In Game
South Carolina’s basketball program has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, and it can be seen in the atmosphere found at Colonial Life Arena. Basketball may still be the third most popular sport at South Carolina, after football and baseball, but you’ll see plenty of passion on display when attending a Gamecocks basketball game. The fans arrive in large numbers to support their team, and the arena is rocking whenever there is a big game. The Garnet Army student section, in particular, is on top of their game and will lend their support throughout the game no matter what the score.
You’ll also see lots of tributes to the Gamecocks rich basketball history inside the arena. Not only are there numerous banners hanging from the rafters, but Colonial Life Arena is also home to the University of South Carolina Basketball Hall of Fame. Gamecocks fans and even just basketball fans will want to arrive early and take it all in before the game.
In addition to the great atmosphere and history around the arena, you also won’t leave Colonial Life Arena hungry thanks to the wide variety of concessions available. Not only will you find the typical arena fare, but the concession stands here also offer kettle corn, Philly cheesesteaks, and even Thai food.
If you are still hungry after the game, never fear, as downtown Columbia features lots of great dining options. Hickory Tavern, Mellow Mushroom, and The Thirsty Fellow, among others, all offer an excellent place to grab a drink or a bite to eat.
You’ll have an excellent time attending a South Carolina Gamecocks basketball game where you’ll encounter a festive atmosphere, great fan support, and plenty to eat and drink.
Things to check out
Basketball Hall of Fame
Stop by the University of South Carolina Basketball Hall of Fame inside Colonial Life Arena to learn more about the Gamecocks illustrious basketball history. The Hall of Fame features tributes to all of the best players and moments in Gamecocks history making it a must see for South Carolina fans everywhere.
Gamecock Statue
In the main lobby is a unique Gamecock statue that everyone should take a peek at as they enter the arena. The one of a kind piece of art is one of many things to see as you enter the arena, so keep your eyes peeled for it.
Banners
The Gamecocks have numerous banners hanging from the rafters of Colonial Life Arena honoring the program's many accomplishments. Take a second to enjoy the banners and remember your favorite Gamecocks memories.
Sir Big Spur
The live mascot at South Carolina games goes back to when Eric Hyman took over as athletic director in 2005 and was looking for a way to add excitement to the Gamecock gameday experience. Someone mentioned that a fan had been bringing a live rooster to Gamecock baseball games and the rest is history.
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Cocky
Cocky was "born" in 1980 when he took over for his dad, Big Spur, at South Carolina athletic events. He's become one of the most recognizable mascots in college football and is a part of the Gamecock tradition, so keep an eye out for at the game.
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Garnet Army
The student section at South Carolina is known as the Garnet Army and can bee seen on game days dressed in camo. Garnet Army is home to the loudest and rowdiest fans inside Colonial Life Arena, so join in on their chants and cheers to propel the Gamecocks to victory.
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Fight Songs
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GAME! COCKS! Chant
One-half of the stadium chants GAME! And the other half responds with COCKS!
Game! Cocks!
Game! Cocks!
Game! Cocks!
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Step to the Rear
South Carolina’s fight song
Hey, Let’s give a cheer, Carolina is here,
The Fighting Gamecocks lead the way.Who gives a care, If the going gets tough,
And when it is rough, that’s when the ‘Cocks get going.Hail to our colors of garnet and Black,
In Carolina pride have we.So, Go Gamecocks Go – FIGHT!
Drive for the goal – FIGHT!
USC will win today – GO COCKS!
So, let’s give a cheer, Carolina is here.
The Fighting Gamecocks All The Way! -
We Hail Thee Carolina
South Carolina’s alma mater
We hail thee, Carolina, and sing thy high praise
With loyal devotion, remembering the days
When proudly we sought thee, thy children to be:
Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee!(Only the first verse is sung or played.)
Since pilgrims of learning, we entered thy walls
And found dearest comrades in thy classic halls
We’ve honored and loved thee as sons faithfully;
Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee!Generations of sons have rejoiced to proclaim
Thy watchword of service, thy beauty and fame;
For ages to come shall their rallying cry be:
Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee!Fair shrine of high honor and truth, thou shalt still
Blaze forth as a beacon, thy mission fulfill,
And crowned by all hearts in a new jubilee:
Here’s a health, Carolina, forever to thee! -
Sandstorm
"Sandstorm" was first played at Williams-Brice on a day when South Carolina was on the verge of upsetting the No. 4 ranked Ole Miss Rebels.The Gamecocks defense was on top of its game that day, and the crowd was into it. All of a sudden, "Sandstorm" hit the speakers, and the place went crazy. A tradition was born in an instant. Now, "Sandstorm" is played at a variety of Game Cock sporting events, so go crazy when you hear this tune.
[Verse]
Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun
Dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dundun dun dundundun dun dun dun dun dun dun dundun dundun
BOOM
Dundun dundun dundun
BEEP
Dun dun dun dun dun
Dun dun
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
BEEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BOOM
Daddaddadadsadadadadadadadadadaddadadadadadaddadadaddadadadadadadadadadadadaddadddadaddadadadd dadadadaddaddada
D
Dadadddaddadaddadadadddadadada
Nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nnyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Nnn nn nn nn nn nn n nn nnn nn nn nnn nnn nnnnnnnn
Dddddddd ddadadadadaddadadadadadaadadadadadad
BOOM
Nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu
BOOM
BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM
BOOM
Nyunyunyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu nyu
BOOM BOOM
BEEP BEEP
BEEP BEEP BEEP
Dadadadadada
Ddadad
BOOM BOOM
BBEP BEEP
BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP
BOOM
(Unintelligible)
Ddudndundun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dund
Dododododododododododododododododododododododododododododoodo
DRUM DRUM DRUM
Ddodododododoododododododododoodododododododo
Chi chichi chi chi chih
BOOOM
Chcihcihfkdhfdisjfkla
Dodododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododododoo
SCHEW
Dododododododoodododododododododododododo
Dadadadddudndundundudnudndundundunddunfudnundudnudnudndund
BOOM
FADE
