South Carolina football 2016 spring game guide

South Carolina’s annual Garnet & Black Spring Game is at noon Saturday. Here’s what you need to know.

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COST

Admission is free. The Williams-Brice Stadium gates will open at 10:30 a.m. Fans are asked to sit in the lower bowl on either the east or west side on a general admission basis. In addition, there are several upgrade opportunities, such as 50-yard line seating, available on the official South Carolina Gameday app or at GamecocksOnline.com/upgrades.

PARKING

Parking will be available on a first-come, first served basis. The Key Road lot will open at 7:30 a.m. and is free to the public. Gamecock Park and the Fairgrounds lots (Gates 6 and 10) will open at 8 a.m., with spots available for $10 per vehicle.

WEATHER

Lows in the 40s to start the day, according to National Weather Service. Then sunny, with a high near 64. West wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

GAME FORMAT

The Gamecocks will scrimmage offense vs. defense on Saturday with everyone receiving a chance to play, and it appears freshman Brandon McIlwain will get the first shot at QB. Connor Mitch, who started two games last year before hip and shoulder injuries ended his season, will most likely go second and Michael Scarnecchia third. “We’re just going to roll offense vs. defense,” coach Will Muschamp said. “Good-on-good. Roll guys in. A great evaluation for us.” Muschamp said on his radio show he’d love to break into teams, but it’s not what USC needs at this juncture.

ALUMNI GAME

Beginning at 11 a.m., more 100 former Gamecock lettermen will take part in a flag football game on the north end of Williams-Brice Stadium. The football alumni will be introduced at halftime, and will participate in an hour-long autograph session on the field following the game and the playing of the alma mater.

STUDENT LEADERS

University of South Carolina students are invited to lead the team on the field for “2001.” Those students interested in participating should congregate by Gate 51 at the south end of the stadium prior to the game. The students will sprint across the field just prior to kick and then take their seats in the north stands.

TV AND RADIO

Can’t make it? The game will be broadcast on SEC Network and on the WatchESPN app. Bob Wischusen and Mack Brown will be in the booth and Shannon Spake working the sidelines. You can also listen in the Columbia area on 107.5 The Game.

SOUVENIRS

The 2016 season poster will be available in Gamecock Village for free with a limit of five per person. Gamecock Village opens at 9:30 a.m. Lettermen will be selling the official spring game program for $5.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 1:43 PM with the headline "South Carolina football 2016 spring game guide."