Top 5: University of South Carolina Gameday Traditions

The time has almost come for SEC football to once again begin. It’s never too early to get excited for game day; what’s not to love about South Carolina football?

Here are the top five Gamecock game day traditions you need to know.

Dress to Impress

The attire at Willy B. (Williams-Brice Stadium) is nothing short of Sunday best. Girls are in garnet or black dresses and, of course, their cowboy boots, while boys are sporting Gamecock collared shirts or button downs with khakis or shorts. The white or red Gamecock jerseys are also common.

2001: A Space Odyssey

The team entrance onto the field is one of the top 10 college football entrances. The crowd rises to a heart-pounding fever pitch as the team makes their way through the tunnel of smoke to take the field as the noise grows louder and louder. Cocky, the Gamecock mascot, appears from his cage during the team’s grand entrance, pumping up the crowd before kickoff.

Sandstorm

Once you graduate, there is nothing you would rather be doing on a Saturday afternoon in the fall than standing in Willy B. waving your game day towel along to Sandstorm. The song originally played in 2009 and has at every sporting event since. DJ Darude’s hit is played following the entrance of the team along with every touchdown or field goal scored by USC.

Tailgating

Columbia shuts down on game days beginning at 9 a.m., with only one way to the stadium and one way out. Many fans are out tailgating in the parking lots at 8 a.m., and some even bring RVs on Friday to camp out. While food is always a requirement at tailgates, no USC tailgate is complete without Bojangles.

Alma Matter

After every game, win or lose, the alma matter is always sung:

“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!”