Best seats in the house: Where to watch the Gamecocks’ season opener

Want to cheer on the home team but don’t have actual tickets to the game in Charlotte?

No problem.

Here are a few options for watching the Gamecocks on television this Thursday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

If you are lucky enough to live in The Hub on Main Street – or know someone who does – head up to the roof for a spectacular view and the 20-foot LED outdoor television. If the weather is cooperating, you may even try watching the game from the pool or organizing a pick-up game of sand volleyball during halftime.

Jillian’s, 800 Gervais St. in the Vista, (803) 779-7789, jillianscolumbia.com, hosts viewing parties. And you can get in a game of billiards at halftime.

Wild Wing Cafe has three locations, depending on where you live or prefer to congregate: 729 Lady St. in the Vista; 1150 Bower Parkway in Columbiana Station near Irmo; and 480 Towncenter Place at Village at Sandhill. You can chow down on wings while rooting for your Chickens.

Tilted Kilt, 380 Columbiana Drive, (803) 732-5458, www.tiltedkilt.com, has 55 televisions capable of showing up to 17 different programs simultaneously. But who would want to watch anything else? Check out the 48 beers on tap while you’re there.

Old Mill Brewpub, 711 E. Main St., (803) 785-2337, www.oldmillbrewpub.net, has viewing parties, big screens and, if the game isn’t going too well, a nice outdoor dining area at the Lexington brewery where you can enjoy beer flights.

Southern Belly BBQ, 1332 Rosewood Drive, (803) 667-9533, www.southernbellybbq.com, offers viewing with a twist. Owner Jimmy Phillips has painted the wall of an adjacent building white to project the games on a huge screen. Sit outside, dine on some pulled pork sandwiches and cheer on those ’Cocks!

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Best seats in the house: Where to watch the Gamecocks’ season opener."