About
Columbia is famously known as home to the South Carolina Gamecocks. A visit to Williams-Brice Stadium during football season is nearly a rite of passage for sports fans in the area. The stadium itself, known for its electrifying atmosphere and deep-rooted history, is a legendary centerpiece of college football.
The popular sports venue was initially known as Carolina Stadium when it was built in 1934. Since then, it has undergone significant expansion and now has a current capacity of over 77,500 people.
The stadium is located 10 minutes south by car of Columbia’s bustling downtown. Its proximity to central Columbia landmarks, including the South Carolina State House and University of South Carolina campus, make it easy to mix the region’s history with one if its favorite pastimes during a visit to Columbia. Get ready by sharing football stories with a pre-game meal at Di Prato’s nearby.
Home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, the stadium is one of the largest in the Southeastern Conference. Beyond football games, it has also served as an enormous stage for major concerts and large-scale events, making it an important landmark for the area. Over the decades, among its famous acts, it has welcomed the likes of Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, U2, the Rolling Stones, and Beyonce.
Football, however, is at the core of the Williams-Brice stadium. Its passionate fan base, along with exhilarating gameday traditions, make a trip to a Gamecocks game at the stadium an unforgettable experience!
Williams-Brice Stadium: Fun Facts & Cool Features
An impressive part of the stadium’s history is that when it was first built as part of the Works Project Administration (WPA) in the 1930s, it had a 17,600 capacity. There have been numerous expansions and revisions over the years, particularly between 1971-72, again in the early 1980s, and through 2020. This included installation of a 36 ft. x 124 ft. state-of-the art videoboard, as well as a walkway around the entire circumference of the stadium.
Most notably, its name changed from Carolina Stadium to Williams-Brice in 1972, following a bequest from the estate of Mrs. Martha Williams-Brice that boosted the capacity at that time from 43,000 to over 54,000. Mrs. Williams-Brice’s husband, Thomas H. Brice, was a Gamecock football letterman from 1922-24.
Today, this stadium his is recognized as one of the country’s finest facilities in all of college football. With the finest facilities, come the finest fans and the SC Gamecock faithful do not disappoint!
During home games, the stadium comes alive as fans participate in the famed "Sandstorm" tradition, where roaring crowds and pulsating music unite during pre-game introductions and after scores. Along with the music, the visual spectacle of seeing thousands of white towels create a “sandstorm” effect is an unbelievable experience.
So, check your travel calendar and plan to catch a Gamecock game at the Williams-Brice Stadium during a fall Columbia getaway. It’s all about the experience!
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Columbia, SC, to Williams-Brice Stadium:
- Head east on Gervais Street toward Assembly Street.
- Turn right onto Assembly Street and continue for 3.5 miles.
- Turn left onto George Rogers Boulevard.
- Continue on George Rogers Boulevard for a mile, and the stadium will be on the left.
- Address: 1125 George Rogers Blvd, Columbia, SC 29201
Local Tips
- Watch for the unique Cockabooses tailgating experience outside the stadium.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as South Carolina’s climate can be unpredictable.
- Wear garnet and black to fully immerse yourself in the fan spirit.
- Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy pre-game festivities.
