the team, USC’s spirit teams, and the drumline walk into the stadium before the game.

After cheering the team into the stadium, head to the Gamecock Park Amphitheater for the pep rally where you can practice your Gamecock songs + cheers with the Mighty Sound of the Southeast at 2:30 p.m.

Gamecock football willy b

Pro tip — buy tickets to a night game to enjoy Williams-Brice’s stadium lights. | Photo by COLAtoday team

Tickets

Find game day tickets — either single-game or season — at Gamecocks Online. Check out a few home games you won’t want to miss this season.

USC vs. Old Dominion | First game of the season | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 4:15 p.m.

USC vs. Akron | Family weekend | Saturday, Sept. 21 | Night

USC vs. Texas A&M | Homecoming | Saturday, Nov. 2 | Night

USC vs. Wofford | Salute the Troops | Saturday, Nov. 23 | 4 p.m.

Pro tipdownload tickets to your phone for easy entry.

Williams-Brice stadium during a day game.

Get ready to wave those white towels, Gamecock fans. | Photo by @jacobreevescreative

Parking

Parking can be tricky, so we recommend leaving two to four hours before the game (or earlier) if you plan to tailgate.

Check out this full parking map showing where each parking lot is in relation to the stadium + interstate.

Gameday shuttle services are free to students with proof of a Carolina card.

We suggest bringing anywhere from $20 to $40 in cash if you’re parking at nearby businesses, churches + residences around the stadium.

If you’d rather skip the hassle and have a guaranteed spot, season passes are available.

Post-game stadium traffic will have priority. Check out pre-game + post-game traffic flow patterns.

More from COLAtoday
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
Explore group volunteer opportunities, from hands-on projects to custom experiences, that let your team give back to the Columbia community.
Developers break ground on a mixed-use Vista project, with Mashburn relocating its headquarters during its 50th year.
Fresh fruits make the spring season even sweeter.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Scottie Scheffler, these 22 golf courses in Cola are sure to make for a good round.
Put your money where your community is and help us create a guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local spots and sharing this page with a friend.
Enter the lottery for a chance to experience Congaree National Park’s synchronous firefly display.