Gamecocks Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Shane Beamer

Team Mascot: Cocky, Sir Big Spur

Year Opened: 1934

Capacity: 77559

City / State: Columbia / South Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Palmetto Bowl

Rival Team: Clemson Tigers

Unlike other college football rivalries the rivalry between Clemson and South Carolina runs much deeper than the gridiron. The two schools were founded 88 years apart as Clemson was established to satisfy the agrarian movement’s request for more agricultural education after South Carolina refused to expand their agriculture program. On the field, the two teams play in the longest uninterrupted series as the two teams first met in 1896 when the Gamecocks beat the Tigers 12-6.

South Carolina vs Georgia

Rival Team: Georgia Bulldogs

The Gamecocks rivalry with the Bulldogs dates back to 1894 and has been dominated by Georgia for most of its history as they hold a 47-18-2 all-time lead. However, since South Carolina joined the SEC in 1990, the rivalry has been much closer as the Bulldogs only hold a 14-9 advantage.

Gamecocks Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

One thing about South Carolina Gamecocks fans is that they’re extremely loyal. The Gamecocks haven’t been the best of teams in the SEC, but if you take a look at their crowd, you would think they were national champions. In 1999, the Gamecocks went 0-11, but each game they had 80,000 people are sitting in the stands cheering on their team. The fans at South Carolina love their team and the experience. Regardless of how their team is performing, the fans will always do their part.

It’s not just in the stadium that this extreme loyalty creates a great atmosphere, but at the tailgate as well. The fans here really love to tailgate and kick things off five hours before kick off. When you arrive, you’ll find the lots covered in garnet and black with the smokers fired up and ready to prepare some of the finest barbecues you’ll ever eat.

Like many places in the south the dress at a Gamecocks, game ranges from casual to more dressed up. It isn’t uncommon to see women in sundresses and men in shirts and ties here, although it isn’t required and many people will be seen sporting Gamecocks jerseys and apparel.

It’s not just the fans who take tailgating seriously at South Carolina though as the university has gone through the effort to develop one of the best tailgate destinations in the nation in Gamecock Park. The University of South Carolina has developed a tailgate area on the site of the former Farmer’s Market. Here you’ll find cable TV hook ups, electric outlets, tent zones, and even permanent bathrooms. The park is also home to Garnett Way, which allows for you to watch the band, cheerleaders, and team march to the stadium.

One of the things that sets tailgating at South Carolina apart is the Cockaboose Railroad. These luxury tailgate spots allow you to enjoy tailgating in style. Here you’ll find bartenders in tuxedos, hardwood floors, marble countertops, and fans sipping Pat O’Brien Hurricanes. This is the high life of tailgating and something that can only be found in South Carolina.

Regardless of whether you’re tailgating in style in the Cockaboose Railroad or barbecuing at Gamecock Park or in one of the parking lots, you’ll have a great time tailgating at South Carolina.

Traditions

Gamecock Walk

Catch a glimpse of the team as they make their way from the bus to the stadium during the Gamecock Walk. If you’re looking to get into the gameday spirit then make sure to attend the Gamecock Walk where you’ll get to see all your favorite South Carolina players in person.

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George Rogers Statue

his statue outside the stadium pays tribute to South Carolina’s only Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers. Stop by and honor the finest player in the history of Gamecocks football.

Cockaboose Railroad

It all started around 1990 when a South Carolina fan hated the look of the rundown tracks right outside the stadium. He proceeded to clean up the tracks and place renovated cabooses on the tracks to create a one-of-a-kind tailgating experience. There are 22 cabooses in the Gamecock Railroad today, and each unit has a boatload of amenities including big screen TV's, mahogany cabinets, heating and air, granite counter-tops and anything else you can imagine.

Gamecock Park

A state of the art tailgate destination created by the University. Here you’ll find many amenities including electricity, bathrooms, and tent zones. You’ll also have a great view of the band and team’s pregame walk to the stadium.

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Where to tailgate

Gamecocks Stadium Guide

In Game

The South Carolina Gamecocks play inside Williams-Brice Stadium which opened up in 1934. It has grown significantly throughout the years having originally held 17,600, however, today it has grown to a capacity of 80,250. The Gamecocks sell out all 80,250 seats for most games, which creates a rocking atmosphere and gives South Carolina quite the home field advantage.

