Williams-Brice upgrades: 5 things to know about what’s next at South Carolina
After years of hearing about renovations to Williams-Brice Stadium — what might come and what it might look like — the upgrades got a whole lot clearer on Wednesday.
A day after receiving its final state-level budget approval, South Carolina released new conceptual renderings and information on the upgrades to the home of the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Here are the five things to know.
1. No seating displacement until 2027
One emphasis of this project, of course, is adding suites and premium spaces. Those are the money makers. The Gamecocks plan on replacing its SEC-low 18 suites with a selection of 43, and 10 of which will be the ultra-upscale founders suites.
To build those, though, will require South Carolina tearing out thousands of current seats — which means an untold number of season-ticket holders will move to new seats.
The good news: None of that is happening until the 2027 season.
When construction begins following this football season, crews are going to be “working on the guts of the stadium, to be able to prep it for the following year,” Donati said.
And they will somehow do that while keeping all the seats intact through the 2026 season.
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2. New space for students
These renovations aren’t just for the high-dollar donors. The students are also receiving a club-like area behind the student section.
South Carolina will tear down the Floyd Building — the structure just under the north scoreboard that once housed the football coaches’ offices — and build a 3,000-square-foot air-conditioned area for students as well as create a 100-level concourse so students and fans can better move around the stadium.
The student section club area, too, is expected to be used more than just seven Saturdays a year. Donati said it will be available for student organizations to use throughout the year.
3. More bathrooms and concessions
As South Carolina was doing analysis of the current state of Williams-Brice Stadium, it was clear it was severely lacking restrooms.
“One of the worst — possibly in the country — in regards to women’s restrooms,” Donati said. “So we’re gonna solve for that.”
There are just too many lines right now at Williams-Brice, the result of not enough options. That starts with adding bathrooms, but it will expand to offering more concession locations — including at least two “Marketplace Grab-n-Go” concession spaces that should allow fans to grab a drink or snack quicker.
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4. Upgrading spaces for football players
We’ve explained before how quarterback LaNorris Sellers helped South Carolina think about changes to both the Gamecocks locker room and the visiting locker room, but many more football spaces will be upgraded.
There will be a new recruiting lounge. New locker rooms for both male and female coaches/trainers. A new media interview room. A new equipment room. A new training room. And, of course, the upgraded home locker room.
“Those areas need a refresh,” Donati said. “That’s a big focal point of this project — to make sure we address their needs and make sure that not only our current team, but our future Gamecocks, that’s a space they’re really proud of.”
5. Moves to bring more concerts, big-time events
South Carolina is not updating the visiting locker room because they were super concerned about the comfort of their opponents. It’s because the Gamecocks are moving the visiting locker room to the southeast corner of Williams-Brice, allowing for construction of a ramp that would allow 18-wheelers to drive on the field.
Like, you know, big semi trucks hauling pieces of a concert stage. If all goes well, the renovation of Williams-Brice will allow South Carolina to land more concerts and major events in the future.
“The access to the field is critical,” Donati said. “Solving for that will help open the eyes to promoters. ... But, also, the premium spaces that we will develop (will be attractive).”
