A guide to Gamecock gamedays

It’s game week. With Carolina’s season opener this weekend, it’s time to get excited + 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.

🐔 What to expect

The UofSC Athletic Department announced its COVID-19 protocols for the 2021 football season.

• Masks or face coverings are not mandatory, but highly encouraged even if fully vaccinated.
• Williams-Brice Stadium will only accept card or mobile purchases + tickets.
• There will be free vaccinations offered in Gamecock Park from 2:30-6:30 p.m. for the first home game.
• Event staff will be wearing masks.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the stadium.

🎟 Where to purchase tickets

Find game day tickets at Gamecocks Online. Single game tickets are available now.

🚘 Where to park

With Carolina football comes game day traffic. Parking can be tricky sometimes, so we recommend leaving 3-4 hours before the game (or earlier) if you plan to tailgate. Here are a few parking ProTips for gameday, and here is a full parking map to show where each parking lot is in relation to the stadium + interstate.

• Police advise fans to use I-77 — accessible from I-26 and I-20 — to get to the stadium.
• Gameday shuttle services are free to students with proof of a Carolina card.
• Bring cash. We suggest anywhere from $20 to $40. Many nearby businesses, churches + residences sell spots in their parking lots around the stadium before the game.
• 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.

🏈 What not to forget

• There is no re-entry into the stadium.
• Use #SpursUp on social media posts during the game for the chance to be featured on the large video screen.
• Carolina’s half-time show includes performances by the Carolina Band, Carolina Coquettes + cheerleaders.
• Stick around ‘til the end of the game for the singing of UofSC’s alma mater.

👜 What to Bring

• Your ticket. (Download it to your phone for easy entry.)
• A clear bag or small clutch. Read about the clear bag policy here.
• Gamecock gear. If your wardrobe needs a little more garnet or black, check out Miss Cocky, Barefoot Campus Outfitter, Addams University Bookstore, Brittons, Mast General Store or My Kim Collection.
• One sealed water bottle per person (trust us on this one).
• For what not to bring, here’s a list of items prohibited in the stadium.

🗓️ Home Game Schedule

UofSC vs. Eastern Illinois | Sept. 4 | 7 p.m.

UofSC vs. Kentucky | Sept. 25 | TBA

UofSC vs. Troy | Oct. 2 | TBA

UofSC vs. Vanderbilt | Oct. 16 | TBA

UofSC vs. Florida | Nov. 6 | TBA

UofSC vs. Auburn | Nov. 20 | TBA

UofSC vs. Clemson | Nov. 27 | TBA

Here are ESPN’s predictions for the season.

🍺 Eat + Drink (within walking distance)

If you’re looking for a bite or a cool beverage, head to one of these local favorites.

• J’s Corner | 1015 Rosewood Dr.
• Village Idiot Pizza | Olympia location — 612 Whaley St, Suite A
• Granby Grill | 612 Whaley St., Suite C
• Bernie’s Chicken | 1311 Bluff Rd.
• Doc’s Barbeque | 1601 Shop Rd. — Pick up a tray to feed your whole tailgate crew
• River Rat | 1231 Shop Rd.
• TLC Sports Bar & Grill | 936 S Stadium Rd.
• Waffle House | 1210 Bluff Rd.
• Bojangles | 1130 Bluff Rd.

With these tips, you’re all set to sandstorm it up + get cocky about your game day plan.