When it comes to the Gamecocks and their fans, they are all about loyalty. Whether it be their best season or their worst season, they will always be there rooting for their team. These fans are one of a kind and are one of the most valuable assets to the team.

One of the coolest things about attending a South Carolina game is Sir Big Spur, the school’s live gamecock mascot. He is one of the few live mascots that is with the team at both home and away games so that you can catch him at William-Brice Stadium as well as other stadiums throughout the SEC. Listen for the crows and caws of Sir Big Spur to ignite the crowd into a frenzy.

Another must see part of any South Carolina game is the player entrance. The entrance at South Carolina is one of the most atmospheric in all the nation and will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. The PA announcer will announce, “Welcome to Williams-Brice,” which will be followed by as a video plays along with 2001: A Space Odyssey. Then fireworks will launch as the team runs onto the field and everyone works themselves up into a frenzy waving towels around. This intro is something you’ll want to be a part of, so make sure to get to your seat early.

You’ll have a blast at Williams-Brice Stadium experiencing one of the loudest and most passionate crowds in all of college football.

Things to check out

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 football 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.Cocky appears out of nowhere, in his magical black box with his smoke screen, and gets the crowd hyped up as the football team enters Williams-Brice to do battle with their opponent.

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Rooster Crow

After every South Carolina touchdown a rooster crow is played over the PA. The rooster crow lets everyone know where they are and riles the fans up even further as everyone jumps up and down celebrating the Gamecocks score.

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Fight Songs

  1. 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 throughout key moments during South Carolina football games and continues to produce energy throughout the stadium.

  2. 2001: A Space Odyssey

    The Gamecocks assemble in the southwest corner of the of stadium waiting for the right moment to run on to the field. A video plays South Carolina highlights from over the years with the closing line from Steve Spurrier: "It's time for Carolina football!" "2001: A Space Odyssey" begins to play and the crowd goes wild.

  3. GAME! COCKS! Chant

    One half of the stadium chants GAME! and the other half responds with COCKS!

    Game!
    Cocks!
    Game!
    Cocks!
    Game!
    Cocks!

  4. “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!

  5. “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!

Gamecocks Bars & Restaurants

  1. Wet Willie’s

    Wet Willies

    A world-renowned institution serving high-quality food and the world's greatest frozen daiquiris.

    800 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-779-5650

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. River Rat Brewery

    River Rat Brewery

    Craft beers that would satisfy anyone’s thirst after a long day's work.

    1231 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-724-5712

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company

    Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company

    Columbia's third Microbrewery. Pet-friendly with a laid-back atmosphere!

    921 Brookwood Dr, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-939-2589

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House

    Hunter Gatherer Brewery and Ale House

    The Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at Owens Field will feature a taproom, a 17bbl (527 gallon) brewhouse, a bottling and kegging line.

    900 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-748-0540

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Copper Horse Distilling

    Copper Horse Distilling

    Copper Horse Distilling produces premium, small-batch spirits in distinctive, handcrafted brands: Old Mill Vodka, Bulle Rock Gin, our Bold Rum, a special edition cream whiskey series, and our still-aging Bourbon.

    929 Huger St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-779-2993

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Liberty Tap Room & Grill

    Liberty Tap Room and Grill

    Liberty Tap Room & Grill provides patrons with creative twists on traditional American fare, served alongside signature Liberty Ales, unique draft beer and craft brews.

    828 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-461-4677

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Hickory Tavern

    Hurricane Maggies Bar and Grill

    The Hickory Tavern is the perfect place for a business lunch, after work happy hour, or to go watch any game!

    907 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-765-9280

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  8. Tin Roof

    Tin Roof

    The tasty food, fun eclectic environment, community of Regulars, and friendly Crew have established the Roof as the place to be for musicians and non-musicians alike!

    1022 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-771-1558

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. The Whig

    The Whig

    A cool dive bar that has a great vibe, food, bartenders, and beer selection.

    1200 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-931-8852

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  10. Carolina Ale House

    Carolina Ale House

    Casual restaurant & sports-bar chain featuring American pub fare, a long beer list & a kids' menu.

    708 Lady St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-407-6996

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Pavlov’s

    Pavlovs

    Whether you like to sit at our bar, try your hand at billiards in the pool table area or enjoy the famously hot Columbia weather on our front porch, you are sure to find what you are looking for.

    2000 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-771-2262

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. The Kraken Gastropub

    The Kraken Gastropub

    With 30 beers on tap, The Kraken Gasropub is believed to have the largest draught beer selection in town among bars and restaurants that are locally owned.

    2910 Rosewood Dr #1, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-955-7408

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Thirsty Fellow

    Thirsty Fellow beer pizza

    A comfortable atmosphere, a great menu, a full bar and plenty of televisions.

    621 Gadsden St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-799-1311

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Rockaway Athletic Club

    Rockaway Athletic Club

    Best Burgers & Coldest Beverages for over 30 years! Featuring THE SOUTH CAROLINA LIQUOR LIBRARY

    2719 Rosewood Dr, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-256-1075

    Bar website

    american - $

  15. Uncle Fester’s

    Uncle Festers

    A nice place to get some drinks, play pool, and just have good fun!

    522 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  16. Paco’s Mobile Tacos

    Pacos Mobile Tacos

    Amazingly delicious Mexican food that you might want to take home as well.

    650 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-403-3000

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  17. Maurice’s BBQ Piggie Park

    Maurices BBQ Piggie Park

    Our barbequed meats are smoked naturally with local 100% hickory and oak wood in a one-of-a-kind barbecue pit that operates 24 hours a day.

    4411 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-782-9547

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  18. True BBQ

    True BBQ

    At True BBQ we make you our guest #1 each time you are here at the restaurant. We desire to be the best BBQ restaurant from our food to our service.

    1237 D Ave, West Columbia, SC 29169, USA

    803-791-9950

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  19. Lizard’s Thicket

    Lizards Thicket

    Their traditional Southern menu offers a wide variety of well rounded nutritional meals at a great value.

    7411 Nates Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, USA

    803-799-5016

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. WG’s Wings

    WGs Wings

    Great, fantastic wings and good friendly staff!

    736 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA

    803-772-1489

    Bar website

    american - $

  21. Solstice Kitchen

    Solstice Kitchen

    Eat Local, Eat Great, Eat With Us!

    841 Sparkleberry Ln #4, Columbia, SC 29229, USA

    803-788-6966

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  22. Palmetto Pig Bar-B-Q Restaurant

    Palmetto Pig BarBQ

    The Palmetto Pig is home to Columbia, South Carolina’s best BBQ! We offer all the southern classics you grew up loving, buffet style, with our own unique twist.

    530 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-733-2556

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  23. Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet

    Docs Barbeque and Southern Buffet

    The absolute best southern cuisine at a reasonable price.

    1601 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-799-1532

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  24. Little Pigs Barbecue

    barbecue

    Super delicious southern comfort foods!

    4927 Alpine Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, USA

    803-788-8238

    Bar website

    bbq - $

  25. Groucho’s Deli

    Grouchos Deli

    "Quality is the most important ingredient in a sandwich."

    4717 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206, USA

    803-790-0801

    Bar website

    american - $

  26. Pawleys Front Porch

    Pawleys Front Porch

    This place serves big, juicy, and super delicious burgers!

    827 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-771-8001

    Bar website

    american - $$

  27. The Village Idiot

    The Village Idiot

    We are famous for our hand-tossed NY-style pizza, available by the slice or a whole pie. Other menu favorites include wings, sandwiches, salads, strombolis, and calzones.

    2009 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-252-8646

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  28. Yesterday’s Restaurant

    Yesterdays Restaurant

    Real food for real people.

    2030 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205, USA

    803-799-0196

    Bar website

    american - $$

  29. Blue Marlin

    salad

    The aroma of Low Country flavors coming out from the back kitchens could not be ignored.

    1200 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-799-3838

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$

  30. Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits

    Bojangles Famous Chicken&Biscuits

    Becoming a legendary tailgater is easy. Just pick up a Big Bo Box before the game, and you're all set. It's tailgating season, y'all!

    7756 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209, USA

    803-256-6002

    Bar website

    american - $

  31. Bernie’s Restaurant

    Bernies Restaurant

    Featuring "Broasted style chicken". Voted best chicken in Columbia many times!

    1311 Bluff Rd, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-256-2888

    Bar website

    cafe - $

  32. The Loose Cockaboose

    The Loose Cockaboose beer

    THE only true Carolina bar, located just a block from Williams-Brice, we are THE ONLY BAR at the stadium!

    936 S Stadium Rd, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

    803-251-3087

    Bar website

    bbq - $$